Lawmakers in the North Carolina House and Senate remain at a standstill over the state budget. The House is pushing for increases in teacher and state employee pay beyond last year’s levels, funded in part by drawing from reserve funds. The Senate, however, prefers a leaner approach – limiting the use of reserves and instead accelerating and expanding tax cuts. Unfortunately, budget negotiations have reached an impasse. When talks become this intense, unrelated yet important legislation often gets held hostage until one side concedes. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. Lawmakers now suggest the legislature will likely adjourn at the end of June and possibly reconvene later in the year, perhaps in August or September, to revisit the budget. As a result, many significant bills may not be addressed in the current session. However, at least three measures of particular interest to Christians did move this week.
House Bill 805 Hits Pause in Senate Committee Amid Debate Over Amendments
House Bill 805 – Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors, originally passed unanimously in the House, was designed to combat human trafficking and provide victims, especially women and minors, with a legal path to remove nonconsensual sexual content from the internet. However, when the bill was heard Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee, it faced significant controversy after Sen. Buck Newton (R-Wilson) introduced a new version (a “proposed committee substitute”) that included language defining sex as strictly male or female, limited gender-affirming surgeries in prisons, and mandated that amended birth certificates preserve the original designation.
While these additions may seem simple and common sense, they ignited intense debate. Democratic senators and civil rights advocates contended that the new language politicized what had been a bipartisan effort and diverted attention from the bill’s original purpose of assisting victims of sexual exploitation. The committee did not vote on the bill, which has been temporarily set aside while lawmakers work on clarifying the language. It’s expected to return to the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.
Permitless Concealed Carry Clears General Assembly
The North Carolina House passed Senate Bill 50 – Freedom to Carry NC, by a vote of 59–48. The Senate had already passed the measure by a 28-18 margin. The legislation has now been sent to Governor Josh Stein, who has signaled he will likely veto it.
The bill would eliminate the permit requirement for U.S. citizens 18 and older to carry a concealed firearm, making North Carolina the 30th state to allow “constitutional carry.” While Republican leaders support the bill, it sparked heated debate. Several Republicans opposed it, and Democrats raised concerns about public safety, citing increased risks to communities and law enforcement. Democratic lawmakers shared emotional testimony against the bill, while some Republicans defended it as a protection of Second Amendment rights.
Importantly, this measure does not affect House Bill 193 – Firearm Law Revisions – or its companion, Senate Bill 280 – Private School Security Act. These bills, which are priority legislation for Return America, would allow private and Christian schools to authorize select staff or volunteers with concealed handgun permits – subject to thorough vetting and training – to carry firearms on school grounds. The goal is to enhance school security and provide greater protection for students. HB 193 currently resides in the Senate Rules Committee, while SB 280 is in the House Rules Committee.
Return America supporters are strongly urged to contact their representatives in the House and Senate and ask them to pass this critical legislation before lawmakers adjourn in June. If you don’t know who represents you in the House and Senate, go to this link and follow the prompts.
From Control to Deregulation: North Carolina’s Changing Alcohol Policies
Section 2 of Senate Bill 664 – JMAC Flexibility/ABC Law Revisions is another example of North Carolina’s ongoing shift from alcohol control to alcohol expansion. By allowing wineries and distilleries to share facilities under “alternating proprietorship” agreements — a practice already permitted for breweries — this provision would increase alcohol production, availability, and marketing. It also complicates enforcement and oversight, making it harder for regulators to ensure compliance and protect public health. Though framed as modernization, it’s part of a broader pattern of deregulation that prioritizes industry convenience over community well-being.
Alcohol policy changes in recent years reflect this trend:
- Expanded Direct Shipping: Wineries and breweries can now ship directly to consumers.
- Cocktails-to-Go: Bars and restaurants may sell mixed drinks for off-site consumption.
- Increased Producer Rights: Small distilleries and breweries can sell directly to customers without going through wholesalers.
- Sunday Sales Expansion: Localities can permit earlier alcohol sales on Sundays via the “Brunch Bill.”
- Festival Sales: Producers can now sell directly to customers at festivals and events.
- Removal of Buy Limits: Purchase limits on spirits at distilleries have been lifted.
Each of these changes may seem minor in isolation, but together, they reflect a steady erosion of public safeguards. Section 2 of SB 664 continues this trend and should be removed in the interest of public health and safety. The bill is now headed to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Conclusion
While budget negotiations remain at a stalemate, this week’s legislative activity highlights both the promise and peril of the General Assembly’s final stretch. Measures like House Bill 805, Senate Bill 50, and SB 664 reflect the moral and cultural crossroads facing North Carolina – where efforts to protect the vulnerable, uphold constitutional freedoms, and preserve public health intersect with deeply divisive politics. As lawmakers rush toward adjournment, it’s crucial for concerned citizens – especially Christians – to remain engaged, informed, and prayerful. Much is at stake, and the window for action is closing fast.
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Remember the words of Scripture: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Let’s put our faith into action by staying informed, speaking up, and standing together for truth.
