Today’s NC Political News briefs
Today’s briefs include a SUN Bucks budget item, a water contamination injunction, a drug price-fixing settlement and a public safety bill conference committee.
North Carolina political and government developments this week include state budget implementation, environmental enforcement, consumer protection litigation and a public safety bill moving to conference.
State budget funds SUN Bucks for summer 2027
Gov. Josh Stein highlighted state budget funding for the SUN Bucks program during a Thursday visit to the Durham Farmers’ Market. The governor’s office said the budget includes state funding to operate SUN Bucks in summer 2027 after private philanthropy helped cover the state share for summer 2026. The program provides eligible families a one-time $120 payment per child for food during the summer.
Attorney general secures injunction in Durham water contamination case
Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s office said Brenntag Mid-South agreed to a preliminary injunction requiring immediate steps to stop contaminated water discharges from its Durham facility and pay for warning signs along Third Fork Creek. The Department of Justice said the injunction follows a lawsuit brought on behalf of DEQ over alleged violations of state water quality laws.
Jackson joins $400 million generic drug settlement in principle
Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a bipartisan group of attorneys general reached a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz Inc. over generic drug price-fixing claims. Jackson’s office said the settlement resolves allegations that Sandoz worked with competitors to raise prices and limit competition on generic prescription drugs.
Public safety bill goes to conference committee
House Bill 308, titled “The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act,” had a conference committee appointed Thursday, according to the North Carolina General Assembly bill record. The bill page lists a wide range of subjects including law enforcement, courts, crimes, criminal procedure, sheriffs, jails, sentencing, victims’ rights, domestic violence, juvenile institutions and public safety.
