New North Carolina Laws Now in Effect (2026)

New year, new laws. For North Carolina residents, there are some new laws taking over in 2026. Don't make any mistakes and accidentally break a law or two this year. Be safe!

The state will now manage its pension and investment funds through an independent NC Investment Authority. Investment decision-making power will shift from the State Treasurer alone to a board of investment professionals and the chief investment officer.

A new law will now change how adoptive certificates are accessed and issued by NC. The law 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 only list the adoptive parents. This hopes to make obtaining updated birth certificates more convenient.

This law will change the requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant in NC. Candidates will be allowed to qualify for licensure by getting a bachelor's or higher degree with an accounting concentration and completing 2 years of supervised accounting experience.

Pharmacies in undeserved areas will now be able to receive financial advantages. Benefit managers will be required to report rebate/drug pricing information to the Department of Insurance. They will have to follow the same rules that apply to health plans.

This law defines biological sex as male or female in state statutes and policies. It includes provisions meant to prevent the "sexual exploitation of women and minors through online age-verification. It also restricts state funding for gender-transition procedures for incarcerated individuals and extends the statute for malpractice claims involving gender transition care.

Each bill is filled with in-depth details and an overview. Be sure to read each bill in its entirety to know the details. All policies began on January 1, 2026.