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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill provides North Carolina state employees, public school employees, and community college employees with paid bereavement leave of up to 40 hours when an immediate family member dies and up to 8 hours when a colleague dies. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund this benefit, effective July 1, 2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill helps state employees manage the practical and emotional demands of bereavement without sacrificing their paychecks.
• •They contend that paid bereavement leave is a standard employee benefit that recognizes the reality that employees need time to handle funeral arrangements, travel, and grieve without financial hardship.
• •Advocates also note the broad definition of immediate family members (including step-, adoptive, and in-law relationships) ensures equitable treatment for diverse family structures.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the $2 million appropriation adds to state spending during budget constraints and that the unlimited number of uses (for immediate family members) could create potential for abuse.
• •Some may also question whether 40 hours is excessive compared to private sector standards, or whether employees should use existing sick leave for bereavement purposes rather than creating a separate paid leave category with no cash value upon termination.