Legislative Update from Rep. Iler — June 18, 2025

The last few weeks in the North Carolina General Assembly have been filled with a variety of activities, including budget conversations, committee meetings, and some major policy bills passing.  We also had some visitors of importance to our state and county.

      Two of the major bills dealt with illegal immigration policy in the state. 

House Bill 318 – The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act requires local sheriffs to notify ICE before releasing illegal migrants charged with violent crimes.  It passed 66-45 in the House.  I was a co-sponsor of this bill.  Senate Bill 153 – N.C. Border Protection Act requires co-operation between state law enforcement agencies and ICE, ensuring dangerous criminals don’t slip through the cracks. It passed the House 60-46.  Having previously passed the Senate, they were both sent to the Governor for his signature or veto.

            Senate Bill 266 – The Power Bill Reduction Act came over from the Senate and was voted on last week in the House by a bipartisan vote of 75-36.  It repeals costly green mandates by previous federal agencies.  It focuses on reliable energy sources like natural gas and nuclear, delivering at least $13 billion in projected savings for North Carolinians.  Having been amended, it went back to the Senate for a final vote.

            Senate Bill 50 – Freedom to Carry N.C. confirms the citizens’ constitutional right to carry concealed without a permit.  Already being an open carry state, if one puts on a jacket, they won’t automatically become a criminal.  It will be voluntary, but if one goes to a reciprocal state, they will need an N.C. concealed carry permit to show.  It passed the House 59-48 and went to the Governor.

            A true highlight was a visit to the Legislature and the Governor by Senator Elizabeth Dole.  She not only was our U.S. Senator, but also served our country as an Ambassador and twice as a cabinet Secretary.  She was praised extensively by our House Speaker and the Representative from her native Salisbury, N.C.  The Senate also honored her, and the Governor had an afternoon reception in her honor.

Our Brunswick County commissioners met with Sen, Rabon, Rep. Miller and me.

            Next week we expect many more bills passing the House and Senate and going to the Governor.  Budget conferences should heat up soon, as well as other business being handled in preparation for the fiscal year end and summer break.