Legislative Updates

The General Assembly returned to work this week following a brief legislative break after Memorial Day. Several bills were heard in committees, with floor votes taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Amid various policy discussions, select members worked behind the scenes on budget negotiations. These budget discussions are being handled by a group of appointed conferees, made up of both Senators and Representatives. The conference committee was formed after the House passed its version of the budget. As a reminder, conference committees are tasked with working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget through private negotiations. If they do not come to an agreement, the current state budget will remain in effect.

Both DPS agency bills moved through the legislative process this week with unanimous approvals in both chambers. H 897 was first referred to House Judiciary 2 and was presented on Tuesday. There was no debate, and the bill was reported favorable. H 897 will now go to the House Finance Committee for consideration. S 710 passed both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Rules Committee this week. It has now cleared all of its referral committees and will go to the Senate for a floor vote. Having two agency bills in play increases the likelihood that our proposals will become law.

The House still plans to adjourn by July 1, signaling a very active June ahead.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The end of session is in the air, but an agreement on the state budget still seems out of reach. This week, both the House and Senate have focused mostly on passing bills from their respective chambers. As a result, only twelve bills have reached the Governor’s desk. Of those, he signed five into law and seven are still awaiting his signature. In the next couple of weeks, we can expect the legislature to shift its attention to voting on and sending more bills to the Governor.

Senate Bill 710 - DPS Agency Changes.-AB passed the Senate unanimously this week with a vote of 44-0. The bill has been sent to the House and will go through the committee process, where changes are likely. The Senate would then have to agree to those changes before it can go to the Governor for his signature. If this does not happen before the legislature adjourns, the bill will still be eligible for consideration during the 2026 short session next spring.

Both chambers have indicated they will not be conducting any business in July. However, the General Assembly has a history of coming back for additional sessions throughout the year, and that is likely to happen again this year. If there is no budget agreement by June 30th, lawmakers may return in August to pass either a comprehensive budget or a series of mini budgets. Mini budgets are separate bills covering specific provisions both chambers have agreed upon. In any case, the legislative activity will likely continue throughout the rest of the year.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

The activity at the General Assembly this week made it clear that the long session will effectively conclude next week. Not only did a flurry of bills move through committees, but a lot of bills were amended with new provisions, and several bills were gutted outright. This is a common practice as session winds down and time constraints on legislative proposals are felt by all.

One bill that is not likely to pass by next week is the state budget bill. The House and Senate are too far apart on several items, including tax cuts. As in years past, the end of the long session does not mean that legislative business will conclude until the short session. Lawmakers will return in the fall, and they plan to address budget needs at that time. Whether they pass a comprehensive budget or several piecemeal bills called “mini budgets” remains to be seen.

A couple of bills we are tracking this week are listed as “House Cal Pursuant 36(b).” This designation means the bill will be placed on the House Calendar for a floor vote within four legislative days, unless it is re-referred to a committee. The Senate does not have a similar rule.

It has been known for some time that the legislature would recess for the month of July; however, it now appears the break will likely extend through August as well. The adjournment resolution, which outlines the timeframe for when members will return and what bills can be considered, is expected to be released and passed at the end of next week.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

Even though crossover didn’t produce the typical 3:00am sessions, it certainly wasn’t a quiet week. More than 150 bills were heard in 22 committees in just three days, although not all of those bills made it to the floor for a vote.

H 891 - Civil Actions/State Agency and AG Litigation passed House Judiciary I on Tuesday but was not brought to the House floor for a vote. Since the bill was subject to crossover, it is not eligible to move forward in its current form. However, there are ways to revive legislation—such as putting the provisions in another bill or adding appropriations to the current version. Both scenarios are unlikely for H 891.

The House concurred with the Senate version of H 74 - House Budget Technical Corrections, which removed the provisions that would have transferred DPS positions and two floors in Archdale to the State Highway Patrol. Since it is an appropriations bill, the final concurrence vote must be held on two separate days. The third vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th. If it passes, the bill goes to the Governor, who will have 10 days to sign or veto it, otherwise it will become law without his signature.

Now all eyes will be on the House budget, which is on track to be voted on by Memorial Day.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

This week, the Senate focused its time on confirmations for various cabinet secretaries and commission appointees, while the House reviewed different areas of its proposed budget. The full House budget, including salaries and capital projects, is expected to be released Monday.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety met Thursday to review provisions directly impacting DPS and other justice and public safety agencies. While this budget cycle was widely expected to be lean, DPS fared better than many state agencies, which are facing significant cuts. A breakdown of key provisions affecting DPS is outlined below.

In other news, the Governor signed H 74 – Budget Technical Corrections into law this week. The final version did not include the original provisions to transfer filled positions and two occupied floors of the Archdale Building from DPS to the State Highway Patrol.

Next week, the focus will shift to passage of the House budget. Committee hearings on the bill will occur Tuesday, with floor votes likely on Wednesday and Thursday. After passing the House, the bill will go back to the Senate. Typically, the Senate does not concur with the changes made in the House, and the bill will go to a conference committee. Those meetings are not public, and the bill cannot be changed once a final agreement is reached.

Administration

• Motor Fleet Management Rate Increase – Provides funds to cover the increase in Motor Fleet Management rates effective July 1, 2025. FY25-26: $959,711 (R); FY26-27: $ 959,711 (R).
• Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) In Jails Program – Eliminates funding for the MAT Grant Program. FY25-26: ($2,000,000) (R); FY26-27: ($2,000,000) (R).

Alcohol Law Enforcement

• Body Cameras – Provides funding to support the use of body cameras at ALE. FY25-26: $102,924 (R), $166,973 (NR); FY26-27: $102,924 (R). 

State Highway Patrol

• Cameras – Provides funding to purchase cameras and to support data storage for those cameras. FY25-26: $766,650 (R), $3,900,000 (NR); FY26-27: $766,650 (R).
• Data Center Equipment – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve to purchase equipment for the data center at the Technical Services Unit (TSU) building scheduled to open in FY 2025-26. FY25-26: $3,000,000 (NR)
• Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) Tower Replacements – Provides funding to replace 4 VIPER towers. FY25-26: $9,500,000 (NR).
• VIPER Operational Support – Provides additional funding for VIPER operations and maintenance and budgets receipts from a transfer of local sales tax revenue to support local government users. FY25-26: ($7,256,137) (R); FY26-27: ($10,641,517) (R).

Emergency Management

• Communication and Disaster IT Systems – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve to support NCEM's communication and disaster IT systems. FY25-26: $2,000,000 (NR).
• NC 2-1-1 – Provides funding to support the NC 2-1-1 program, which is operated by United Way of North Carolina, a non-profit organization, to improve services for victims of human trafficking, including increasing public awareness of universal signals for help. FY25-26: $200,000 (NR).
• FEMA match – Budgets receipts from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund for matching funds for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery programs for events that occurred prior to Hurricane Helene. FY25-26: $40,000,000 (NR).

NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency

• Positions – Eliminates three State-funded positions in NCORR's Resiliency office. FY25-26: ($398,207) (R); FY26-27: ($398,207). FTE (3).

NC National Guard

• Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) – Provides funding to support NCNG's JEEP initiative, which will provide recruitment referral bonuses to current Guardsmen. FY25-26: $500,000 (R); FY26-27: $500,000 (R). 
• North Wilkesboro Readiness Center Building Reserves – Provides funding for furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other needs to support the opening of North Wilkesboro Readiness Center. FY25-26: $400,000 (NR).
• McLeansville Readiness Center Building Reserves – Provides funding to support opening of the McLeansville Readiness Center, scheduled to open in January 2026. Federal receipts are anticipated to begin supporting the recurring expenses for this Readiness Center in FY 2026-27. FY25-26: $421,544 (R), $5,266,000 (NR); FY26-27: $421,544 (R).
• NCNG Cell Boosters for Readiness Center – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for cell phone reception booster systems and equipment at select National Guard Readiness Centers. FY25-26: $1,905,864 (NR).
• VIPER Radios – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for VIPER radio purchases at the NC National Guard. FY25-26: $1,838,116 (NR).

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

After presenting area provisions last week, the House released its full budget this past Monday. Changes were made to the budget proposal throughout committees on Tuesday. The House then passed their version of the budget on Thursday with a bipartisan vote of 86-20. As reported in the last newsletter, it is highly unlikely that the Senate will agree to the changes made by the House, and the bill will go to conference. Budget conference negotiations are not public.

Speaker Hall has reiterated that the House plans to adjourn by July 1, which is an ambitious timeline to get a budget passed. If the House and Senate cannot agree on a budget, the current budget will remain in place.

Also released and passed this week was H 1012 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part II. The bill was filed on Wednesday by the House Appropriations Committee. Filing bills through committees is an uncommon way for bills to be filed, but it is a channel available for select committees after other bill filing deadlines have passed. Although H 1012 passed unanimously, it is still likely that changes will be made in the Senate.

Next week, both the House and Senate will take a break for the Memorial Day holiday.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation Increase Reserve – Provides funding for an across-the-board salary increase of 2.5% in FY 2025-26 for most employees, or an increase associated with additional adjustments provided to experience-based salary schedules. FY25-26: $16,996,340 (R); FY26-27: $17,070,618 (R).
• Vacant Position Reduction – Reduces net appropriations for salary and benefit expenses associated with vacant positions. FY25-26: ($13,532,993) (R); FY26-27: ($13,532,993) (R).
  • Note: This cut of approximately $13.5M will be added to the Labor Market Adjustment Reserve (LMAR). The vacant position reductions impacted all state agencies.
• Labor Market Adjustment Reserve - State Highway Patrol Agency – Provides funding for labor market salary adjustments to positions that are not paid based on an experience-based salary schedule or have a salary set in law. FY25-26: $1,974,463 (R); FY26-27: $1,974,463(R).
• Labor Market Adjustment Reserve – Provides funding for labor market salary adjustments to positions that are not paid based on an experience-based salary schedule or have a salary set in law. FY25-26: $4,982,820 (R); FY26-27: $4,982,820 (R).
• State Retirement Contributions – Increases the State contribution to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) to fund the actuarially determined contribution and retiree medical premiums and provide one-time supplements to retirees of 1% in FY 2025-26 and 2% in FY 2026-27. FY25-26: $1,919,294 (R), $913,949 (NR); FY26-27: $4,143,237 (R), $1,827,899 (NR).
• State Health Plan – Provides additional funding to continue health benefit coverage for enrolled active employees. FY25-26: $1,820,540 (R); FY26-27: $3,641,080 (R).

Administration

• Motor Fleet Management Rate Increase – Provides funds to cover the increase in Motor Fleet Management rates effective July 1, 2025. FY25-26: $959,711 (R); FY26-27: $ 959,711 (R).
• Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) In Jails Program – Eliminates funding for the MAT Grant Program. FY25-26: ($2,000,000) (R); FY26-27: ($2,000,000) (R).
• Medic Law Enforcement Grant Program for PTSD Treatment Budget Fund – Provides funding for directed grants to North Carolina law enforcement agencies for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in law enforcement officers. FY25-26: $ 500,000 (NR).

Alcohol Law Enforcement

• Body Cameras – Provides funding to support the use of body cameras at ALE. FY25-26: $102,924 (R), $166,973 (NR); FY26-27: $102,924 (R).

State Highway Patrol

• Cameras – Provides funding to purchase cameras and to support data storage for those cameras. FY25-26: $766,650 (R), $3,900,000 (NR); FY26-27: $766,650 (R).
• Data Center Equipment – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve to purchase equipment for the data center at the Technical Services Unit (TSU) building scheduled to open in FY 2025-26. FY25-26: $3,000,000 (NR)
• Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) Tower Replacements – Provides funding to replace 4 VIPER towers. FY25-26: $9,500,000 (NR).
• VIPER Operational Support – Provides additional funding for VIPER operations and maintenance and budgets receipts from a transfer of local sales tax revenue to support local government users. FY25-26: ($7,256,137) (R); FY26-27: ($10,641,517) (R).

Emergency Management

• Communication and Disaster IT Systems – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve to support NCEM's communication and disaster IT systems. FY25-26: $2,000,000 (NR).
• NC 2-1-1 – Provides funding to support the NC 2-1-1 program, which is operated by United Way of North Carolina, a non-profit organization, to improve services for victims of human trafficking, including increasing public awareness of universal signals for help. FY25-26: $200,000 (NR).
• FEMA match – Budgets receipts from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund for matching funds for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery programs for events that occurred prior to Hurricane Helene. FY25-26: $40,000,000 (NR).

NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency

• Positions – Eliminates three State-funded positions in NCORR's Resiliency office. FY25-26: ($398,207) (R); FY26-27: ($398,207). FTE (3).

NC National Guard

• Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) – Provides funding to support NCNG's JEEP initiative, which will provide recruitment referral bonuses to current Guardsmen. FY25-26: $500,000 (R); FY26-27: $500,000 (R). 
• North Wilkesboro Readiness Center Building Reserves – Provides funding for furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other needs to support the opening of North Wilkesboro Readiness Center. FY25-26: $400,000 (NR).
• McLeansville Readiness Center Building Reserves – Provides funding to support opening of the McLeansville Readiness Center, scheduled to open in January 2026. Federal receipts are anticipated to begin supporting the recurring expenses for this Readiness Center in FY 2026-27. FY25-26: $421,544 (R), $5,266,000 (NR); FY26-27: $421,544 (R).
• NCNG Cell Boosters for Readiness Center – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for cell phone reception booster systems and equipment at select National Guard Readiness Centers. FY25-26: $1,905,864 (NR).
• VIPER Radios – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for VIPER radio purchases at the NC National Guard. FY25-26: $1,838,116 (NR).

