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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates approximately $371 million to improve public safety operations across North Carolina by: equipping public transit with emergency trauma kits and implementing fare enforcement measures ($10 million); hiring additional court staff in Wake and Mecklenburg counties ($60 million); providing salary increases for Department of Adult Correction employees ($250 million); raising State Highway Patrol pay ($40 million); funding juvenile justice staffing ($25 million); supporting the State Crime Lab ($4 million); and enhancing retirement benefits for correctional officers ($11 million).

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses critical workforce shortages in law enforcement, corrections, and courts that have compromised public safety.
• •By investing in competitive salaries and staffing, the state can attract and retain qualified personnel, reduce dangerous understaffing in correctional facilities, speed up court case processing, and improve response times.
• •The bill also enhances emergency capabilities on public transit and provides much-needed support to juvenile justice and forensic services, all of which supporters contend will strengthen accountability and reduce crime.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill represents a significant recurring spending commitment ($371 million annually) during uncertain fiscal times, potentially limiting flexibility for other state priorities.
• •Some question whether salary increases alone solve systemic problems without broader reforms, and whether the fairness of focused investments in only two counties for court staffing.
• •Others may express concerns about the public transit fare enforcement provisions, questioning whether stricter enforcement disproportionately affects lower-income riders or whether it diverts resources from service improvements.