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HB 747

2026 Wildlife Resources Changes.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Jay Adams and 9 co-sponsors

The act protects sensitive wildlife data, adds two new specialty vehicle plates with proceeds funding wildlife accounts, and tightens boating safety rules.

Ch. SL 2026-43
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Bill Summary · HB 747

Summary — HB 747 (2025): "2025 Wildlife Resources Changes"

Status: Passed House (multiple committee substitutes), Special Message Sent to Senate (June 25, 2025). Primary sponsors: Representatives Adams et al. (NC)

Purpose
- Implements a package of statutory updates requested by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to (1) protect sensitive wildlife data, (2) authorize new specialty motor vehicle plates that support wildlife funds, and (3) make conforming changes to recreational boating safety law.

Key provisions and statutory changes
1. Confidentiality of sensitive wildlife resource information (amends G.S. 143‑254.5)
- Site‑specific records about occurrences of rare species or sensitive habitats listed in the State Wildlife Action Plan are made confidential and exempt from public records law when the Commission Executive Director determines disclosure would create a risk of harm, theft, or destruction.
- Identifying information (social security numbers, mailing/residence/email addresses, DOB, Commission customer ID, telephone, etc.) obtained by the Commission is treated per G.S. 132‑1.10 (confidential handling).
- Exception: confidentiality does not apply where the requestor is the owner of record of the land where the species/habitat is located.

  1. Special motor vehicle registration plates (amends G.S. 20‑63(b1), 20‑79.4, 20‑79.7, 20‑81.12)

    • Authorizes two new plate types:
      • "Lifetime Conservationist" plate (additional fee $30).
      • "Wildlife Resources" plate featuring a native species design (development of a specific species plate requires 300+ pre‑applications).
    • Fee handling:
      • The Lifetime Conservationist plate additional fee is allocated (per statute language) so that money derived is transferred quarterly to the Wildlife Resources Fund (G.S. 143‑250).
      • Proceeds from Wildlife Resources plates are transferred quarterly to the Wildlife Conservation Account (G.S. 143‑247.2).
    • The bill authorizes the Revisor to number and alphabetize special plates in statute.
    • Effective date for the DMV/plate provisions: July 1, 2025.

  2. Recreational boating safety conforming changes (amends multiple sections of Chapter 75A)

    • Shortens out‑of‑state vessel reciprocity from 90 to 60 consecutive days before State numbering/registration is required.
    • Confirms that vessels covered by federal/multi‑state documentation must comply with Inland Navigational Rules.
    • Personal watercraft updates:
      • Requires Coast Guard–approved personal flotation devices for riders (inflatable PFDs do not satisfy).
      • Clarifies use of engine cut‑off switch (lanyard) or equivalent: must be used while operating on plane or above displacement speed.
      • Clarifies/updates examples of reckless operation (unsafe maneuvers, wake jumping within specified distances, following too closely, etc.).
    • Effective date for most boating changes: October 1, 2025 (per bill language).

Who is affected
- Wildlife Resources Commission: gains authority to withhold sensitive location data and to receive plate revenues.
- Landowners: records concerning species/habitats on their land remain accessible to owners, but public access to sensitive site data is restricted.
- DMV and motorists: new specialty plates available; DMV will administer fee collection and plate issuance.
- Conservation funds: Wildlife Resources Fund and Wildlife Conservation Account stand to receive revenue from specialty plate sales.
- Boaters and watercraft operators: shorter reciprocity period, updated equipment/operation requirements.
- Researchers, journalists, and members of the public: access to certain wildlife location records may be limited where the Executive Director finds risk.

Fiscal and administrative impacts
- Specialty plate sales will generate additional dedicated revenue for wildlife funds; development of wildlife plates requires minimum demand (300 applications).
- DMV will incur administrative responsibilities to create and manage new plate types and fee transfers.
- No broad State General Fund tax increases are included; boating and plate provisions principally redirect special plate fee revenue to wildlife funds.

Timeline / Implementation
- DMV/plate provisions: effective July 1, 2025.
- Boating safety conforming changes: effective October 1, 2025.
- Confidentiality and other provisions take effect on enactment consistent with statutory effective date language.

Notes
- The bill underwent multiple committee substitutes and edits; earlier drafts included other changes (e.g., a proposed boats sales‑tax increase in one edition was removed in later versions).
- For the exact statutory text, election of plate designs, fee schedules, and administrative rules, refer to the enacted language and any implementing guidance from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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