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The final legislative bill filing deadline has passed, with a total of 1,765 bills filed in both the House and Senate. A few types of bills are not subject to these deadlines and can still be filed--redistricting bills, appointment bills, and the adjournment resolution. Additionally, the House does not have a deadline for bills recommended by the House Committees on Appropriations, Finance, or Rules, though it’s rare for these committees to file standalone bills.

Senate Bill 257 - 2025 Appropriations Act has been scheduled to be heard the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee, which indicates that S257 will be this year’s state budget bill. The initial budget proposal is expected to be released on Monday and passed in the Senate within the week. As is typical, the first version of the budget proposal will not be as comprehensive as the final version but serves as a starting point for negotiations. Once the bill passes the Senate, it heads to the House, and then to Conference, where additional changes are likely.

The Legislative Building will be closed the week of April 21, which includes all legislative business as well as both cafeterias.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

It was another very active week at the General Assembly. On Monday, the Senate released S 257, 2025 Appropriations Act (see highlights below). The bill advanced through multiple Senate Committees and was passed on Thursday with a final vote of 30-15. The bill now heads to the House, which is expected to release and vote on its own version of the budget next month.

In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed S710, DPS Agency Changes.-AB, which is the department’s agency bill. As requested, an amendment was adopted to include additional provisions. The bill faced no opposition in committee and will continue to evolve as it moves through the legislative process.

As a reminder, the Legislative Building will be closed next week, pausing all legislative business. Both cafeterias will also be closed during this time.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation Increase – Provides funding for an across-the-board salary increase of 1.25% in FY 2025-26 for most employees. Funds are also provided for a $1,500 bonus for employees in each year of the biennium. FY25-26: $5,151,113 (R), $7,258,560 (NR); FY26-27: $5,151,113 (R), $7,258,560 (NR).
• Law Enforcement Salary Schedule – Provides funding to implement increases to the re-established Law Enforcement Salary schedule, including sworn members of the State Highway Patrol, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Each step of the schedule is increased by 6.5% in FY 2025-26; SBI/ALE officers moving back to this schedule will receive a salary increase of 10% (not including step movement). FY25-26: $7,386,762 (R); FY26-27: $7,386,762 (R).
• State Capitol Police – Provides funding for salary adjustments in addition to the across-the-board salary increase for sworn law enforcement of the State Capitol Police. Funds shall be distributed in an equitable manner; on average, these employees will receive a 6.5% salary in FY 2025-26. FY25-26: $222,430 (R); FY26-27: $222,430 (R).
• Juvenile Justice – Provides funding to implement increases to the respective salary schedules for certain Juvenile Justice positions, as well as funding in addition to the across-the-board increase to alleviate compression for other Juvenile Justice staff. FY25-26: $3,778,514 (R); FY26-27: $3,778,514 (R).
• Medical/Health Personnel – Provides funding for salary adjustments in addition to the across-the-board salary increase for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Technician Is, and Health Care Technician IIs. Funds shall be distributed in an equitable manner; on average, these employees will receive a 3.25% salary increase in FY 2025-26. FY25-26: $32,626 (R); FY26-27: $32,626 (R).
• National Guard Recruitment and Retention Bonus – Provides funding to issue bonuses to members of the North Carolina National Guard who refer enlistments or extend their service. Bonuses shall not be considered compensation for the purposes of retirement. FY25-26: $1,500,000 (NR); FY26-27: $1,500,000 (R), $1,500,000 (NR).

Administration

• Information Technology Rates – Adjusts funding based on the Department of Information Technology rate changes effective July 1, 2025. This amount reflects the net change in subscription and service delivery rates. FY25-26: $210,555 (R); FY26-27: $210,555 (R).
• Motor Fleet Management Rate Increase – Provides funds to cover the increase in Motor Fleet Management rates effective July 1, 2025. FY25-26: $959,711 (R); FY26-27:
• $959,711 (R).
• Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Jails Program Reduction – Reduces appropriations to the MAT Program. The revised net General Fund appropriation to the MAT program is $1,000,000. FY25-26: ($1,000,000) (R); FY26-27: ($1,000,000) (R).

Alcohol Law Enforcement

• Body Cameras – Provides funding to support the use of body cameras at ALE. FY25-26: $61,827 (R), $92,140 (NR); FY26-27: $61,827 (R).

State Highway Patrol

• Specialized Equipment – Provides funding to the State Highway Patrol for specialized safety equipment. FY25-26: $200,000 (NR).
• Radio Engineer Vacant Position – Reduces a radio engineer position which has been vacant for more than 900 days. FY25-26: ($69,430) (R); FY26-27: ($69,430) (R). FTE: 1. 
• SHP Agency Support Positions – Provides funding for up to 26 positions to support the SHP as a standalone State agency. FY25-26: $3,000,000 (R); FY26-27: $3,000,000 (R). FTE: 26.
• Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) Operational Support – Provides funding to support VIPER network operations and maintenance costs and fund deferred tower maintenance and construction projects. FY25-26: $ 12,400,000 (NR); FY26-27: $ 2,900,000 (NR).
• VIPER User Fees – Establishes an annual $25 fee for VIPER network users. Each county will maintain 100 fee-free user allocations to be determined by the county VIPER manager. FY25-26: ($4,750,000) (R); FY26-27: ($4,750,000) (R).

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

• Methodist Home for Children Community Programs – Provides funds to the Methodist Home for Children for community-based and residential treatment services. FY25-26: $5,400,000 (R); $5,400,000 (R).

Emergency Management

• North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) Communication and Disaster IT Systems – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve to support NCEM's communication and disaster IT systems. FY25-26: $2,000,000 (NR).

NC National Guard

• Cybersecurity Response Force Funding – Provides funding to support the NCNG Cybersecurity Response Force, including funding for 2 positions to meet demand for cybersecurity exercises. FY25-26: $1,000,000 (R); FY26-27: $1,000,000 (R). FTE: 2.
• High-Speed Satellite Internet Services – Provides funds for the NCNG to purchase equipment and subscriptions for high-speed satellite internet services. FY25-26: $250,000 (R), $84,000 (NR); FY26-27: $250,000 (R).
• Cell Boosters for Readiness Centers – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for cell phone reception booster systems and equipment at select National Guard Readiness Centers. FY25-26: $1,905,864 (NR).
• VIPER Radios – Budgets receipts transferred from the Information Technology Reserve for VIPER radio purchases at the NC National Guard. FY25-26: $1,838,116 (NR). 

