Phil Berger

The North Carolina legislature has unfinished business after delayed budget discussions, with key issues including election law changes, hemp regulations, and constitutional amendments. They will return on July 27 to address bills like House Bill 958 on election reforms and House Bill 328 on hemp restrictions, which face differing views between the House and Senate.

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.

North Carolina lawmakers passed a $34 billion state budget after a yearlong delay, including raises for state employees, teachers, and law enforcement, along with income tax reductions. The Republican-controlled General Assembly approved the budget on July 2, sending it to Gov. Josh Stein for final approval.

North Carolina's $34 billion budget passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and moves to Gov. Josh Stein for approval. The budget includes a 23% tax on sports betting revenue and a 6% tax on prediction market trading sites, drawing criticism for potential revenue loss to UNC schools. Legislative delays caused a year-long gap in passing a comprehensive budget.

North Carolina lawmakers begin voting on a $34 billion state budget plan that includes pay raises for state employees, teachers, and law enforcement, income tax cuts over the next decade, and funding for Hurricane Helene relief. The budget, negotiated by Republican leaders, also addresses repayment for Charlotte's I-77 expansion project and is expected to be finalized by Friday.

North Carolina's $34 billion budget includes cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, Medicaid funding, and provisions for state employee raises. The budget process bypasses committee hearings, allowing only floor votes, drawing criticism for limited public input. Key changes include eliminating the Office of Health Equity and the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses.

The North Carolina Senate held a ceremonial session at the historic state capitol building to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Senators highlighted the state’s role in the Declaration of Independence, the Halifax Resolves, and contributions of North Carolinians, including women and people of color, to the American Revolution. The event acknowledged both historical achievements and ongoing challenges in achieving equality.

North Carolina legislators are working to resolve differences between the House and Senate on a state budget, with leaders expressing cautious optimism about finalizing an agreement by the end of June. Discussions include provisions for state employee and teacher raises, tax cuts, and Hurricane Helene relief, though state agencies did not receive all requested funding.

The North Carolina House Election Law Committee advanced a sweeping elections bill with provisions expanding voter challenge windows, granting new powers to the state Auditor, and increasing secrecy in legal hiring by the elections board. Critics, including Democrats, argued the bill creates obstacles for eligible voters, while Republican sponsors claimed it aims to improve election integrity. The bill faces uncertainty in the Senate, where leaders have not yet reviewed its details.

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.

NC Republican leaders have delayed the state budget's expected release from mid-June to possibly the end of June. Despite a May framework agreement addressing tax policy and salary increases, no bill text has been released, with delays linked to disagreements over property tax measures and local budget concerns ahead of the June 30 deadline.

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.

North Carolina lawmakers face uncertainty over meeting a mid-June budget deadline, with Gov. Josh Stein expressing cautious optimism. A proposed deal includes raises for teachers, state workers, and law enforcement, but details remain unfinalized. Stein also emphasized the need for additional Hurricane Helene relief funding for western North Carolina.

Republican North Carolina senators proposed a bill to reduce the early voting period from 17 days to 10 days by moving its start date. The bill, Senate Bill 1084, is sponsored by Warren Daniel, Brad Overcash, and Mark Hollo. The legislation echoes a 2013 law that limited early voting to 10 days, which was later struck down for disproportionately affecting African American voters.

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.