North Carolina’s 2025 long session is in full swing this week, with two Senate committees discussing Senate Bill 24: Govt Mandates Increase Healthcare Costs, which aims to increase transparency around government-mandated health insurance requirements and reduce subsequent costs on employers. To achieve this, SB24 requires that any legislation proposing a new health insurance coverage mandate must repeal an existing mandate. Additionally, a recurring appropriation covering the cost of the mandate must be provided to the State Treasurer and State Health Plan to alleviate the financial impact on taxpayers.

During the Wednesday committee meetings, legislators acknowledge health care costs are an issue in North Carolina and place a financial burden on constituents and businesses. Senator Corbin (R-Macon) noted that not all mandates are bad and while well intentioned, they ultimately increase costs – citing the Affordable Care Act as an example.

In both committees, many small businesses and associations spoke in favor of the bill. However, the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists opposed the bill, stating it is a meat cleaver when a scalpel will do. 

With SB 24 receiving favorable reports from both committees, it now moves to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate for further consideration. Additionally, as the long session progresses, bill filing continues and includes these notable K-12 Bills so far:

• H2: Entry Fees for High School Athletics (must allow cash)
• H7: NC REACH Act (requires 3 credit hours in U.S. history or government for bachelor’s and associate degrees; could be satisfied through passing AP exams)
• H56: Publish Central Office Employment Information (salary, bonus, reimbursements for each employee to be listed on website)
• S47: State Emps. / No Payroll Dues Deduction (would prohibit deducting dues for SEANC and NCAE)
• S48: Access to Sports and Extracurriculars for All (gives private school and homeschool students access at any public school)
• S55: Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices (requires PSU policy to prohibit devices being turned on during instructional time; exceptions – instruction, emergencies and documented health condition monitoring)
• Numerous School Calendar Bills in both chambers