Capital Improvements

• Emergency Management Badin Warehouse Expansion – Provides the remaining funding to construct a raised addition with 4 loading docks at the NCEM Western Disaster Warehouse. The total amount authorized for the project is $5 million. FY25-26: $2,024,414 (NR).
• National Guard Ballentine Building Museum – Provides the remaining funding for capital improvements of the Ballentine Building Museum. The total amount authorized for the project is $12.5 million. FY25-26: $5,000,000 (NR).
• National Guard Louisburg Readiness Center – Provides the remaining State funding match to expand all major components of the Louisburg Readiness Center. The total amount authorized for the project is $3.7 million. FY25-26: $3,000,000 (NR).
• National Guard Projects – Provides funding to match federal funds to be used to demolish, renovate, and construct facilities across the state. FY25-26: $6,000,000 (NR).
• National Guard Rocky Mount Regional Readiness Center – Provides the remaining funding for the construction of the Rocky Mount Regional Readiness Center. The total amount authorized for the project is $8.5 million. FY25-26: $6,500,000 (NR).
• National Guard Special Forces Complex – Provides funding for the construction of a National Guard Special Forces facility. The total amount authorized for the project is $8 million. FY25-26: $800,000 (NR); FY26-27: $4,000,000 (NR).
• New Youth Detention Center – Provides the remaining funding for the construction of a new 48-bed facility with storage and support spaces. The total amount authorized for the project is $40.5 million. FY25-26: $10,000,000 (NR); FY26-27: $29,850,000 (NR).
• SHP Auditorium – Provides continued funding for the construction of an auditorium located at the Highway Patrol Training Academy. The total amount authorized for the project is increased by $18.5 million for a new total authorization of $53.5 million. FY25-26: $14,791,540 (NR); FY26-27: $25,774,460 (NR).
• SHP Technical Services Building – Provides the remaining funding for a new technical services unit, also known as VIPER, building. The total amount authorized for the project is $10.6 million. FY25-26: $2,658,750 (NR).
• SHP Training Center Cadet Dormitory & Training Building – Provides continued funding for a Phase II overall master redevelopment plan for the State Highway Patrol campus. The total amount authorized for the project is increased by $29.2 million for a new total authorization of $72.6 million. FY25-26: $14,472,402 (NR); FY26-27: $42,931,723.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

After taking a break last week, the legislature certainly made up for lost time. This week was jam-packed with committee meetings and lengthy voting sessions ahead of the crossover deadline on May 8th. Crossover is the date for most bills to pass out of their chamber of origin to remain eligible for consideration in the 2025-26 Legislative Session.

Bills with appropriations or fees, such as S 710 - DPS Agency Changes.-AB, are not subject to the crossover deadline. H 483 - Juvenile Justice Legislative Proposals was subject to crossover but passed the House this week, keeping it in play for the remainder of the session.

H 74 - House Budget Technical Corrections was sent back to the House after the Senate passed it by a vote of 29-13. The Senate made several changes to the bill, including removing provisions that would have transferred filled positions within DPS to the State Highway Patrol. The House must now decide whether to concur with those changes. However, budget technical corrections bills typically go to conference to be negotiated behind closed doors, and that is expected for H 74 as well.

Crossover tends to be one of the busiest weeks of the entire session and next week is likely to be no exception.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

This week was as busy as anticipated at the General Assembly. Several bills were filed, including the Senate Resolution to confirm Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, which will be heard in Senate Judiciary on Tuesday. Also filed was H 300 - Vet Care for Retired First Responder Dogs which would provide veterinary assistance to retired K9s. A similar bill passed unanimously in the House last session but was not taken up in the Senate. DPS is working with the bill sponsor to get the bill across the finish line this session.

Additionally, H 47 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, passed the Senate. The Senate made changes to the bill requiring it to return to the House for concurrence with those changes. If the House does not concur, the bill will go to a conference committee and will be worked out behind closed doors. More Helene recovery bills are expected in the coming weeks.

Also of significance to the department is H 74, House Budget Technical Corrections. The proposed committee substitute passed out of House Rules late Monday afternoon and was sent to the House floor for a vote the following day. The bill includes a provision to transfer 21 administrative support positions from DPS, along with six Department of Technology (DIT) positions that support DPS, to the newly created State Highway Patrol agency. An amendment to remove this provision due to its detrimental impact on departmental operations was introduced but failed. The bill passed and has now been referred to Senate Rules.

Typically, February and early March are relatively quiet during long sessions, but that has not been the case this year. Next week is expected to be equally busy, with more legislative activity on the horizon.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

This week’s highlight was the adoption of SR 225 - Eddie Buffaloe/Secretary of DPS, officially confirming Secretary Buffaloe. He received unanimous approval from two Senate committees and the full Senate. Since his confirmation is a Senate Resolution, it does not require House approval or the Governor’s signature and is now adopted.

Governor Stein delivered his State of the State address, in which he reaffirmed his strong support for public safety and Helene recovery. He specifically referenced H 47 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, which is currently being negotiated behind closed doors. He indicated he will sign it once it passes both chambers. A vote on the bill is expected next week.

The Governor’s Recommended Budget will be released on Wednesday and reviewed by the House and Senate Joint Appropriations Committee the following day.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

H 47 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I unanimously passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on Wednesday. The bill provides additional aid to Western North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene and extends the statewide emergency declaration under Executive Order No. 315 until June 30, 2025. It also provides funding to the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency to complete recovery efforts in the eastern part of the state.

Additionally, Governor Stein released his recommended budget adjustments for FY 2025-27 on Wednesday (see highlights below). The Legislature is expected to release its own budget in the coming months.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation Increase – Increases all state-funded employee salaries by 2%. FY25-26:$8,158,000 (R); FY26-27: $8,158,000 (R).
• State Employee Bonus– Provides a $1,000 bonus for all General Fund state employees regardless of funding source. This bonus is in addition to the recurring salary increase. FY25-26: $5,055,000 (NR).
• Labor Market Retention and Adjustment Reserve – Addresses retention and other labor market needs by providing a reserve equal to 2% of General Fund net appropriation-supported payroll. Agencies may use these funds to address turnover, equity, and compression and to adjust salaries to better compete for and retain talent. FY25-26: $4,103,000 (R); FY26-27: $4,103,000 (R).
• State Agency Teachers – Funds a salary increase for State agency teachers in accordance with the statewide teacher salary schedules. FY25-26: $170,000 (R); FY26-27: $291,000 (R).
• Nurse Salary Increases – Provides funding for an additional 1% salary increase for nurses. This increase adds to the 2% statewide compensation increase, resulting in a total 3% across-the-board increase for nurses. FY25-26: $15,000 (R); FY26-27: $15,000 (R).
• Youth Counselor Salary Increase – Increases salaries for Youth Counselor Technicians, Youth Behavioral Specialists, and Youth Counselors by an additional 4.5% above the 2% compensation increase provided statewide. This results in a total salary increase of 6.5% for these employees and brings starting pay to over $40,000. FY25-26: $1,091,000 (R); FY26-27: $1,091,000 (R).
• Juvenile Court Counselor Salary Increase – Increases salaries for Juvenile Court Counselors by an additional 1% above the 2% compensation increase provided statewide, resulting in a total 3% salary increase. FY25-26: $468,000 (R); FY26-27: $468,000 (R).
• Law Enforcement Officer Salary Increase – Provides an additional 1% increase above the 2% statewide compensation increase, for law enforcement officers paid on the State Law Enforcement and State Highway Patrol salary schedules, for a total increase of 3%. FY25-26: $1,316,000 (R); FY26-27: $1,316,000 (R).
• State Capitol Police – Provides funds to pay officers of the State Capitol Police in accordance with the State Law Enforcement salary schedule. FY25-26: $1,750,000 (R); FY26-27: $1,750,000 (R).

