The House voted 82-28 to adopt the conference report for Senate Bill 445, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026. Under the bill, cities could not require special zoning approval, impose minimum parking requirements, charge higher permitting fees, or limit ADUs to less than 800 square feet. Portable benefits for independent contractorsThe bill would also create a voluntary system allowing businesses to contribute to benefit accounts owned by independent contractors. Under the proposal, independent contractors would have to opt in through a written agreement. “NC lawmakers send sweeping regulatory reform bill to Stein’s desk” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.