HB 395 allocates $13.2 million to Swain County, $18.6 million to Jackson County, and $65.3 million to Transylvania County for infrastructure and public services in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It funds specific projects including fire department equipment (e.g., new tankers, hydrants), water/sewer system upgrades, school facilities, emergency management buildings, and college infrastructure like dental clinics and engineering buildings at Western Carolina University. The bill directs one-time state funds to county governments, local fire departments, school systems, and community colleges (Southwestern Community College, Western Carolina University, Blue Ridge Community College) to address immediate needs. It does not create new laws but provides targeted financial support for existing public services and facilities in these three counties.
SB 433 reinstates longevity pay for North Carolina educators, directly affecting teachers, instructional support staff, principals, and assistant principals in public schools. It sets specific annual payment rates based on years of state service: 1.5% for 10-14 years, 2.25% for 15-19 years, 3.25% for 20-24 years, and 4.5% for 25+ years, paid as a lump sum each year. The bill appropriates $140.3 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund these payments. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, restoring previously cut longevity benefits.
HB 932 establishes a permanent 10% base salary increase for teachers and first responders in North Carolina, effective July 1, 2025. The bill appropriates $700 million annually for first responders (including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and certain nurses) and $900 million annually for teachers (classroom staff, principals, and instructional support) from the General Fund. Funds must be used solely for the pay increase, added to base salary, and included in future salary calculations - no administrative costs are permitted. Employing authorities and school entities must certify costs and verify implementation by deadlines, with unspent funds reverting to the General Fund annually.
HB 228 appropriates $25,000 in one-time state funds to the City of Asheville for a study on extending the city's water system to serve Pisgah View State Park. The study will assess the practicality, costs, and feasibility of building this water infrastructure extension. This bill directly affects Asheville and the new state park by funding preliminary analysis before any potential construction. The funds are allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and require the city to conduct or facilitate the study by July 1, 2025.
SB 38 appropriates $51 million from the North Carolina General Fund to Hertford County for economic development, directly affecting the county and its Rural Development Authority (RDA). The bill allocates $40 million for constructing a public industrial dock and barge at the Flowers site in Hertford County, and $11 million for road construction at that same location. Funds remain available until June 30, 2027, rather than reverting at year-end, and must be used solely for these specified projects. The bill, titled "Hertford County Economic Development," requires no further legislative action to take effect as a funding measure.
This bill allocates $1,000,000 from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to Edgecombe Community College. The funds are specifically designated as a directed grant to construct an Industrial Technology and Skilled Trades Facility. This facility aims to strengthen the local workforce by providing training infrastructure. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2025, and directly affects Edgecombe Community College and the regional workforce development efforts.
HB 59 would increase the income eligibility limit for North Carolina's elderly or disabled property tax homestead exclusion from $25,000 to $48,000 for taxable years beginning July 1, 2026. This change would directly affect homeowners aged 65 or older, or those who are totally and permanently disabled, who meet other criteria (like being a North Carolina resident and owning their home as a permanent residence). The bill modifies the existing rule that currently limits eligibility to those with incomes under $25,000, raising the threshold to $48,000 while maintaining the exclusion amount as the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the home's appraised value. The change aims to expand access to this property tax relief for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners. (Note: The bill was withdrawn in June 2025 and has not become law.)
SB 741 appropriates $5 million from North Carolina's General Fund to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation (a nonprofit) for constructing a new main library. The funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and become effective July 1, 2025, directly supporting the library's physical expansion project.
HB 55 appropriates $250,000 annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Autism Society of North Carolina's IGNITE Program. The funds will support activities and education groups designed to help young adults with autism develop independence and social skills during their transition to adulthood. This recurring funding applies to the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Autism Society of North Carolina and the young adults with autism it serves through the IGNITE Program.
This bill appropriates $13,215 from the state General Fund to the Town of Milton for repairs at its wastewater pump station. The funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and become effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Town of Milton by providing targeted financial support for critical infrastructure maintenance at a specific facility. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation.