Department-wide

• Motor Fleet Management Rate Increase – Provides funds to cover the increase in Motor Fleet Management rates effective July 1, 2025, for Juvenile Justice and Emergency Management. Rates have not been updated since January 1, 2018. FY25-26: $959,711 (R); FY26-27: $959,711 (R).

Administration

• Core Supportive Services – Increases capacity for core departmental responsibilities, such as central engineering, controller, and purchasing sections. FY25-26: $1,471,494 (R); FY26-27: $1,471,494 (R). 13 FTE.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training – Provides funding to administer a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Samarcand Training Academy. FY25-26: $433,840 (R), $24,499 (NR); FY26-27: $433,840 (R). 5 FTE.

Governor’s Crime Commission

• Criminal Justice Analytics Center Staff – Fundshifts Criminal Justice Analysis Center (CJAC) positions from federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) receipts to net appropriation. FY25-26: $696,468 (R); FY26-27: $696,468 (R).
• Violence Prevention Grants – Establishes a competitive grant program through the Governor’s Crime Commission to develop and sustain local violence prevention programming. FY25-26: $250,000 (R); FY26-27: $250,000 (R). 

Alcohol Law Enforcement

• Body Cameras – Provides funding for body cameras for all division law enforcement officers (LEOs) and for an FTE to manage the department body cameras, including supporting video footage review, records requests, and training and equipment management. FY25-26: $265,860 (R), $242,304 (NR); FY26-27: $265,860 (R). 1 FTE.

State Capitol Police

• Operating Budget – Invests in State Capitol Police's operational needs. FY25-26: $500,000 (R); FY26-27: $500,000 (R).
• Body Cameras – Provides funding for body cameras for all agency LEOs. FY25-26: $111,384 (R); FY26-27: $111,384 (R).
• Budget Analyst – Establishes a Budget Analyst position to manage site contracts, grants, and eProcurement purchases. FY25-26: $99,117 (R); FY26-27: $99,117 (R). 1 FTE.

State Highway Patrol

• Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders Network Sustainment – Budgets receipts from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to support the operations and maintenance of the Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) network. FY25-26: $17,101,884 (R); FY26-27: $20,000,000 (R).
• Body Cameras – Provides funding for body cameras for all State Highway Patrol newly hired Troopers and supervisors. FY25-26: $766,650 (R), $3,900,000 (NR); FY26-27: $766,650 (R).
• Operating Budget – Funds operational needs to maintain SHP’s operational readiness. FY25-26: $2,733,350 (R); FY26-27: $2,733,350 (R).
• Data Center Equipment – Supports the opening of the Technical Services Unit (TSU)/ VIPER building in Raleigh with funding for servers and network equipment. FY25-26: $3,000,000 (NR). 

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

• Juvenile Remediation Programming – Supports the full implementation of juvenile capacity restoration across the state. FY25-26: $637,461 (R), $300,000 (NR); FY26-27: $926,450 (R). 1 FTE.
• Violence Prevention Programming – Continues the critical community safety program NC Secure All Firearms Effectively (NC SAFE). FY25-26: $2,261,442 (R); FY26-27: $2,261,442 (R). 1 FTE.
• Capacity of Residential Contractual Services – Allows for the continuation of residential juvenile services at the Western Area Multipurpose (WAMP) Crisis and Assessment Center. FY25-26: $801,630 (R); FY26-27: $801,630 (R).

Emergency Management

• Emergency Response Personnel and Systems – Fundshifts emergency management personnel and systems, such as the 24-Hour Watch and WebEOC, from federal receipts to net appropriation. This funding also supports a new position to manage the search and rescue tool. FY25-26: $3,393,750 (R); FY26-27: $3,393,750. 1 FTE.
• Warehouse Lease and Capacity – Provides funding for lease payments and creates positions at the Central Branch warehouse. FY25-26: $686,081 (R); FY26-27: $686,081
• (R). 2 FTE.
• Prior Disaster State Match – Budgets receipts from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund (SERDRF) to NC Emergency Management to meet federal match requirements. FY25-26: $114,000,000 (R).

NC National Guard

• Referral and Retention Bonuses – Boosts recruitment and retention efforts with bonuses for referrals and extensions of service. FY25-26: $1,500,000 (R); FY26-27: $1,500,000 (R).
• Building Reserves for McLeansville Regional Readiness Center – Supports the opening of McLeansville Regional Readiness Center with funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. FY25-26: $421,544 (R), $5,266,000 (NR); FY26-27: $421,544 (R).
• Building Reserves for North Wilkesboro Readiness Center – Supports the opening of North Wilkesboro Readiness Center with funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. FY25-26: $400,000 (NR).
• VIPER Radios – Budgets receipts from the SCIF to replace radios that connect to the VIPER network. FY25-26: $1,838,116 (NR).

Capital Improvements

• Richmond Juvenile Detention Center Renovation – Provides supplemental funding for the renovation of the Richmond Regional Juvenile Detention Center. FY25-26: $2,802,000 (NR).
• Safer Schools Training Facility Renovation – Provides supplemental funding for the renovation of the East Montgomery County High School, which has been purchased for a new Safer Schools Training program. FY25-26: $27,100,000 (NR); FY26-27: $9,120,000 (NR)
• National Guard Matching Funds – Provides funds to match federal funding for the construction and expansion of armories and regional readiness centers around the state. FY25-26: $10,000,000 (NR).
• Morganton Readiness Center – Provides funding to construct the Morganton Readiness Center in Burke County. FY25-26: $600,000 (NR); FY26-27: $6,000,000 (NR).
• VIPER Network Sustainment – Provides recurring funds to support the operations and maintenance of the Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) network. FY25-26: $20,000,000 (R); FY26-27: $20,000,000 (R).

