Today's NC Political News briefs
North Carolina lawmakers continued work this week on election law, public safety, water infrastructure and state employee legislation as the General Assembly moved bills through final votes, enrollment and presentation to the governor. State agencies also released oversight and enforcement updates involving transportation spending and amusement ride safety.
The North Carolina General Assembly was scheduled to return Thursday, June 25, with the Senate convening at 10 a.m. and the House convening at 10:30 a.m., according to the legislative calendar. The House calendar listed Senate Bill 50, “Freedom to Carry NC,” under unfinished business for reconsideration of a vetoed bill. The Senate calendar listed routine business including ratification of bills ordered enrolled, committee reports, messages from the House and veto messages from the governor.
Source URLs:
https://www.ncleg.gov/legislativecalendar/
https://calendars.ncleg.gov/CurrentCalendarDoc/H
https://calendars.ncleg.gov/CurrentCalendarDoc/S
House Bill 958, titled “Election Law Changes,” was placed on the House calendar for June 30 after action June 24. The bill page lists election-related topics including campaign finance, voter registration, election boards, absentee ballots, primaries, political parties, reporting and artificial intelligence. The General Assembly’s main page also lists a request for public comment on a proposed committee substitute for the bill.
Source URLs:
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H958
https://www.ncleg.gov/
House Bill 376, titled “Water/Wastewater Affordability & Capacity Act,” was ordered enrolled June 24 after the House concurred in the Senate committee substitute by a 77-40 vote. The bill page lists topics including water and sewer systems, wells, public health, local government, inspections, licensing and drinking water well issues.
Source URL:
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H376
House Bill 83, titled “Revise Laws on Minors/Human Trafficking,” was presented to the governor June 25 after being ratified June 24. The House previously concurred in the Senate committee substitute by a 106-3 vote. The bill page lists topics including minors, human trafficking, sex offenses, crimes, criminal procedure, adult correction, records and transportation.
Source URL:
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H83
House Bill 481, titled “Pay Exceptions/Special Separation Allowance,” was presented to the governor June 25 after being ratified June 24. The House concurred in the Senate committee substitute by a 112-0 vote on June 23. The bill page lists topics including law enforcement officers, state employees, salaries and benefits, retirement, emergency services, teachers, public employment and criminal records.
Source URL:
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H481
The Office of the State Auditor released a rapid response special report June 22 on the Mid-Currituck Bridge project, saying the proposed seven-mile bridge has been in planning since 1995 and that $61 million has been spent without a construction contract, baseline budget or schedule. The Auditor’s Office said the projected cost has increased from $490 million at the time of federal approval in 2019 to $1.2 billion, with a remaining funding shortfall estimated at $702 million to $832 million.
Source URL:
https://www.auditor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/22/30-years-and-61-million-later-no-bridge-sight-mid-currituck-bridge-project
The N.C. Department of Labor issued a serious violation and assessed $37,500 in penalties against Harlan Blast/Hildebrand Amusements after an amusement ride incident at Carolina Beach. The department said its investigation found a lap restraint came loose while the ride was operating, and inspectors determined the likely cause was operator error rather than a mechanical defect. The penalties were announced June 22.
Source URL:
https://www.labor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/22/commissioner-luke-farley-and-nc-department-labor-issue-serious-violation-following-amusement-ride
