Several new laws and changes to existing laws will go into effect this coming Monday – some affecting the average citizen more than others.
While they may not be significant changes, or overly controversial laws (like HB2 and HB142) the new laws may change how we vote, drive, and relieve our pain.
Here are the 4 most significant North Carolina laws that will go into effect starting January 1st, 2018;
- HB 100 will make all of North Carolina’s Superior Court and District Court elections partisan (meaning you’ll now know the political parties of the judges you’re voting for).
- SB 656 will allow easier access for 3rd parties and unaffiliated parties into political races. Currently, a party needs to collect enough signatures to make up at least 2% of the total voters in the last general election – starting on January 1st, 2018, that number will drop to 0.25%.
- Session Law 2017-74, or the STOP Act, will limit how many prescription painkillers (opioids) doctors can prescribe, increase restrictions for Nurse Practitioners giving out opioid prescriptions, and create a statewide database for all opioid prescriptions – all in an effort to curb the opioid addiction epidemic in our state.
- House Bill 21 will require NC drivers to be taught what is appropriate during a police traffic stop. The new law will add comprehensive information in Driver’s Ed handbooks describing law enforcement procedures during traffic stops and what drivers should do, including appropriate interactions with officers.
Other new laws and changes include; requiring licensed pharmacist applicants to have criminal background checks, stricter Medicaid eligibility regulations, and lightened regulations on Bed and Breakfast establishments.
What do you think about the new laws?