Sen. Jackson introduces 2026-27 state budget proposal in North Carolina Senate

State Sen. Brent Jackson has submitted a new proposal in the North Carolina Senate intended to determine appropriations and set state expenditures for the next fiscal year, the North Carolina State Senate reported.

The measure, designated as SB 916 and introduced April 29 in the 2025 regular session, carries the short title: ‘2026 Appropriations Act.’

Our summary below reviews the bill text directly, offering clarifications for better understanding of its contents.

Fundamentally, the bill establishes the “Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026,” which allocates base budget funding from the General Fund, State Highway Fund, and State Highway Trust Fund to state agencies, departments, and institutions for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It also approves use of federal block grants for programs involving health and human services as well as natural and economic resources. Furthermore, it reenacts the State Budget Act, stipulates unspent appropriations must return to their designated funds, restricts most provisions to the 2026-27 fiscal year, includes a severability provision, and becomes effective July 1, 2026, unless otherwise detailed.

Among the bill’s three sponsors, Ralph Hise introduced the greatest number of bills—47—during the 2025 regular session.

North Carolina’s legislative process for bills follows a multi-step sequence. Legislation is first filed by a lawmaker, then reviewed in committee. Each chamber must read a bill three times. If amendments are made after passage in one chamber, both must ultimately agree. The governor then has 10 days (or 30 if the assembly is not in session) to sign, veto, or allow it to take effect without a signature after legislative approval.

Further details on these and other legislative actions can be found here.

Jackson, a Republican, was elected in 2023 to represent North Carolina’s 9th Senate district, succeeding former state senator Michael Lee.