From adoptive birth certificate reform to the recognition of just two genders in policies – here’s what you need to know.
NORTH CAROLINA, USA โ From new birth certificate laws to healthcare reform, here are some of the new laws going into effect on January 1st you need to know about.
House Bill 506 – 2025 State Investment Modernization Act
This bill, signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein in June 2025, changes the way the state manages its pension and investment funds through the creation of an independent North Carolina Investment Authority. Investment decision-making power will be shifted from the State Treasurer alone to a board of investment professionals and a chief investment officer.ย
It does not change pension benefits, but will restructure oversight.
Senate Bill 248 – Birth Certificates for Persons Adoptedย
This law changes how adoptive birth certificates are accessed and issued by North Carolina. It requires the State Registrar to create new birth certificates for adoptees that will look like those of non-adopted persons. It will not reference the fact of adoption, and will only list the adoptive parents.ย
The bill is meant to make obtaining updated birth certificates more convenient.ย
Senate Bill 321 – Accounting Workforce Development Act
This law changes the requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in North Carolina. CPA candidates will be allowed to qualify for licensure through earning a bachelor’s or higher degree with an accounting concentration and completing two years of supervised accounting experience. Currently, those seeking CPA licensure must strictly maintain the traditional 150-credit hour education requirement.
This bill is meant to expand the pathway into the accounting profession by lowering professional standards.
Senate Bill 479 – SCRIPT Act
This law aims to support community pharmacies through increased transparency in the prescription drug system. It will allow pharmacies in underserved areas (like rural counties) to receive financial advantages.ย
Pharmacy benefit managers will be required to report rebate/drug pricing information to the Department of Insurance, subjecting them to the same rules that apply to health plans. The bill will also reform pharmacy audit procedures.
House Bill 805 – Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Women and Minors
This lawย officially defines biological sex as male or female in state statutes and administrative policies. It includes provisions meant to prevent the “sexual exploitation of women and minors” through online age-verification and consent requirements for pornography.
It also restricts state funding for gender-transition procedures for incarcerated individuals and extends the statute of limitations for malpractice claims involving gender-transition care.ย
Through this bill, North Carolina public schools can allow students to be excused from classroom activities that do not align with their or their parents’ religious beliefs. Some parts of this bill took effect in 2025, but the official recognition of just two genders in state laws and policies begins Jan. 1, 2026.
