New State Laws in North Carolina Amid NFL Allegations

North Carolina, December 31, 2025

As the new year approaches, North Carolina is set to implement significant changes in state laws affecting various sectors. Key updates will include the official recognition of two genders, changes in public education policies, and new regulations in financial and healthcare sectors. Concurrently, NFL player Stefon Diggs faces serious allegations regarding a reported incident with his private chef, generating widespread national attention. In local news, organizations in Winston-Salem continue their efforts to assist the homeless population.

Winston-Salem

New State Laws Set to Take Effect in North Carolina While National Sports Figure Faces Serious Allegations

As January 1, 2026, approaches, a slate of new state laws in North Carolina is set to bring significant changes across various sectors, impacting residents and businesses alike. Simultaneously, national attention is focused on New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an alleged incident in Massachusetts. In local news, Winston-Salem continues its robust efforts to support the city’s homeless and unsheltered populations.

State-Level Legislative Changes in North Carolina

The new year will usher in a wave of legislative updates across North Carolina, with several key laws officially taking effect on January 1, 2026. These comprehensive changes aim to address various societal and economic aspects within the state.

One notable set of changes involves adjustments to public education and state policies concerning gender. The state will officially recognize just two genders in its laws and policies. Additionally, North Carolina public schools will allow students to be excused from classroom activities that do not align with their or their parents’ religious beliefs. House Bill 805, aimed at preventing sexual exploitation, also restricts state funding for gender-transition procedures for incarcerated individuals and extends the statute of limitations for malpractice claims involving gender-transition care. This bill further mandates that adult-content websites verify user age and secure written consent from every person featured in images.

In the financial and business sectors, new regulations are also forthcoming. North Carolina is implementing changes to how it manages its pension and investment funds, through the establishment of an independent North Carolina Investment Authority. There are also new requirements for individuals aspiring to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Furthermore, the SCRIPT Act (Senate Bill 479) is designed to bolster community pharmacies by enhancing transparency in the prescription drug system, requiring pharmacy benefit managers to report rebate and drug pricing information to the Department of Insurance. Corporate and individual income tax rates are also set for reductions.

Healthcare and public safety are also areas of legislative focus. Provisions are being introduced to streamline the process for internationally trained physicians to obtain medical licenses and to mandate new standards for filtering surgical smoke in operating rooms. Regarding public safety, Senate Bill 311, known as The Law and Order Act, includes harsher penalties for offenses such as burglary, package theft, reckless driving, street racing, and shoplifting. It also introduces potential fines or prison time for certain picketing activities, specifically for protestors or workers on strike who block roads or businesses. Senate Bill 375, or Harrison’s Law, expands the definition and penalties for hazing to include grades 9-12 and new behaviors like forced consumption and sleep deprivation. Moreover, House Bill 612, the Fostering Care in NC Act, allows for permanent injunctions prohibiting contact between a defendant and the victim or their immediate family for the lifetime of the defendant.

Other notable state laws include changes to adoptive birth certificates, requiring the State Registrar to create new certificates that resemble those of non-adopted persons, listing only adoptive parents without referencing adoption. House Bill 926 will restrict local governments from enacting road design regulations that are more stringent than those set by the state Department of Transportation. Changes in liquor liability insurance will also provide varied liability standards based on employee training and risk reduction. Additionally, new provisions will allow for the electronic storage of wills. In a related regulatory action, the State Board recently pulled a contractor’s license, citing concerns that the work was “not up to code,” underscoring an ongoing commitment to upholding professional standards.

Nationwide Allegations Against NFL Star Stefon Diggs

In a developing story gaining nationwide attention, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious criminal charges. Diggs was charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery on December 29. These charges stem from an alleged incident on December 2, involving his private chef. According to reports, the chef alleged that Diggs slapped her and attempted to choke her with his arm during an altercation, causing her to have trouble breathing. The incident reportedly occurred at Diggs’ Massachusetts home.

