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HB 282

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, further providing for persons eligible for medical assistance.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Briggs and 22 co-sponsors

HB 282 lets NCDOT fund independent bicycle and pedestrian projects with STI dollars, expanding flexibility for non-motorized transportation funding.

Referred to Health & Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 282

HB 282 — Strategic Transportation Investments Act (STI) Funding / Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements

Status: Passed 1st Reading (NC General Assembly)
Subject: Transportation funding; bicycles; pedestrian infrastructure; state statutes (G.S. 136‑189.10 and G.S. 136‑189.11)
Effective date: Upon enactment (this bill becomes effective when it becomes law)

Main purpose

HB 282 amends North Carolina’s STI-related statutes to authorize the use of Strategic Transportation Investments (STI)‑related funding for independent bicycle and pedestrian projects. It removes a statutory prohibition and gives the Department of Transportation greater discretionary authority to financially support bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects that are federally or locally funded.

Key provisions (by statutory change)

  • Amends G.S. 136‑189.10(2)g:

    • Clarifies that the STI program includes “federal and local government funded independent bicycle and pedestrian improvements.”

  • Amends G.S. 136‑189.11(d)(3)c (the “bicycle and pedestrian limitation”):

    • Changes the prior prohibition language so the Department “may” (rather than “shall not”) provide financial support for federally and locally funded independent bicycle and pedestrian projects.
    • Preserves an exception allowing municipalities to use locally allocated funds (G.S. 136‑41.1) as matching funds for federal projects administered by the Department.
    • Maintains that the limitation does not apply to projects already authorized in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that were scheduled for construction as of specified prior fiscal years (text references projects scheduled as of October 1, 2013, and state fiscal years 2012–13 through 2014–15).

  • Effective date: the act becomes effective when enacted.

Who is affected

  • North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT): gains discretionary authority to financially support independent bike/ped projects and may update policies and project programming accordingly.
  • Municipalities, counties, and local governments: increased opportunity to secure STI‑related support for standalone bicycle and pedestrian projects, including use of locally allocated funds as federal matches.
  • Residents and road users: potential increase in funding and construction of bicycle lanes, sidewalks, multi‑use paths, and other pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure.
  • Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and project sponsors: may see expanded eligibility and funding pathways when programming projects under STI.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Funding flexibility: HB 282 removes a statutory barrier and broadens NCDOT’s ability to invest STI funding in independent bike/ped projects, potentially accelerating non‑motorized infrastructure development.
  • Tradeoffs: Expanded eligibility could lead to shifts in how limited STI dollars are allocated among highways, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian projects; actual impact depends on future NCDOT programming decisions and budget allocations.
  • No specific appropriation: The bill does not appropriate new funds; fiscal effects depend on reprogramming or future budget decisions by NCDOT and the General Assembly.
  • Administrative: NCDOT may need to revise programming guidance, STIP entries, and grant/contracting practices to implement the statutory change.

Bottom line

HB 282 removes a statutory prohibition and authorizes NCDOT to provide STI‑related financial support to federally and locally funded independent bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects, increasing the state’s flexibility to fund non‑motorized transportation infrastructure while leaving funding levels and priorities to future programming and budget decisions.

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

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