North Carolina bill proposes escrowing lawmakers’ salaries if budget approval is delayed

A measure introduced by State Sen. Woodson Bradley aims to ensure timely approval of the state budget by escrowing legislators’ pay during budget delays, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

Filed as SB 806 on April 21 during the 2025 regular session, the legislation carries the short title: ‘No Budget, No Pay Act.’

Our summary below reflects the content of the bill text and may provide explanation for clarity regarding specific elements.

Under this proposed act, starting July 1, 2026, the pay and allowances of all members of the North Carolina General Assembly would be placed in escrow if a current operations budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year is not ratified by midnight June 30, 2026. Escrowed funds are to be released when either a budget is approved or when the 2025 General Assembly adjourns sine die. A nonrecurring $10,000 appropriation from the General Fund is designated for implementing the act. Lawmakers would be urged to approve the state budget on time under these terms. The measure would become effective upon becoming law.

Among the bill’s three sponsors, Bradley introduced the most legislation during the 2025 regular session, with a total of 76 bills.

Introduced legislation in North Carolina undergoes a multi-step process before it becomes law. A legislator begins by filing a bill, which is then referred to a committee for consideration. The proposal must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber modifies the bill after passage by the other, both chambers must agree on a unified version. Once approved by both, the bill is sent to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 days if the legislature is adjourned) to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without a signature.

Bradley earned a bachelor’s degree from Hollins University in 1995.

Bradley, a Democrat, was elected in 2025 to represent North Carolina’s 42nd Senate district, succeeding Rachel Hunt.