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

This was another active week at the legislature, with the final Senate bill filing deadline on Tuesday. A total of 375 Senate bills were filed just last week. One of them was S 710 - DPS Agency Changes.-AB, which is DPS’s agency bill. It has a long way to go before passage, and changes to the bill are expected throughout the legislative process.

On Wednesday, NCEM Director Will Ray provided an overview to the House Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Committee. He presented on how Emergency Management responds to events, which was helpful to members as they focus on Hurricane Helene recovery and the ongoing wildfire response.

The final bill filing deadline in the House is Thursday, April 3rd , which signals another busy week ahead.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

Due to the high volume of bills being filed in the House, Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) announced that the bill filing deadline has been extended to Thursday, April 10th. Even with the extension, 217 bills were filed this week alone, which brings the total number of bills filed in the House thus far to nearly 800.

In the Senate, members are primarily focused on developing the state budget. In keeping with the biennial rotation between the chambers, the Senate is taking the lead on the budget this year. Senate leadership has communicated their goal to release their version of the budget before Easter. The budget bill will move through the Senate, then the House, where changes are almost guaranteed, before heading to a conference committee, where final negotiations and compromises are made behind closed doors.

With numerous bills and committees meeting each week, this session has already proven to be extremely active, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

Helene recovery continues to be at the forefront of priorities for the Governor and legislature. This week, Governor Stein released a $1.07 billion recommendation to address needs (view here) and the House discussed their $500 million proposal (view here) in the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery. The Senatehas also filed a bill to address Helene recovery, but their full proposal has not been released yet. More Helene packages are anticipated throughout session.

Bills are being filed at a steady pace, with 68 filed last week and 65 filed this week. Those numbers are expected to increase dramatically as bill filing deadlines approach. The first deadline is February 27th for Senate local bills and the final deadline is April 3rd for House public bills and resolutions. See full bill deadline list below.

Next week is likely going to be similar to this week with a focus Helene recovery, bill filing, and educational committee meetings.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

Bill filings remain at a steady pace as educational committee meetings are beginning to be scheduled. Each state department has an Appropriations Subcommittee that focuses on their budgetary needs. For DPS, it’s the Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety. For these educational meetings, which occur at the start of every biennium, General Assembly staff from the Fiscal Research Division provide overviews of the overall budget and the different divisions within DPS. The meetings will be with both House and Senate members of the subcommittee. The first meeting will be February 18th and will be introductory.

Next week, the House will vote on H 47 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I on the House floor. It will then go to the Senate for consideration. It’s anticipated to easily pass both chambers and will not be the last bill that addresses Helene recovery.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

H 47, Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, passed the final committee it was referred to this week; however, the House floor vote was postponed until February 25th due to inclement weather.

The snowstorm also caused a postponement for all the educational meetings discussed in last week’s newsletter.

Next week is expected to be very active as efforts intensify to make up for lost time.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

There was a lot of activity this week, as the General Assembly worked to make up time lost due to the winter weather. Several bills were filed (81 in the House, 87 in the Senate), and 40 bills were heard in committees. Educational meetings resumed, with fiscal research staff providing overviews of Emergency Management and the North Carolina National Guard to the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety. These were the first DPS divisions to be addressed during one of these educational meetings. Alcohol Law Enforcement Director Bryan House and ABC Commission Chair Hank Bauer also presented to the House Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control to highlight the work they do and to make recommendations to the committee. DPS presentations to committees are more direct and specific, emphasizing key priorities and funding needs, whereas the appropriations subcommittee meetings provide a broader educational overview.

H 47, Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, received unanimous approval from the House and is now in the Senate. The Senate is expected to make changes to the bill, which will require it to go back to the House for approval. If the House does not concur with the Senate changes, the bill will go to a conference committee, where negotiations will proceed behind closed doors. It is currently unclear what changes the Senate will propose and whether the House will accept them.

The weeks leading up to bill filing deadlines (see below for dates) are likely to be just as active as this one, if not more so.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The first bills of the 2025 Session were filed this week as legislators returned to work in earnest following the January 8th organizational session. Newly elected House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) outlined the House’s anticipated schedule, with the first votes set for February 18th. The Senate has not yet announced their scheduling plans.

Helene recovery is a top legislative priority and was the subject of two committee meetings this week. First, the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery received updates from NCEM Director Will Ray and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC). The following day, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery, focused on lessons learned from Matthew and Florence recovery efforts and plans for moving forward.

Over the next few weeks, legislators are expected to participate in several educational committee meetings to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of state government.

House of Representatives

Senate

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

This was the final week of the 2023-24 Legislative Session. The principal goal was to override the Governor’s veto of S 382 - Disaster Relief-3/Budget/Various Law Changes. As reported last week, the bill does the following:

• Appropriates $50 million to NCORR from the SERDRF for the Rebuild NC Program.
• Makes the State Highway Patrol an independent, cabinet-level department.
• Transfers the State Capitol Police to the newly created State Highway Patrol department.
• Transfers all sworn law enforcement personnel within the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles to the newly created State Highway Patrol department.
• Transfers the Center for Safer Schools to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Both the House and Senate voted along party lines to override the veto, and the bill became law on Wednesday, December 11. The following day, Governor Cooper and Governor-elect Stein filed a lawsuit asserting that certain provisions of S 382 related to the State Highway Patrol violate the separation of powers established in the North Carolina Constitution.

The 2025-26 Legislative Long Session is set to officially begin on January 8th. However, the first few weeks are expected to focus on organizational matters. Any bills that did not pass this past session will have to be re-filed, and the process for their consideration will start anew. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The General Assembly returned this week primarily to take up S 382 - Disaster Relief-3/Budget/Various Law Changes, which would make several consequential changes to the Department of Public Safety. Specifically, the bill would do the following:

• Appropriate $50 million to NCORR from the SERDRF for the Rebuild NC Program.
• Make the State Highway Patrol an independent, cabinet-level department.
• Transfer the State Capitol Police to the newly created State Highway Patrol department.
• Transfer all sworn law enforcement personnel within the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles to the newly created State Highway Patrol department.
• Transfer the Center for Safer Schools to the State Bureau of Investigation.

The House passed S 382 on Tuesday with a vote of 63-46. The Senate passed it the following day with a vote of 30-19. The Governor has until November 30th to either sign or veto the bill, otherwise it will become law without his signature.

In other news, DPS proudly congratulates former State Capitol Police Chief Roger “Chip” Hawley on his well-deserved appointment as Director of the State Bureau of Investigation, following his overwhelming confirmation by the General Assembly. The department also extends a heartfelt congratulations to former Deputy Chief of State Capitol Police, Terry Green, on his appointment by Secretary Buffaloe as the new State Capitol Police Chief.

