North Carolina Senate

The North Carolina Senate approved House Bill 328, which would ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products to individuals under 21 if enacted, potentially impacting the state's billion-dollar hemp industry.

North Carolina Senate approved House Bill 328 to ban most cannabis products with over 0.4 milligrams of THC, prohibiting sales to those under 21 and banning xylazine and synthetic kratom. The bipartisan 43-6 vote follows concerns over rising emergency room visits linked to cannabis use among minors and unsafe hemp derivatives.

The North Carolina Senate approved a bill to regulate cryptocurrency ATMs, reducing transaction fee caps from 14% to 12%. The bill, House Bill 920, faces debate over its effectiveness in curbing scams linked to the kiosks, with some lawmakers advocating for a ban instead. AARP reported $389 million in losses from crypto ATM scams in 2025, primarily affecting adults 60 and older.

North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh as votes on the state budget, which includes income tax reductions and raises for teachers and state employees, approach. The last budget was passed in 2023, and the new one is set to take effect July 1.

The North Carolina House voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of an immigration bill (Senate Bill 153) and several Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) bills. The immigration bill mandates state law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, restricts certain public benefits for undocumented immigrants, and prohibits UNC institutions from becoming sanctuary campuses. Gov. Stein criticized the legislature for prioritizing divisive issues over passing a budget.

The North Carolina Senate approved House Bill 437, requiring local governments to regulate homeless encampments and establish drug-free zones in shelters. The bill, passed along party lines, mandates that unauthorized camping in public spaces be prohibited and includes provisions for complaint processes, though critics argue it criminalizes homelessness. An amendment to fund drug education was tabled.

Eddie Knox, who served as mayor of Charlotte from 1979 to 1983, died at 89. He founded the Knox Law Center and previously served in the North Carolina Senate. His successor as Charlotte mayor was Harvey Gantt in 1984.

The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 595, which shifts enforcement of vapor product regulations to Alcohol Law Enforcement, requires licenses for alternative nicotine product retailers, and modifies research and development tax deductions. The bill, supported by all present Republicans and opposed by Democrats, includes provisions for financial exploitation prevention and hurricane-related tax credits but faces criticism for potentially discouraging innovation by spreading R&D deductions over five years.

The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill to strengthen child welfare laws, creating a Child Care Escalation Team to address severe cases. The legislation, named the Dominique Moody Act, follows the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody, who was found with severe injuries, and three women are charged with her murder.

The North Carolina House seeks to legalize happy hour promotions and expand availability of canned cocktails, while the Senate advances a more limited alcohol reform bill. The Senate's version excludes major House-backed reforms and focuses on technical corrections and infrastructure, such as a $310 million loan for a new ABC warehouse.

North Carolina's Senate passed a bill banning children under 14 from creating accounts on social media platforms deemed 'addictive,' requiring parental consent for 14-15-year-olds and setting criteria for addiction based on user behavior and app features. The bill also mandates AI literacy standards in schools and prohibits the sale of child users' data, returning to the House for final approval.

North Carolina Senate overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto to enact a federal tax-credit scholarship program, marking the ninth veto override in Stein’s first term. The law allows donors to deduct up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the override.

A North Carolina Senate education bill proposes $10 million in recurring state funding for Khan Academy's AI tutoring tool, Khanmigo, without a competitive bidding process. Khan Academy's founder admitted the tool has not met classroom expectations, with limited student engagement. The bill also includes provisions for teacher apprenticeships, financial oversight, and chronic absenteeism reporting.

The North Carolina Senate approved a constitutional amendment to limit local property tax increases, sending it to the November ballot. The amendment, supported by all 30 Senate Republicans and Sen. Dan Blue (D-Wake), follows a House vote. The Senate also added a 'right to work' amendment to the ballot, which the House has not yet addressed.

Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 11 points in the North Carolina Senate race, with nearly half of likely voters backing Cooper. The poll was conducted by The Carolina Journal/Harper Polling and surveyed 600 likely voters. Cooper is the former governor of North Carolina.

Republican Phil Berger, a Trump-endorsed North Carolina Senate leader, lost his primary election by 23 votes to Sheriff Sam Page. The close race highlights a rare setback for Trump's endorsement in a Republican-leaning district, creating a power vacuum in state politics.