WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 940

2026 Appropriations Act.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Amy Galey and 3 co-sponsors

Authorizes the 2026-2027 base operating budgets for state agencies, NCDOT maintenance, and federal block grants under the State Budget Act framework.

Passed 1st Reading
#appropriations;blankbill;budgeting;public
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 940

Summary of SB 940 (2025 Session) – 2026 Appropriations Act (North Carolina)

Overview

  • Bill Title: 2026 Appropriations Act
  • Short Title: Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026
  • Purpose: To authorize base budget appropriations for current operations of state agencies, departments, and institutions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, in line with the State Budget Act.
  • Sponsor(s): Senators Hise (primary), Jackson, and Lee; co-sponsors Michael Lee and Ralph Hise listed
  • Filed: April 29, 2026
  • Effective Date: Generally July 1, 2026, unless otherwise specified

What the Bill Does (Key Provisions)

Part II – General Fund

  • Section 2: Authorizes general fund appropriations for the budgets of state departments, institutions, and agencies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, aligned with the act’s realignment of resources and aims, consistent with the State Budget Act.

Part III – Highway Fund

  • Section 3.1: Authorizes Highway Fund appropriations for the maintenance and operation of the Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and related purposes for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Section 3.2: Authorizes Highway Trust Fund appropriations for the maintenance and operation of the Department of Transportation and related purposes for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Part IV – Block Grants

  • Section 4.1 (DHHS Block Grants): Authorizes federal block grant appropriations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and related programs.
  • Section 4.2 (NER Block Grants): Authorizes federal block grant appropriations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering non-DHHS federal block grant programs.

Administrative and Legal Provisions

  • Part V – Miscellaneous

    • State Budget Act Applies (Section 5.1): Reenacts the State Budget Act (Chapter 143C) and incorporates it by reference into this act. Purpose: Ensures the 2026-2027 appropriations operate within the statutory framework of the state budgeting act.

  • Textual Scope (Section 5.2):

    • The document’s provisions (unless clearly indicated otherwise) apply only to funds and activities occurring during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
    • This helps limit the act’s effects to the specified biennium, with potential future changes required for subsequent years.

  • Effective Date (Section 5.5):

    • Generally becomes effective July 1, 2026, subject to any exceptions stated within the act.

  • Headings and Severability (Sections 5.3–5.4):

    • Headings are for convenience and do not expand or limit the text.
    • If any provision is unconstitutional, the rest of the act remains in effect.

Who Is Affected

  • State Agencies and Departments: General Fund allocations for ongoing operations.
  • Department of Transportation (NCDOT): Funding for highway maintenance/operation and related purposes from both the Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund.
  • DHHS and Related Programs: Federal block grant funding for the 2026-2027 year.
  • State Government Budget Process: Reaffirms adherence to the State Budget Act, influencing budgeting methodologies and savings provisions.

Notable Features

  • Focuses on base budget appropriations for current operations (no explicit new programs or expansions detailed in the text provided).
  • Includes both state (General Fund) and transportation-specific (Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund) budgeting.
  • Incorporates federal block grants, indicating reliance on federal funds for certain programs.
  • Savings provisions exist in the introductory sections, with unneeded funds to revert to the appropriate fund at year-end unless otherwise directed.

Timeline

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026
  • Fiscal Years Covered: 2026-2027 biennium

This summary presents the bill’s core intent, major funding streams, targeted agencies, and the procedural framework that governs its application during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. If you’d like, I can add a comparison with prior year appropriations or outline potential fiscal impacts for specific agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.