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SB 916

2026 Appropriations Act.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Amy Galey and 5 co-sponsors

Provides base operating funding for NC state agencies for 2026-2027, with savings reverting to funds each year and DOT operations funded from General, Highway, and federal grant so

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 916

Summary of SB 916 (Session 2025) – 2026 Appropriations Act (North Carolina)

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions of the bill as filed. It addresses purpose, key provisions, affected entities, and timeline.

Purpose and Intent

  • SB 916 is titled the “Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026.”
  • Its primary function is to provide 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.
  • The act emphasizes efficiency by allowing savings to revert to the appropriate funds if the full appropriations are not needed, with savings reverting at the end of each fiscal year unless otherwise provided by law.

Key Provisions and Changes

General Framework

  • The act appropriates funds from multiple fiscal appropriations categories for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (i.e., 12 months starting July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027).
  • It is organized into several parts, each addressing different funding sources and purposes:
    • Part II: General Fund – Base appropriations for state departments, institutions, agencies, and other purposes.
    • Part III: Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund – Current operations and expansion for the Department of Transportation and related purposes.
    • Part IV: Block Grants – Appropriations from federal block grant funds (two subsections:
    • DHHS Block Grants
    • NER Block Grants)
  • Part V provides miscellaneous provisions related to administration and applicability.

Funds and Accounts Covered

  • General Fund: Primary operating budget for most non-transportation state agencies and purposes.
  • Highway Fund: Operations and maintenance for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and related items.
  • Highway Trust Fund: Similar to the Highway Fund, specifically for the DOT’s maintenance and operation and other enumerated purposes.
  • Federal Block Grants: Funding sourced from federal grants for designated programs (DHHS and NER blocks).

Budgetary Timing and Applicability

  • Effective period: The textual provisions apply primarily to the 2026-2027 fiscal year (biennium), with the default presumption that funds and activities covered are for that period unless the text clearly indicates longer-term effects.
  • The bill states that the provisions of the State Budget Act (Chapter 143C) remain in full force and effect and are incorporated by reference.

Savings and Reversion

  • Any savings identified within the appropriations shall revert to the appropriate fund at the end of each fiscal year, unless otherwise provided by law.

Miscellaneous

  • Severability: If any portion is declared unconstitutional, the rest of the act remains in effect.
  • Effective Date: Generally July 1, 2026, unless otherwise specified.

Who Is Affected

  • State agencies, departments, and institutions receiving General Fund appropriations.
  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) and related highway programs (via Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund).
  • Recipients of federal block grants (DHHS and NER) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • State budgeting and finance offices implementing the appropriations and savings provisions.

Timeline and Key Dates

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (subject to any specific provisions stated within the act).
  • Fiscal year coverage: 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

Notes

  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated structure as filed. If amended, the specific dollar amounts, program details, and any special provisions (e.g., expansions, program-specific directives) may change.

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

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