Criminal Justice

in committee · North Carolina · House Jun 3, 2026

HB 1234: Constitutional Amendment/Supreme Court Ethics.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to North Carolina that would require Supreme Court justices to step aside from cases where they have a financial stake or a close personal relationship with the parties involved. It also mandates that justices publicly disclose significant financial transactions, such as buying or selling assets worth at least $10,000, along with any outside income and who funded their travel. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill does not take effect immediately but is instead scheduled for a public vote by voters in November 2026. The amendment would only become law if a majority of voters approve it during that election.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances judicial ethics and accountability by mandating recusal and financial disclosure, strengthening public trust in the courts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · North Carolina · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 1242: Modernize Law of the Land Clause.

HB 1242 proposes a constitutional amendment to update the language of North Carolina's "Law of the Land Clause" in Article I, Section 19. The bill would replace the current text with a modernized version that explicitly prohibits imprisonment or deprivation of life, liberty, or property except by law, while also reinforcing protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This measure does not create new laws immediately but instead places the updated text before voters for a decision at the November 3, 2026, general election. If approved by a majority of voters, the new language will become part of the state constitution; if rejected, the existing constitutional text remains unchanged.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by modernizing constitutional protections against unlawful imprisonment and reinforcing anti-discrimination safeguards.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reinforces protections against discrimination in housing, which supports fair access to housing opportunities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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in committee · North Carolina · House Jun 3, 2026

HB 1236: Constitutional Amendment/Judicial Standards Commission.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates complaints against judges and justices. The new commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the Chief Justice, the State Bar officers, the Governor, and the General Assembly, replacing the current system with a more balanced composition. It also mandates that all disciplinary hearings and resulting sanctions be made public to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill requires voters to approve it in a referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances judicial accountability and transparency by restructuring the Judicial Standards Commission and mandating public disciplinary hearings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1052: Cure Violence Program Grant.

HB 1052 allocates $1 million from the state's General Fund to Forsyth County in the Triad region for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These nonrecurring funds are designated as a directed grant specifically for the Cure Violence Program, which aims to reduce violence in the area. The legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2026, and does not alter existing laws but provides new financial resources for this specific initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1M from General Fund to fund the Cure Violence Program, directly increasing resources for public safety.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates funding to the Cure Violence Program, a proven initiative to reduce violence and improve community safety, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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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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in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1060: Attorney General Investigations/Certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection Incidents.

This bill requires the North Carolina Attorney General to investigate any incidents within the state involving federal immigration enforcement that result in serious bodily injury or death. The law defines federal immigration enforcement to include agents from Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as local officers authorized to perform immigration duties. Upon completing an investigation, the Attorney General must publicly release findings and recommendations while protecting the identities of victims and minors, and must also provide copies to state legislative leaders. To support these investigations, the bill appropriates $450,000 in state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and applies to incidents occurring after the law takes effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates AG investigations into federal immigration incidents causing injury/death, enhancing oversight and accountability within law enforcement operations.85% confidence

Track

in committee · North Carolina · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 955: Permit Self-Defense Devices on College Campus.

This bill allows adults aged 18 and older to carry self-defense devices, such as pepper spray, tasers, and ordinary pocket knives, on the property of North Carolina colleges and universities. It creates an exception to state laws that typically restrict carrying concealed weapons on school grounds, explicitly permitting students, staff, and visitors to possess these items for self-defense. Additionally, the legislation allocates $10,000 to fund public awareness campaigns informing the campus community about this new permission. The changes will take effect in July 2026, with the advertising funds available for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $10,000 to fund public awareness campaigns, directly supporting the appropriations and budgeting topic.80% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill permits self-defense devices on campus, enhancing personal safety and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by protecting civil rights and reducing vulnerability to crime.75% confidence

Track

died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 897: NC CROWN Act.

This bill, known as the North Carolina CROWN Act, expands state employment discrimination laws to explicitly protect individuals from discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locks. By legally defining these hair styles as traits associated with race, the legislation ensures that employers cannot deny hiring, firing, or otherwise discriminate against people because of their natural hair. The act also strengthens anti-retaliation protections for employees who report discrimination under these new provisions. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $100,000 for the Department of Labor to educate both employers and employees about the law's requirements and rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing systemic bias.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands employment discrimination laws to protect workers' rights regarding hair texture and hairstyles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Employment Discrimination

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 872: Education Center at Harnett Correctional.

SB 872 allocates $30 million from the state's General Fund to build an education center at Harnett Correctional Institution in North Carolina. The funds will support specific programs for offenders, including the Sexual Offender Accountability and Responsibility Program, four-year degrees with Campbell University and Fayetteville State University, and shorter certifications or degrees with Central Carolina Community College. This legislation directly affects the Department of Adult Correction and the incarcerated population at Harnett Correctional Institution by authorizing the construction and programming of the new facility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $30M from the General Fund to build an education center, directly funding essential correctional education programs.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds education and rehabilitation programs for inmates, directly reducing recidivism and strengthening the correctional system.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $30M to build an education center and fund degrees/certifications for inmates, expanding educational access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Higher Education

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 6, 2026

HB 1223: Reenact Funding/Mecklenburg Emergency Pension Fund.

This bill renews and expands funding for the Emergency Pension Fund that supports sworn law enforcement officers in Mecklenburg County. It does this by reinstating a $2 fee on criminal court costs for convictions or guilty pleas, while excluding minor traffic violations with small fines or short jail sentences. The collected money must be turned over to the county's Officers Relief Board, and courts will need to submit detailed records of these fees. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026, and apply to cases occurring on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds emergency pension relief for sworn law enforcement officers, directly supporting the corrections and law enforcement sectors.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

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