This bill allocates funding for North Carolina's state agencies and departments to cover their current operations during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. It provides base budget appropriations from the General Fund, Highway Fund, and federal block grants to maintain existing services without creating new programs. The funding is set at maximum necessary levels, with unused amounts reverting to their respective funds at year-end. The bill applies solely to the 2025-2027 period and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
SB 237 appropriates $55,000 from the state General Fund to provide a one-time grant to the nonprofit organization CAREE (Citizens Advocating for Racial Equity and Equality) for its transitional housing programs in Pitt County. The funds, designated as nonrecurring for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, directly support CAREE's existing efforts to assist individuals transitioning from homelessness or unstable housing. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes beyond the funding allocation.
SB 252 allocates $150,000 annually from the state general fund to the Town of Pinetops specifically for fire department staffing costs. The funding, effective July 1, 2025, will be provided each year during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. This directed grant is intended to address the town's fire department staffing needs without requiring additional applications from Pinetops. The bill provides a concrete, recurring state funding source for this specific operational requirement.
HB 402 requires North Carolina state agencies to assess the financial impact of proposed permanent rules. If a rule would cost affected individuals or businesses $20 million or more over five years, it must be approved by the General Assembly before taking effect. For rules with a $1 million or more annual cost impact, agencies must prepare a fiscal note for review by the Office of State Budget and Management. The bill also mandates a two-thirds vote by agency boards to adopt rules exceeding the $1 million cost threshold. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and the businesses or residents who would bear the costs of those rules.
HB 386 increases the annual vehicle registration fee for private passenger vehicles in North Carolina by $6.25, with the additional revenue directly funding salary raises for State Highway Patrol officers. Starting July 2025, this will support pay increases that raise starting salaries to $56,000 and top pay to $105,000 annually for experienced officers. The bill appropriates $40.4 million yearly from the General Fund to implement these salary changes. It affects all owners of private passenger vehicles registered in North Carolina.
SB 257, the 2025 Appropriations Act, allocates funding for North Carolina's state agencies, departments, and institutions for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. It provides budget authority from the General Fund, Highway Fund, and Highway Trust Fund to cover current operations, maintenance, and specific programs like those managed by the Department of Transportation. The bill also includes federal block grant funding for health and human services (DHHS) and other designated programs. This funding measure directly affects all state entities receiving these appropriations and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB 125 establishes budget operations for North Carolina's 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, primarily allocating $142 million in one-time funds for agricultural disaster relief related to 2024 crop losses. It requires recipients to first seek insurance or federal aid before using state funds, and to return state funds if alternative sources are secured. The bill directly affects farmers, institutions of higher education, and other entities receiving disaster aid, mandating transparency through reporting to the State Auditor. Crucially, it prohibits the Governor from using these disaster funds for general budget adjustments or reallocations.
SB 498 appropriates $12 million from North Carolina's General Fund to the Town of Beaufort for specific upgrades and repairs to its boat docks. The bill directs this nonrecurring funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, targeting infrastructure improvements at the town's waterfront facilities. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, if enacted. The bill is currently pending in the legislative process (last action: withdrawn from committee on March 26, 2025) and has not yet become law.
