RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — Governor Josh Stein signed four bills into law Tuesday addressing housing, elections, disaster recovery, education and state spending.

Senate Bill 445, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, requires cities with populations of at least 50,000 to allow accessory dwelling units—often called granny flats—on qualifying residential lots. Local governments may regulate their size and design but cannot prohibit them. The 53-page law also reduces restrictions affecting apartments and mixed-use housing and makes it easier for homeowners to install solar panels and battery-storage systems.

Stein said North Carolina needs more housing to reduce rents and mortgage costs. He said the new law cuts red tape that has slowed housing construction.

House Bill 268 makes numerous corrections and additions to the recently approved state budget. It modifies disaster-recovery funding, supports western North Carolina’s Small Business Infrastructure Program and Division of Community Revitalization, and allows public schools to begin teacher-apprenticeship programs this year.

The law also expands access to loans for North Carolina Teaching Fellows, adds $15 million to the state’s film-grant program and authorizes up to $65 million for sporting events, including the Military World Games in Charlotte and a PGA Tour event in Greensboro.

Stein praised the disaster-recovery, education and economic-development provisions but criticized sections that transfer authority away from the executive branch.

House Bill 562 makes additional budget corrections. The law provides $1.5 million to HBOT 4 Heroes for hyperbaric-oxygen therapy for veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. It also directs $225,000 to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and $300,000 to the Department of Labor for staffing.

House Bill 834 changes state election procedures. It extends the deadline for voters to correct certain ballot problems from the third business day after an election to noon on the fifth business day. County election boards must notify affected voters by mail and, when available, telephone or email.

The election law also allows counties to begin counting early and mail-in absentee ballots between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Election Day, but results cannot be disclosed before polls close. Knowingly releasing those results early is a Class I felony.

The law prohibits counting a ballot if a successful challenge establishes that the voter died after casting it but before 11:59 p.m. on the day before the election. It also allows appeals of State Board of Elections decisions to be filed in Wake County or the county where the person seeking review lives.

All four measures became state law when Stein signed them Tuesday.

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