North Carolina lawmakers will return to Raleigh on Monday to resume the 2025 regular session, with possible technical corrections, pending legislation, and other authorized business.
Although the resolution Joint Chamber 1244 It states that both the House of Representatives and the Senate must reconvene on Monday, July 27; however, there is uncertainty about the level of legislative activity that each chamber will have during the week.
The resolution states that both chambers are authorized to meet and defines the matters they may consider, but does not require legislators to take votes on those issues.
Some lawmakers have indicated that the Senate could return with scheduled activity, while the House of Representatives might have a more limited agenda or hold only a brief session.
So far, the calendar official It shows that both chambers are scheduled to meet at noon on Monday.
The meetings may be mostly procedural as legislative leaders assess whether there is a need to vote on pending matters.
Possible budget adjustments
Although the legislators already They approved the state budget.The resolution allows for the consideration of bills that directly affect the state budget.
That authorization could allow the General Assembly Address technical corrections, adjustments necessary to implement the budget, or other changes related to the approved spending plan.
The resolution also allows for consideration of certain bills related to fees for state agencies or local governments.
The governor's vetoes remain on the table.
The General Assembly may also consider bills that have been vetoed by Governor Josh Stein.
One of those projects is HB 437, known as “Drug-Free Zones/Unauthorized Public Camping”, which seeks establish restrictions on unauthorized camps in public property and was returned by the governor with his veto.
Another example is SB 50, known as “Freedom to Carry NC”, a measure that would have eliminated certain requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit and reduced the minimum age for carrying a concealed weapon. Stein vetoed the proposal arguing public safety concerns.
Overriding a veto requires the support of three-fifths of the members present and voting in both chambers.
The possibility of an annulment will depend on whether the Republican majority has the support of the minority or the now non-affiliated representatives for the necessary votes.
Pending legislation can move forward
The resolution allows lawmakers to resume bills that were already progressing before the recess.
This includes measures passed by one chamber but pending in the other, as well as conference committee reports negotiated between the House of Representatives and the Senate. They may also consider bills returned to their originating chamber for final approval.
One of the projects on the table that has generated attention is HB 958, known as “Election Law Changes,” a broad measure which proposes changes to the electoral rules of the state.
The project includes several modifications to the electoral process and has been the subject of debate between Republicans and Democrats due to its potential effects on election administration.
Another possible topic is the regulation of hemp-derived products.
Among the measures under consideration is HB 328, “Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables,” which seeks to regulate these products, including restrictions related to their sale and consumption. Also included is SB 59, “Age 21 Hemp-Derived Consumables/Kratom,” which proposes prohibiting the possession or sale of hemp-derived and kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age.
The future of these proposals will depend on whether legislative leaders decide to include them on the agenda and whether they have enough support to move forward before the session ends.
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Other issues that legislators may consider
The session on July 27 also allows for action on several additional categories of legislation, including:
- Amendments to the state Constitution.
- Electoral legislation, including matters related to congressional districts, state legislatures, judiciaries, and local governments.
- Local bills.
- Legislation related to state and local pension or retirement systems.
- Appointments and confirmations required by law.
- Governor's nominations and appointments.
- Projects related to lawsuits that question the legality of laws passed by the General Assembly.
- Measures to reject administrative rules.
Lawmakers may also consider recommendations from study commissions, ethics committees, and other groups authorized by the General Assembly.
The session remains open
Monday's return does not represent a new legislative session.
The General Assembly continues in its regular session of 2025, which has been extended into 2026 while lawmakers work on pending matters.
Once they complete their remaining work, the legislators may pass another suspension resolution or formally end the session by adjourning it indefinitely.
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