Governor Stein takes action on two bills

Today Governor Stein signed two bills into law.

Governor Stein made the following statement on signing Senate Bill 889:  

“The cost of living is too high. This law provides tax relief for North Carolinians who are feeling pain in their pocketbooks. But the law helps residents in only a few counties, and it is not our most effective method of lowering costs. We must make life more affordable, which is why I’m pushing to cut taxes for working and middle class families and lower housing, electricity, child care, and health care costs.

“I am concerned about this law’s impact on Hurricane Helene recovery in Buncombe County. Senate Bill 474 would shield Buncombe County and other jurisdictions recovering from the storm, and I urge the Senate to pass it.”

Governor Stein made the following statement on signing House Bill 1123:  

“This bill will help meet the capital needs of institutions in the University of North Carolina system.”

Senate Bill 889 covers 8 specific North Carolina counties that had property reappraisals take effect on January 1, 2026, and have populations of 15,000 or more.

Scotland

Anson

Bladen

Buncombe

Davidson

Guilford

Harnett

Onslow

Pender

The law temporarily pauses these counties from applying their newest 2026 property reappraisals to local property tax bills, requiring them to use older values for one year.

With the signing of House Bill 1123, the governor has sanctioned the appropriation of funds designated for capital improvements within the University of North Carolina System. Although the bill does not impose direct obligations on county governments, it may produce advantages for local residents and students through enhancements at neighboring UNC System institutions, such as the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and other campuses catering to the Sandhills region. Allocating resources to university facilities can concurrently advance workforce preparation and stimulate economic expansion within the region.

In summation, House Bill 1123 may ultimately have a more far-reaching and enduring effect on individuals residing in Moore, Lee, and Harnett counties due to its provisions for higher education funding, whereas Senate Bill 889’s immediate impacts are forecast to be predominantly felt elsewhere within the state.

Read Tidal wave: Harnett County rides out Senate bills, delays budget vote, tax increases hit to understand the challenges imposed by higher authorities.

June 19, 2026

Provided.