New laws in the Carolinas to know about

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — July 1 marks the start of a new month — and the rollout of new state laws in both North Carolina and South Carolina. 

From what can be sold in stores to how schools and businesses train their employees, these laws could impact many residents and workers across the region.

North Carolina is tightening regulations on vape products. 

Under House Bill 900, signed into law last year by former Gov. Roy Cooper, it is now illegal to sell vape products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Retailers must now check a new state-maintained vapor certification directory to ensure the products they carry are legally allowed. 

Those who fail to comply could face fines or even lose their business licenses.

Another law now in effect requires hotels, motels, and short-term vacation rentals to train their employees on how to identify and report human trafficking.

It aims to increase awareness among hospitality workers who may come into contact with trafficking victims.

Lenore Brown, anti-trafficking program coordinator with the Council for Women & Youth Involvement, emphasized the importance of awareness during a January interview.

“That individual may have children and they’re with their partner and their partner is their perpetrator, their partner is the exploiter,” Brown said. “It’s someone that is seeking shelter. It’s someone that came to this nation trying to have a better opportunity.”

A new policy from the North Carolina Department of Insurance also takes effect July 1.

Insurance companies can now use a driver’s education level and occupation to help determine auto insurance rates.

The department says the change brings North Carolina in line with other states and may result in lower premiums for some, especially those in certain professional fields. 

Officials say they’ll be monitoring its impact to ensure rating practices remain fair.

RELATED: What to know about NC rideshare taxes and mobile IDs taking effect July 1

South Carolina is implementing a new law aimed at creating safer learning environments for students with epilepsy. The Seizure Safe Schools Act requires every school district to establish a seizure training program for staff. 

The curriculum must include epilepsy education, seizure first aid, and guidance on how seizures can affect student learning.

A statement to WCNC Charlotte from SC Advocates for Epilepsy reads: 

“We are very excited that this day has finally arrived. Many people and organizations came together to create a law that will provide a safer environment for SC’s students that have been diagnosed with epilepsy. This new law benefits everyone involved—students, parents and school employees. We appreciate all the state representatives that sponsored the bill and the great work that went into making this happen.”

Also taking effect July 1 is a major change to how judges are vetted in South Carolina. 

A new law restructures the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, expanding its membership to 12 and giving the governor the power to appoint four of those members.

The reform aims to address longstanding concerns about judicial independence — particularly the influence lawmakers may have when selecting judges who could later hear their cases.

These are just a few of the laws taking effect July 1. 

For a full breakdown of new legislation impacting the Carolinas, visit the North Carolina and South Carolina state government websites or stay with WCNC Charlotte for continuing coverage.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.