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SB 15

State Inmates - As introduced, requires the state to pay for autopsies of deceased inmates and for any transportation associated with the autopsy. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 7; Title 41, Chapter 21 and Title 68, Chapter 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Designates the bottlenose dolphin as North Carolina's official state marine mammal, a symbolic designation with no new rules or costs beyond updating materials.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 15

SB 15 — Adopt Bottlenose Dolphin as State Marine Mammal (summary)

Bill number: SB 15
Title: Adopt Bottlenose Dolphin/State Marine Mammal
Primary sponsor: Sen. Lisa Hanig (bill text header)
Subjects: Animals; Coastal resources; Environment; Fish & wildlife; State symbols
Status (from materials provided): Passed first reading (bill file dated Jan 30, 2025); bill text adds a new statutory section adopting the species as the state marine mammal.

Purpose / intent

The bill designates the bottlenose dolphin as the official marine mammal of the State. The legislative preamble cites the species’ abundance along the State’s coastline and summarizes distinguishing biological and behavioral traits (size, coloration, social pod structure, echolocation, speed and acrobatic behavior) as reasons for the symbolic designation.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new section to Chapter 145 of the General Statutes (proposed § 145‑52) with the single operative sentence:
    • “The bottlenose dolphin is adopted as the official marine mammal of the State of North Carolina.”
  • Effective clause: the act is effective when it becomes law (i.e., upon enactment).

Who or what would be affected

  • Primarily a symbolic/state‑symbol change. Affects:
    • State materials and publications that list or display official state symbols (possible updates by relevant agencies).
    • Education, tourism, and public‑engagement programs that reference official state symbols.
  • The bill does not create regulatory authority, change wildlife management rules, or impose new duties or costs on private parties or state agencies.

Fiscal and regulatory impact

  • No substantive regulatory change to marine protection, fisheries, or permitting is contained in the bill.
  • No direct fiscal impact is stated or expected beyond incidental costs to update brochures, websites, signage, or educational materials — typically minor and absorbable within existing agency budgets.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Bill text in the record is dated late January 2025 (filed/read Jan 30, 2025). The version provided shows the standard enactment language and an effective‑upon‑enactment clause.
  • Typical next steps (if not already completed): committee consideration, floor readings/votes in both chambers, and governor’s signature. Once enacted the designation takes effect immediately (per the bill’s effective clause).

Bottom line

SB 15 is a short, symbolic statute that names the bottlenose dolphin the State’s official marine mammal. It is intended to recognize and celebrate a species closely associated with the State’s coastal identity and has no direct regulatory or budgetary consequences.

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

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