Bill > S451

This bill proposes significant reductions in continuing education requirements for multiple professional and occupational licensing boards in North Carolina. Specifically, the bill requires covered boards to reduce their continuing education hour requirements by 50%, giving boards two implementation options: either reducing the total hours per renewal cycle by half or maintaining the same number of hours but doubling the time allowed to complete them. The bill affects boards such as the Landscape Architects, Soil Scientists, Engineers and Surveyors, Geologists, Athletic Trainers, Locksmiths, and several others. Each board is now permitted to choose between an annual or biennial continuing education compliance option, with the requirement to notify licensees at least 90 days before the new cycle begins. If reducing education hours would compromise accreditation or compliance with interstate compacts or federal regulations, the board must submit a report recommending how to maintain compliance. The bill also introduces provisions for carrying over continuing education hours between compliance periods, ensuring that the 50% reduction is maintained and preventing double-counting of hours. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will apply to all license renewals and applications from that date forward, with each affected board required to adopt rules to implement the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S451