The Senate plans to return December 2nd and the House plans to return December 13th for voting sessions. The only likely item on either agenda is the override of S 382, which the Governor is expected to veto. 

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines: 

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The pace of the General Assembly picked up this week as several committees met and bills were voted out of each chamber. The most interesting vote was that of H 237 - Unmasking Mobs and Criminals. It appeared on Thursday that both the House and Senate were poised to vote the bill out and send it to the Governor. However, only the Senate voted on the bill and it passed 28-0. That may seem like it was unanimous, but it should be noted that Senate Democrats walked out before the vote in protest of a campaign finance provision that was added. The House is expected to vote on Tuesday.

Another bill of note this week was H 834 - Juv Capacity/Transfer/Interrog/Confidential. The bill would:

• Modify the definition of "delinquent juvenile" related to juveniles who are 16 and 17 years old to exclude any offense punishable as a Class A, B1, B2, C, D, or E felony if committed by an adult.
• Modify the transfer process for juvenile cases from juvenile to superior court by creating a new indictment return appearance.
• Modify certain laws to create a new process for removal of a case from superior court to juvenile court.
• Modify the laws regarding notification of a delinquent juvenile's school and how the school can use that information.
• Change the timing requirement for subsequent secured custody hearings for juveniles.
• Make technical changes and a modification to certain dispositional alternatives.
• Increase the punishment for an adult who solicits a minor to commit a crime.

The House concurred in the changes made in the Senate with a vote of 70-34. The bill now goes to the Governor. He has ten days to either sign or veto, otherwise it becomes law without his signature.

The highlight of the week was Miss America's Teen 2024, Hanley House, being honored in the House on Thursday. She eloquently addressed members on the floor, making North Carolina proud. She also made DPS proud, as she is the daughter of ALE Director Bryan House.

Several committees have already been scheduled for next week, indicating that the pace will continue to be on an uptick. 

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines: 

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The General Assembly had another busy week with lots of bills moving through the committee process. House Bill 903 would make tianeptine, aka “gas station heroin”, a schedule II drug. It passed the House unanimously and was sent to the Senate. House Bill 563- Regulate Hemp Derived Consumables and Kratom, had its second hearing in Senate Judiciary and will now progress to Senate Finance. House Bill 1042- Vet Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs passed the House and is currently in the Senate. 

The House announced they would be releasing their own version of a state budget at the start of next week. This is somewhat of a change in the original plan to release a conference report, which would have been a joint effort by both the House and Senate. Senate leadership has indicated that the House version will not progress in the Senate.
 

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines: 

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

This week, instead of voting on a budget conference report as expected, both the House and Senate introduced their own budget proposals. A conference report is negotiated behind closed doors and cannot be amended once released for a vote. Due to a stalemate between the House and Senate, each chamber has decided to vote on their own version of the budget. The primary sticking point is the House’s proposal to spend more money--$31.7 billion as compared to the Senate’s $31.4 billion.

The Senate has yet to release their committee report outlining the specific allocations, so it is not certain what DPS would receive under their proposal. The House passed their version, H 263 - 2024 Appropriations Act, with a vote of 68-36. The Senate plans to pass their version, H 317 - Adjustments to the 2023 Appropriations Act, next week. Both chambers have stated that they will not approve the other’s proposal. The budget passed last year was a two-year plan, and these proposals are adjustments to that existing budget.

After next week’s activities, the General Assembly plans to take a break for the entire month of July.

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines: 

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The General Assembly has wrapped up another week of short session. The session’s tempo wavers, as numerous policy bills are moving amidst budget negotiations, which continue behind the scenes.

H834, which was originally titled Juv Capacity/Transfer/Interrog/Confidential, is now Juv Justice Modifications (view here). The bill was heard in Senate Judiciary for discussion only on Tuesday. The legislative team has been involved in conversations with stakeholders on how to improve the existing proposal. The bill is expected to be voted out of committee this coming Tuesday.

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines: 

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

Since the Short Session has a limit on which types of bills can be considered, the common trend is emerging where bills are being transformed into something entirely different from their original form. For example, this week S303, Strengthen Juvenile Laws, was transformed into a bill regarding out-of-state attorneys. The original language of S303 was passed in another bill, so it was clear that completely new language would be introduced when it was scheduled to be heard in committee. Another indication that a bill may be completely transformed is the notation “(PCS – To Be Considered)” next to the bill title in the committee notice. PCS stands for “Proposed Committee Substitute,” indicating substitute language to the original bill. While a PCS typically makes tweaks to the original language, there is a possibility that the bill could become something completely new.

Budget area chairs likely submitted their recommendations to the full budget chairs this week. The process remains behind the scenes, as the full chairs review these recommendations. While there is optimism that a budget bill will be passed by July 1, it is certainly not guaranteed.

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines:

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

Typically, when a lot of people sign up to speak on a bill in committee it is a very controversial piece of legislation. That was not the case on Thursday when the House State Personnel heard H1042 - Vet Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs. Several groups spoke in favor of the bill, which would appropriate $300,000 to establish the Retired Law Enforcement Canine Fund to reimburse veterinary care provided for a retired law enforcement canine. Retired ALE K-9, Jip, and current SHP K-9, Zeus, also attended the meeting to show their support. The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) has stated that budget negotiations have stalled with the House. A two-year budget is already in place, but the General Assembly typically passes adjustments in the second year. Hopefully, they will continue to work on a compromise so that additional funding is appropriated.

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines:

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules. 
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.

The General Assembly returned to Raleigh on Wednesday to kick off what is known as the “short” session. The short session is the final session of the legislative biennium. While the primary focus will be adjusting the budget passed last year, other certain bills are eligible for consideration (see bottom of the Update for types of bills).

Governor Cooper also released his recommended budget adjustments for FY 2024-25 on Wednesday. The Legislature will release their own budget in the coming months.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation Increase – Guarantees at least a 5% across-the-board increase for all state-funded employees. In addition to the 3% provided in SL 2023-134, most state employees receive an additional 2%, while employees paid on an experience-based salary schedule or with a salary set in law receive an additional 3%. FY24-25: $11,345,000 (R).
• Position Fundshift Reserve – Establishes a Position Fundshift Reserve to provide additional flexibility to manage. Funds may be used to fundshift a limited number of positions, in whole or in part, from receipts to net appropriation support. FY24-25: $838,000 (R).
• Retention Bonus – Provides a $1,000 bonus to net appropriation-supported employees and an additional $500 bonus to employees with an annual salary of less than $75,000. To address retention, the retention bonus will be paid in two installments with half of the bonus paid in October 2024 and half in April 2025. FY24-25: $7,561,000 (NR).
• Enhanced Labor Market Retention and Adjustment Reserve – Provides funds to address retention and labor market needs for net appropriation-supported and receipt-supported positions. These funds may be used to address turnover, equity, and compression and to adjust salaries to better compete for and retain talent. FY 24-25: $10,146,000 (R).

