The 2026 Session of the NC General Assembly commenced at 12 noon on Tuesday, and while the pace of the first week of any legislative session is typically somewhat sluggish, there were a few key action items of note: 

• Both the state House and Senate took initial votes on legislation to address the Medicaid rebase issue, to provide funding going forward that’s calculated as what’s needed for the expected medical expenses of those covered by the program.

• IIANC members Senators Jim Burgin and Kevin Corbin introduced a Hands Free Driving bill (SB 797) that mirrors the version they put forward in 2025. IIANC continues to advocate for this measure to improve the safety of NC roads, as currently, 1 in 5 crashes are caused by distracted drivers.  

• Legislative leaders in both chambers also mentioned this week their desire to place on the November ballot a proposed amendment to the state Constitution to limit property taxes imposed by local governments, as well as looking to introduce legislation to repeal tax breaks data centers get from the state. 

In other news 

It does appear that budget negotiations between the House and Senate are now moving forward, making it more likely that a comprehensive state tax and spending plan is produced by July 1st.

The NC Association of Educators (NCAE) has organized a rally for May 1st in Raleigh (compelling some local school districts to cancel classes on that date) to advocate for the budget to include significant pay increases for public school teachers.

Also this week 

A delegation of IIANC Board, iLEAD, and Governmental Affairs Committee members was in Washington, DC, on Wednesday and Thursday for the IIABA Legislative Conference.

The group met with all the members and/or staff of NC’s Congressional delegation to discuss federal issues of interest and concern to independent insurance agents.

Click HERE to see the issues discussed with North Carolina’s representatives in Congress.

Additionally, IIANC Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Stewart was a presenter at the inaugural Big “I” Insurance Campaign Institute held in DC on Tuesday, where independent insurance agents from across the country who are interested in seeking elected office came to hear from experts on how best to prepare for and run a winning political campaign. 

Attending from North Carolina were James Stephens (Goosehead Insurance in Fuquay-Varina) and Ken Harper (Harpco Benefits Alliance in New Bern).