Bill > H808

This bill aims to protect North Carolina's critical infrastructure by implementing two key measures. First, it prohibits governmental entities from entering into contracts with companies that are majority-owned by citizens or governments of countries like China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or other designated threat countries, and prevents these companies from gaining direct or remote access to critical infrastructure such as communication systems, electric grids, water treatment facilities, and cybersecurity systems. The bill empowers the Council of State to designate additional countries as threats and declares any such contracts void. Second, the bill requires criminal history record checks for individuals accessing critical infrastructure across various state entities, including the Judicial Department, the Public Utilities Commission, water treatment facilities, the University of North Carolina system, and state information technology departments. Specifically, these criminal background checks will be mandatory for employees, contractors, and operators who might have access to sensitive infrastructure systems, with the goal of enhancing security and mitigating potential risks. Most provisions of the bill will become effective either immediately or by October 1, 2025 or 2026, depending on the specific section.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H808