Sen. Johnson files bill in North Carolina Senate to exempt certain sign manufacturers from licensing

A new bill filed by State Sen. Todd Johnson seeks to exempt certain sign manufacturers with UL certification from general contractor licensing in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 515 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Sign Manufacturing License Exemption.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill exempts certain sign manufacturers from general contractor licensing requirements in North Carolina. It specifies that firms constructing, furnishing, or erecting signs, awnings, or related architectural features and holding UL certification are not subject to these licensing mandates. To claim this exemption, applicants must provide documentation proving UL certification and execute a verified affidavit attesting to compliance. Additionally, building inspectors must verify the legitimacy of the exemption with the Board; if the exemption is invalid, the building permit may be revoked. The bill is effective upon becoming law.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Johnson proposed the most bills (49) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Johnson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 with a BA.

Johnson, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 35th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Tommy Tucker.