summary
Introduced
03/26/2025
03/26/2025
In Committee
03/31/2025
03/31/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO MEASURE THE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND WELL-BEING OF THE STATE. Whereas, North Carolinians have prioritized their economic well-being and its advancement as essential work of our State lawmakers; and Whereas, public policy choices can create the conditions for economic security and progress; and Whereas, the State's overall economic progress depends on the well-being of its people and communities; and Whereas, policymakers should monitor the impact of public policy choices on the well-being of people across the State and economic progress by the assessments of people and communities rather than markets and productivity alone; and Whereas, the NC General Assembly should strive to conduct its work to advance for every person in North Carolina; and Whereas, it is essential to have a well-rounded opportunity to have economically safe, stable, and secure lives, including (i) access to jobs that pay enough to ensure a standard of living where a person can get ahead and a high level of life satisfaction, (ii) affordable prices for the basics like food, housing, health care, and childcare, (iii) access to the education and training that supports mobility, opportunity, and participation in civic life, (iv) opportunity to start and expand business free from unfair competition and domination by monopolies and other unfair advantages for certain kinds of businesses, (v) a community of opportunity free from concentrated disadvantage, toxic exposures, and connected to supports to learn, earn, and live a healthy life, and (vi) adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, climate disaster, and unemployment; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill establishes a biannual economic progress analysis program within the North Carolina Department of Commerce, appropriating $200,000 annually for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The Department will be required to conduct comprehensive studies measuring economic well-being across the state and in each county, using publicly available data and interviews with people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The analysis must include specific metrics such as poverty rates (including child and deep poverty), job quality (focusing on wages and benefits), household expenses for essential needs like food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, cost burdens on residents, education and training costs, and detailed mapping of persistent and concentrated poverty areas. The Department must submit these reports to the General Assembly by January 31st of every odd-numbered year, with the goal of providing a holistic view of economic progress that goes beyond traditional market indicators and instead focuses on the lived experiences and economic security of North Carolina residents. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, signaling a commitment to more comprehensive economic tracking and policy development.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (15)
Kanika Brown (D)*,
Bryan Cohn (D)*,
James Roberson (D)*,
Phil Rubin (D)*,
Amber Baker (D),
Deb Butler (D),
Maria Cervania (D),
Tracy Clark (D),
Allison Dahle (D),
Julia Greenfield (D),
Pricey Harrison (D),
Zack Hawkins (D),
Carolyn Logan (D),
Nasif Majeed (D),
Renée Price (D),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 03/31/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H548 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H548v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H548v0.pdf |
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