Budget & Taxes

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

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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

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signed · North Carolina · House Jul 2, 2026

HB 1040: Pitt-Greenville Airport Authority Changes.

HB 1040 updates the financial and operational rules for the Pitt County-City of Greenville Airport Authority by clarifying how the county and city fund airport operations and expansions. The bill allows the two governments to share costs for running the airport and building new facilities, using money from airport fees, land sales, or voter-approved taxes and bonds. It also confirms the authority's power to manage the property, enforce safety zoning rules, and issue debt for improvements if voters agree. This legislation primarily affects the local county and city officials who oversee the airport's budget and development plans.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies funding mechanisms and allows use of fees, land sales, and voter-approved taxes to support airport operations and expansions.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill clarifies funding mechanisms and operational rules for airport infrastructure, enabling cost-sharing and debt issuance for improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1047: North Carolina Microplastics Study Act.

HB 1047, the North Carolina Microplastics Study Act, directs the North Carolina Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study the presence and impacts of microplastics in the state's waterways. Funded with $150,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the bill requires the Collaboratory to identify plastic particles, assess their environmental and health risks, and develop strategies to prevent future pollution and reverse existing harm. The Collaboratory must work with state agencies and stakeholders to create a prioritized research plan and standardized detection methods, ultimately submitting a comprehensive report with findings and policy recommendations by July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $150,000 in state funding for a microplastics study, directly advancing the appropriations and budgeting topic.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds a study to assess microplastic impacts and develop strategies to prevent pollution and reverse environmental harm.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 870: Funds for Veterans/HBOT.

This bill appropriates $3 million from the state's General Fund to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The funding is directed to a nonprofit organization called HBOT 4 HEROES, which will administer the treatment, manage the program, and conduct outcome assessments for an estimated 350 veterans. The act requires the organization to submit a detailed report to state oversight committees by June 30, 2027, covering the number of patients served, their locations, and how the funds were spent. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $3M from the General Fund to fund free hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, directly increasing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $3M to fund free hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, expanding access to critical health services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates $3M to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI or PTSD, directly expanding healthcare benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 4, 2026

HB 1165: Hygiene Products Protections/Sales Tax.

This bill exempts specific menstrual hygiene products from North Carolina's state sales tax and establishes a program to certify products that do not contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The legislation defines qualifying items as tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, and sanitary napkins that have been verified as free of these substances through a certification process administered by the Department of Commerce. Manufacturers must apply for certification by providing evidence that their products meet established PFAS standards, and the Department can decertify products if they fail to comply or provide false information. To support the initial rollout of this certification program before permanent rules are finalized, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by exempting essential hygiene products from sales tax, reducing the financial burden on consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1209: Strengthen Education by Embedded New Teacher Support.

HB 1209 appropriates $1 million in recurring state funds starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year to expand the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program. The money is directed to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to provide embedded instructional coaching and professional development for beginning teachers within local school districts. Key provisions include partnering with teacher training programs to extend support after graduation, aligning coaching with evidence-based practices, and prioritizing high-need rural areas to help retain new educators. This legislation aims to create a more coherent system for teacher development by connecting pre-service training with ongoing in-district support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million in recurring state funds to expand teacher support programs, directly increasing funding for public education services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $1M to expand teacher support and professional development, directly strengthening education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 925: Cure Violence Program Grant.

This bill allocates one million dollars from the state's General Fund to Forsyth County in the Triad region for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are designated as a nonrecurring grant specifically to support the Cure Violence program, which aims to reduce violence in the area. The legislation overrides a previous spending restriction to allow this specific appropriation and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $1M from the General Fund to support the Cure Violence program, directly advancing state budget appropriations for public safety and social services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds the Cure Violence program to reduce violence, directly supporting criminal justice reform and community safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 789: Homes for Heroes.

This bill creates two main programs to support public servants in North Carolina. First, it establishes a Homebuyers' Assistance Program for first-time homebuyers who work as teachers, firefighters, police officers, or medical personnel, providing up to $25,000 or 10% of the purchase price for down payments and mortgage insurance. Second, it allows unpaid volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members to claim a state income tax credit of up to $5,000 to cover unreimbursed business expenses related to their rescue work. The down payment assistance program is funded with $200 million in recurring state money and will begin on July 1, 2026, while the tax credit applies to taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits and funding assistance for public servants, directly supporting fiscal management and government employee benefits.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a Homebuyers' Assistance Program providing down payment and mortgage insurance aid to public servants, directly funding housing acquisition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Homeownership Mortgages

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 826: Posting of State Costs.

SB 826 requires major state entities in North Carolina, including the University of North Carolina, state departments, courts, and the General Assembly, to publicly disclose their monthly spending. The bill mandates that these organizations compile and submit an itemized list of all purchases and services costing at least one dollar, along with a total monthly expenditure sum. Within ten days of receiving these reports, the Department of Administration or the relevant entity must publish the data on its website for public viewing, while still protecting any records legally designated as confidential. To support this new reporting requirement, the act appropriates $250,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover implementation costs for the affected agencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by mandating public disclosure of state spending, enhancing transparency and accountability in budget management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending

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