Administration

• Core Services Support – Increases capacity for core responsibilities, such as central engineering, grants management, and human resources. FY24-25: $2,739,438 (R). 24 FTE. 
• IT Services – Addresses the department’s IT funding shortfall after taking into consideration expected FY 2024-25 Department of Information Technology service and subscription rates. FY24-25: $868,145 (R).
• Boxing Commission Operations – Provides funding for support personnel and legal services. FY24-25: $230,000 (R).
• Violence Prevention – Continues critical and evidence-based community safety programs, NC SAFE (Secure All Firearms Effectively) and the Office of Violence Prevention. FY24-25: $2,459,884 (R).
• Samarcand Scheduling Software – Provides funds for Samarcand Training Academy to implement scheduling software for its sessions. FY24-25: $150,000 (R).
• Princeville Recovery Projects – Budgets receipts from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund to the Secretary's Office to support disaster recovery projects in Princeville. FY24-25: $5,000,000 (NR).

Governor’s Crime Commission

• Criminal Justice Analytics Center Staff – Fundshifts Criminal Justice Analytics Center (CJAC) positions from receipts to net appropriation. FY24-25: $317,324 (R).
• Technical Correction – Makes a technical correction to the certified budget to reflect actual expected VOCA receipts in FY 2024-25. FY24-25; $(27,791,984) (R).
• Victim Services – Provides funds to continue critical victim services programming throughout the state. These services previously relied on federal VOCA funding that has significantly declined. FY24-25: $6,000,000 (NR).
• NC Justice Data Portal Data Consolidation – Invests IT Reserve funds to enhance the NC Justice Data Portal.

Alcohol Law Enforcement

• Nuisance Abatement Agents – Creates new agent positions to assist communities in addressing public nuisances. FY24-25: $274,738 (R); $137,588 (NR). 2 FTE

State Capitol Police 

• Security Enhancements – Fundshifts State Capitol Police (SCP) officers, including the officer in the Old Revenue Building, from receipts to net appropriation. FY24-25: $1,478,436 (R).
• New Officers – Creates SCP officer positions to increase security and provide adequate coverage at the Office of State Human Resources's (OSHR’s) new location. FY24-25: $203,767 (R); $72,093 (NR). 2 FTE
• Budget Analyst – Provides funding for a Budget Analyst position to manage site contracts, grants, and eProcurement purchases. FY24-25: $97,231 (R). 1 FTE

State Highway Patrol

• VIPER Equipment and Maintenance – Provides funds to add personnel and upgrade equipment to maintain NC Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) network towers. FY24-25: $1,866,310 (R); $10,000,000 (NR). 15 FTE
• Operating Budget – Funds operational needs that maintain the State Highway Patrol’s operations and readiness. FY23-24: $2,500,000 (R).

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

• Community Based Programming – Provides funds to address vendor rate increases for transitional living facilities and multipurpose group homes. FY24-25: $3,272,570 (R).
• Capacity Restoration – Supports the full implementation of capacity restoration, which restores people's ability to understand trial proceedings to assist in their own defense and move forward in the justice system, for juveniles across the state. FY24-25: $1,300,000 (R).
• Transformational Reentry Initiatives – Creates and expands transitional living and life skills programming for juveniles in youth development centers, through positions dedicated to juvenile reentry services and expanded educational and life skills programming and supplies. FY24-25: $687,348 (R); 201,904 (NR). 6 FTE.
• Juvenile Justice Residential Crisis Unit – Supports operating and start-up costs for a residential crisis unit serving justice-involved youth with mental and physical health concerns at the C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner. FY24-25: $3,794,086 (R); $100,000 (NR). 44 FTE

Emergency Management 

• Emergency Response Personnel and Systems – Fundshifts emergency management personnel and systems, such as the 24-Hour Watch, from receipts to net appropriation. FY23-24: $5,000,000 (R).
• School Safety Program – Provides funds to support personnel needed to implement the Panic Alarm Program, the State Emergency Response Program, and the State Risk Management Portal. FY24-25: $487,600 (R).

NC National Guard

• Construction Project Manager – Supports a construction project manager position with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG). FY24-25: $55,000 (R).
• Building Reserves for McLeansville Regional Readiness Center – Supports the opening of McLeansville Regional Readiness Center with funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. FY24-25: $2,950,000 (NR).

NCORR

• Core Resilience Positions – Fundshifts two positions from receipts to net appropriation in order to retain capacity at the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) for technical assistance for local government and state agencies. FY23-24: $174,563 (R).
• Resilience Team Support – Replaces nonrecurring funds supporting NCORR's core Resilience Team, allowing them to continue their work with state and local government leaders on disaster planning and mitigation. FY23-24: $27,500 (R).
• Reporting Capacity – Fundshifts one position to manage NCORR's state reporting requirement. NCORR cannot use federal funds for this activity. FY23-24: $140,227 (R).

Capital Improvements

• Samarcand Training Academy for Safer Schools – Provides funding to fully renovate East Montgomery County High School, which has been purchased for a new Safer Schools Training program. Renovations will include replacing outdated utility systems, removal of temporary trailers, removal and replacement of fencing, and renovating sidewalks and pavement across the campus. FY23-24: $37,008,000 (NR). 

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines:

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions. 

Bills eligible for consideration: 

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis. 

The Short Session has begun at a moderate pace but is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks. The bill filing deadlines have passed for legislation recommended by study committees and laws that impact the state budget, resulting in 269 bills filed this week.

Next week is shaping up to be a lot like this week, as members work behind closed doors on adjusting the state budget. Top budget writers have indicated that the specific budget area chairs will begin working with their allotted spending money next week. The budget will likely be a conference report. Members seem optimistic about a true “short” session, possibly adjourning in early summer.

2024 Bill Filing Deadlines 

Bills eligible to be filed in 2024 with no deadlines:

1. Bills amending the North Carolina Constitution, to implement proposed amendments, or both.
2. Appointments to/confirmation of members of State Boards/commissions either by the Governor, the General Assembly, or one or more chambers.
3. Resolutions not prohibited by House Rules.
4. Joint resolutions authorizing other bills and those bills if resolution passes by two-thirds vote in each chamber.
5. Bills relating to election laws, including redistricting.
6. Bills responding to litigation related to redistricting bills for elected State, federal, or local office or the legality of legislative enactments.
7. Bills providing for impeachment of State officers.
8. Bills to disapprove Administrative Rules.
9. Adjournment resolutions and amendments to adjournment resolutions.

Bills eligible for consideration:

1. Bills that made cross-over and bills that did not make, but are not subject to, cross-over.
2. Veto overrides.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Susanna Davis.