Budget & Taxes

died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 914: 2026 Appropriations Act.

This bill, titled the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026, allocates state funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover the daily operations of North Carolina's government agencies, departments, and institutions. It distributes money from various sources, including the General Fund, the State Highway Fund, and the Highway Trust Fund, to support essential services such as transportation maintenance and federal block grant programs. The legislation also incorporates existing budget rules and specifies that its provisions apply only to the 2026-2027 period, with any unused funds reverting to the state at the end of the fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding for 2026-2027 operations, directly advancing budget appropriations and supporting essential government services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates funding from the State Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund for transportation maintenance and federal block grants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1054: Government Employee Raises and Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment.

This bill establishes new salary schedules for public school teachers and principals in North Carolina effective for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It sets specific monthly pay rates for teachers based on years of experience and adds bonuses for those with advanced certifications or degrees, while also adjusting compensation for school support staff like nurses and counselors. Principals will receive annual salaries determined by their school's student enrollment and performance growth scores over the previous three years. Additionally, the legislation enhances sick leave benefits for state employees and provides a cost-of-living adjustment for certain retirees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes new salary schedules and funding for public school teachers and staff, directly increasing appropriations for education services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes new salary schedules and bonuses for teachers and principals, directly increasing compensation and supporting educators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes new salary schedules and increases pay for public school teachers and staff, directly advancing worker compensation and benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Track

died · North Carolina · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1021: Funds for Pineville Pedestrian Beacon.

This bill allocates $545,588 from the state's General Fund to the Town of Pineville to finance a pedestrian safety project. The funds are designated for constructing a pedestrian hybrid beacon and a crosswalk at the intersection of Highway 51 and Main Street near the town hall. The primary goal of this infrastructure improvement is to enhance pedestrian safety and improve walkability within the community. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026, providing directed grant money specifically for these construction costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds to finance a pedestrian safety project, directly increasing funding for public infrastructure and safety services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates funds to construct a pedestrian hybrid beacon and crosswalk, directly enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 1081: Veterans/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy/Funds.

This bill establishes a program to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The legislation appropriates $3 million from the state General Fund to a nonprofit organization to deliver approximately 15,000 treatments to an estimated 350 eligible veterans over the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The program includes structured clinical care and requires the provider to submit a detailed report on outcomes and fund usage by June 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to fund free hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, directly increasing state spending on essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $3M to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI and PTSD, expanding access to specialized mental and physical health services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates $3M to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI or PTSD, expanding healthcare benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House May 13, 2026

HB 1154: Expand the FarmSHARE Food Hub Program.

This bill allocates $6 million in state funds to expand two food assistance programs in North Carolina for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The first $4 million supports FarmSHARE, which provides grants to buy locally grown food and distribute it for free to food-insecure individuals and households. The second $2 million funds the Double Up Food Bucks Program, allowing people receiving nutrition assistance to use their benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and other local retailers. Both programs require the state department to submit annual reports detailing participation numbers, distribution metrics, and financial data to legislative oversight committees. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $6M in state funds to expand food assistance programs, directly increasing funding for public services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

died · North Carolina · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1034: Fund Drug Treatment/Mental Health Courts.

This North Carolina bill allocates $4.2 million in recurring state funds starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support local courts that handle cases involving substance use and mental health issues. The money is designated for the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish and maintain judicially managed accountability and recovery courts, which are designed to help defendants diagnosed with alcoholism, substance use disorders, or mental health conditions. These courts will operate by creating personalized treatment plans for participants and monitoring their progress while they remain involved in the criminal justice system. The funding applies to both new and existing programs that fall under specific state statutes governing these specialized courts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $4.2M in recurring state funds to support drug treatment and mental health courts, directly increasing funding for public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates funding to establish courts for substance use and mental health, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $4.2M to fund drug treatment and mental health courts, directly advancing healthcare access and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 1122: Expand Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion.

This bill expands the property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in North Carolina by increasing the excluded home value from $45,000 to the entire appraised value of the primary residence. To offset the resulting loss in local tax revenue, the state will reimburse counties and cities for the taxes they no longer collect from these exempt properties. The legislation also allocates $100,000 to cover administrative costs and sets the changes to take effect for tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax exemptions for disabled veterans and provides state reimbursement to offset local revenue loss, directly supporting tax relief and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands property tax exemption for disabled veterans, directly reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing access for a vulnerable group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their spouses, directly strengthening financial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue Tax Incentives Property Taxes Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 873: Innovations Waiver Tiers.

This North Carolina bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a three-tiered program for individuals waiting for the state's Innovations waiver. The proposed plan would offer three levels of financial assistance: a benefit capped at $25,000, one capped at $75,000, and a full waiver benefit, with the specific details to be determined through consultation with local managed care organizations and other stakeholders. To fund the initial development of this plan, the legislation appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the bill requires a report on the final plan to be submitted to several legislative committees by December 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs creation of a tiered financial assistance program for Medicaid waiver recipients, increasing funding for essential health services.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a tiered financial assistance program to fund Innovations waiver benefits, directly expanding access and funding for individuals with developmental disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Medicaid

Track

died · North Carolina · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 959: Study Student Loan Forgiveness Program/SEAA.

This bill directs the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to conduct a feasibility study on creating a student loan forgiveness program for graduates of public colleges and universities in the state. The study will evaluate the costs, eligibility requirements, and potential economic benefits of offering debt relief to encourage graduates to remain in North Carolina after graduation. To fund this analysis, the bill appropriates $150,000 from the state's General Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The Authority must complete the study and submit a report with recommendations to the legislature by October 1, 2027. The bill does not establish a forgiveness program itself but rather authorizes a review to determine if such a program is viable.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to study a student loan forgiveness program, directly advancing budget allocation for education assistance.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds a study to create a student loan forgiveness program, aiming to improve higher education access and retention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · North Carolina · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 803: Beaufort Dist. B Occupancy Tax.

SB 803 creates a new taxing district in Beaufort County that covers all areas outside the city of Washington. This district allows the county to collect an additional occupancy tax of up to 6% on room rentals, which is separate from existing state and local sales taxes. The collected funds must be used exclusively to promote tourism and support tourism-related activities within the specific district boundaries, and the bill establishes a local authority to manage these funds and report on their use.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new taxing district to generate revenue specifically for tourism promotion and activities, directly advancing local budget and taxation goals.95% confidence

Track