North Carolina Governor Signs New Vaping Registry, Transportation Laws, and More

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed four significant bills on Wednesday, instituting a new registry for vaping products and making various amendments to transportation laws, among other changes. Concurrently, Cooper vetoed two other bills prior to his participation in a meeting with President Joe Biden and fellow Democratic governors.

One pivotal bill mandates the creation of a registry under the North Carolina Department of Revenue for certified vapor products, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing consumables. By the end of the year, manufacturers must certify their products to sell them in North Carolina, facing penalties if they fail to comply. Sellers and manufacturers not adhering to the regulations will incur fees, and manufacturers could face misdemeanor charges.

Another bill brings extensive changes to transportation laws. These include the introduction of digital driver’s licenses for mobile devices, on-demand printing of temporary registration plates, the implementation of a work zone safety course, and increased penalties for littering.

The third legislative piece, the annual Farm Act, provides exemptions for agricultural areas from municipal stormwater fees and introduces a tax credit for specific land conservation-related donations.

The final signed bill makes various adjustments to insurance law.

Governor Cooper also vetoed two other bills. The first would have allowed for title certification for all-terrain and utility vehicles and permitted modified utility vehicles to travel on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or less, which Cooper argued could endanger state highways. The second vetoed bill proposed changes to tenancy and landlord regulations, which Cooper criticized for restricting cities from enacting ordinances to prevent landlords from refusing to rent to individuals using federal housing assistance.

The General Assembly has adjourned but has scheduled dates to reconvene and potentially override vetoes, a likely scenario given the Republican supermajorities in both chambers. Lawmakers will reconvene on July 10 to consider such actions.

Governor Cooper's decisions were made just hours before his virtual attendance at a meeting with President Biden and other Democratic governors. This meeting follows a tumultuous week for Biden's campaign, highlighted by criticism of his debate performance and calls for him to exit the presidential race.

Last week, Governor Cooper endorsed Biden at a rally in Raleigh, emphasizing Biden's pivotal role in the 2020 election and his necessity for the upcoming 2024 race. "If Joe Biden wins North Carolina, he’s president of the United States," Cooper stated emphatically to supporters.

Why This Matters: The new regulations and amendments introduced by these bills impact a wide array of areas, from public health and safety to agricultural and insurance sectors. The legislation reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to new technologies, improve safety standards, and address environmental concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• A new registry for vaping products will be created under the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
• Digital driver’s licenses and on-demand temporary registration plates are now part of transportation law changes.
• The annual Farm Act introduces exemptions and tax credits for agricultural areas.
• Two bills were vetoed: one concerning vehicle regulations and the other addressing tenancy laws.
• The General Assembly has dates set to reconvene for potential veto overrides starting July 10.