House concurs on regulatory‑reform conference report after members press DEQ and zoning concerns

The House on Sept. 23 voted to concur with the Senate committee substitute for the Regulatory Reform Act (House Bill 926), an annual omnibus bill that includes provisions on municipal power contracts, wastewater permitting, and occupational licensing.

Representative Riddell, lead floor sponsor, summarized new sections added in the conference report: a change allowing renewal/extension of joint municipal power agency operating agreements for up to 50 years; an APA exemption to modernize wastewater permitting to align with General Assembly intent and EPA coordination; a permitting pathway for disposal systems that do not discharge to surface waters; reduced in‑person oversight frequency for some supplemental wastewater treatment facilities; a requirement that occupational licensing boards verify Social Security numbers; and clarifications to keep certain local agencies eligible for debt‑setoff collections. Representative Riddell said 75% of the bill had previously passed the House.

Opponents raised objections. Representative Bill and others warned that reduced oversight and APA exemptions could threaten public health or undercut DEQ modeling and review. Representative Turner flagged section 18, which the speaker said would exempt UNC system property from some local zoning regulations in additional counties, and argued the change removes long‑standing local zoning protections.

After floor discussion the House recorded 72 votes in favor and 36 against; the bill will be enrolled and sent to the governor.