Sen. Jackson files appropriations bill in North Carolina Senate

A new bill filed by State Sen. Brent Jackson in the North Carolina Senate seeks to allocate funding for various state agencies and departments for the upcoming fiscal biennium, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 263 on March 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘2025 Appropriations Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill, titled the “Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2025,” outlines the appropriations for state agencies, departments, and institutions for the fiscal biennium 2025-27. It includes allocations from the General Fund and the State Highway Fund for the operation and maintenance of the Department of Transportation. Additionally, appropriations from federal block grants are designated for use by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill incorporates the provisions of the State Budget Act and stipulates that its text applies primarily to the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. It includes a severability clause ensuring the remaining provisions remain valid if any part is ruled unconstitutional. The act takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Ralph Hise proposed the most bills (17) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Jackson, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 9th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Michael Lee.