The allegations reportedly arose from a pay dispute regarding compensation for work performed in November. The chef reported the incident to police on December 16, later indicating her desire to move forward with criminal charges on December 22. Diggs, through his attorneys, has vehemently denied these allegations, characterizing them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated, and asserting they are the direct result of an unresolved financial dispute between employee and employer. The New England Patriots organization has issued a statement acknowledging the accusations, expressing support for Diggs, and noting his denial of the claims. The National Football League (NFL) has also confirmed its awareness of the matter. Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for January 23.

Local Outreach Efforts in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County

Closer to home, various organizations in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County continue their dedicated efforts to assist the homeless and unsheltered population. Groups such as the Bethesda Center for the Homeless operate both day and emergency night shelters, providing essential services like meals, case management, and spiritual growth opportunities to men and women in need.

City With Dwellings actively engages with individuals experiencing homelessness, offering outreach, resource navigation, and relationship-centered care. This initiative focuses on meeting neighbors where they are, including on the street, in encampments, and during crises, to build pathways out of homelessness. The City of Winston-Salem’s Housing & Community Services Division works in collaboration with nonprofits, housing developers, and other community partners through the Continuum of Care (CoC) to coordinate services and strive for the elimination of homelessness. The CoC program aims to facilitate rapid rehousing for homeless individuals and families, and enhance access to mainstream programs, ultimately promoting self-sufficiency.

The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission is another key organization, offering vital services including meal programs, shelter, addiction recovery programs, clothing distribution, and free medical and dental clinics. These collective efforts underscore the community’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and resources. Individuals in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County seeking assistance for homelessness can contact the Coordinated Entry System by calling 211 or the Coordinated Intake Center at 336-721-9327.

Both state-level legislative adjustments and high-profile national legal developments continue to shape the daily lives of citizens and public figures. These events highlight the dynamic nature of governance and legal systems, alongside persistent community efforts to address social challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What new state laws are taking effect in North Carolina on January 1, 2026?

Several new state laws are taking effect in North Carolina on January 1, 2026. These include the official recognition of just two genders in state laws and policies, changes to how the state manages its pension and investment funds, new requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the SCRIPT Act to enhance transparency in the prescription drug system. Other laws include stricter penalties for various crimes under The Law and Order Act, expanded definitions and penalties for hazing under Harrison’s Law, and provisions allowing permanent injunctions against contact with victims of violent offenses. Corporate and individual income tax rates will also see reductions.

What are the allegations against NFL player Stefon Diggs?

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The charges stem from an alleged incident on December 2, involving his private chef, who alleged Diggs slapped her and attempted to choke her. Diggs has denied these allegations.

When did the alleged incident involving Stefon Diggs occur, and when is his arraignment?

The alleged incident involving Stefon Diggs occurred on December 2. His arraignment is scheduled for January 23.

What local outreach efforts are available for the homeless in Winston-Salem?

In Winston-Salem, organizations like the Bethesda Center for the Homeless provide day and emergency night shelters, meals, and case management. City With Dwellings offers outreach, resource navigation, and relationship-centered care. The City of Winston-Salem’s Housing & Community Services Division collaborates with partners through the Continuum of Care (CoC) to eliminate homelessness. The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission also provides meals, shelter, addiction recovery programs, and medical/dental clinics. For assistance, individuals can contact the Coordinated Entry System at 211 or the Coordinated Intake Center at 336-721-9327.

Has Stefon Diggs responded to the allegations?

Yes, Stefon Diggs, through his attorneys, has denied the allegations. He characterizes them as unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and a result of an employee-employer financial dispute.

Is the contractor license issue in North Carolina a new law?

The State Board recently pulled a contractor’s license for work “not up to code”. While this is a recent regulatory action, the provided information does not explicitly state it as a new law taking effect on January 1, 2026, but rather an example of ongoing enforcement and commitment to professional standards.

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