North Carolina lawmakers would have pay held over budget delays

The legislative payroll controller would hold lawmakers’ pay and allowances in a separate account for later release. The rule would cover every North Carolina General Assembly member and all pay and allowances they earn or become entitled to receive. The money would be released when both chambers’ presiding officers formally approve the 2026–2027 budget or the 2025 General Assembly session permanently ends, whichever happens first. If both chambers’ presiding officers have not formally approved the 2026–2027 state budget by midnight on June 30, 2026, the rule would cover pay and allowances earned or becoming due on or after July 1, 2026. The bill would take effect upon becoming law.

The state would set aside $10,000 from the General Fund for the General Assembly to carry out the pay-holding rule. The General Assembly would receive this one-time funding. The money would pay for costs of carrying out the bill. The funding would be for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The bill would take effect upon becoming law.