NC Legislative Update – June 2026
End of Fiscal Year Approaching
Short session, which began in late April, should culminate and end with biennial budget adjustments occuring by June 30– the end of the fiscal year. That doesn’t always happen and the current budget process underway will likely extend into early to mid-July. Republicans have not passed a budget since 2023 and this has been used to lodge heavy criticism their way in the media and back in their districts.
Budget Timing
We do anticipate a budget to drop within the next week, as Senate committees are purportedly shutting down this week in anticipation of a taking July 4th holiday break (something a lobbyist never likes to report to a client). The Senate likely hopes to finish passing the budget prior to July 4, while the House may need to come back after July 4 for pending veto overrides and passing the yet-to-be-seen budget. Members of both chambers need to adjourn to get back and campaign in their districts in anticipation of the November General Election in a Trump midterm.
$65 Million Primarily for Infrastructure Repair/Improvements
Of interest to our members, Senator Lazzara, Senate Transportation Chair, verified that $65M will be in the budget for infrastructure and substantial bridge work and repair. NC DOT has received in excess of $144B in requests from local governments– a far cry from the roughly $5B available for road and maintenance projects each year.
As a result of the perpetual funding gap, the House recently passed the NCDOT STI Study Recommendation Bill, HB 1099. If the bill is taken up and passed by the Senate before adjournment, NCDOT would need to study project delivery and performance under STI laws and make recommendations to the NC General Assembly on or before November 1, 2026.
FUTURE NC Infrastructure Act
Senate Leaders are also moving SB 1010 in the Senate Transportation Committee tomorrow entitled FUTURE NC Infrastructure Act. A copy of this bill is linked here and would establish a statewide infrastructure plan.
