Calendar flip brings changes – from freshening up the air in state vehicles to more protections for homebuyers
NO SMOKING
Another anti-smoking effort in the Tar Heel state – smoking is now banned in any vehicles owned, leased or controlled by the state. “No smoking” signs are to be posted. Local governments are given the authority to ban smoking in their vehicles, too.
INSURANCE
Health insurance companies are now required to provide insurance identification cards to their customers. The cards make it easier for health care providers to verify coverage. Vehicle insurers must notify customers that they can purchase coverage to protect them in accidents in which the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
Motorists now have up to 60 days to get a failed vehicle repaired and then reinspected at the same station without having to pay another fee. Previously, motorists had 30 days.
MORE JUDGES, PROSECUTORS
The judicial district for Alexander, Davidson, Davie and Iredell counties is now split in two, resulting in a few more judges and prosecutors. Alexander and Iredell are in one district with two Superior Court judges, five district court judges and 11 prosecutors; the district for Davidson and Davie gets two Superior Court judges, six district court judges and 11 prosecutors.
FEE INCREASES
The maximum monthly rate adult care homes can charge residents is increased by $34 to $1,207. The law also raises the rates the state pays for those raising children in adoption or foster care assistance programs. The monthly rate for taking care of a child age five or younger, for example, increases from $390 to $475. A nursing home assessment fee goes up $1. Fees are raised for commercial underground petroleum tanks to $420 per tank, regardless of size, while licensing fees for businesses providing in-home care services jump by $50 to $400.
ELECTIONS
New third-party candidates are now required to be registered with that political party.
FISHING
Charter fishing boat operators are allowed to purchase a block of 10, 10-day coastal recreational fishing licenses for their customers.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Interest charged for three scholarship loan programs for nursing and school administration is limited to no more than 10 percent.
MORTGAGE SERVICES
Mortgage services are required to be licensed and regulated by the N.C. Commissioner of Banks.
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