North CarolinaSB 1532025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT TO PROTECT THE BORDERS OF THE STATE BY (I) REQUIRING COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS, (II) ENSURING STATE FUNDS ARE BEING USED FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERSONS IN THE STATE LEGALLY, (III) CREATING ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAWS RELATED TO IMMIGRATION, AND (IV) PROHIBITING UNC CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS FROM BECOMING SANCTUARY UNIVERSITIES.

Sponsored By: Buck Newton (Republican), Phil Berger (Republican), Warren Daniel (Republican)

Became Law

BUDGET & MANAGEMENT OFFICECOLLEGES & UNIVERSITIESCOMMERCECOMMERCE DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

State benefits limited for unauthorized noncitizens

Beginning June 24, 2026, DHHS stops giving State‑funded benefits to people without legal permission to live in the U.S., where federal law allows. DHHS must verify immigration status before starting benefits. It must report its plan and any programs it cannot change by January 15, 2026. Affected programs include Work First (TANF), Medicaid, child care subsidy, rental and housing help, medication help, energy aid, foster and adoption payments, caregiver support, and other listed programs. Food access services are not included.

Public housing aid limited by immigration status

Beginning June 24, 2026, state and local housing agencies stop giving publicly funded housing benefits to people without legal permission to live in the U.S., where federal law allows. Agencies must verify immigration status before starting housing help. They must report their steps and any limits under federal law by January 15, 2026. Covered programs include CDBG activities, rental assistance, transitional housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Key Rental Assistance, NC Home Advantage mortgage and down payment help, HOME, ESG (including RUSH), and other listed programs.

State police must partner with ICE

State law enforcement agencies must sign agreements with ICE under federal 287(g). Designated officers train with and work under ICE when using these powers. Agencies must try to determine immigration status for people in custody and ask ICE when unsure. They must share information with ICE when a person is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, as federal law allows. Agencies report their agreements and policies by August 1, 2025. The rule takes effect June 24, 2026.

Unemployment checks require legal status verification

The Division of Employment Security must verify that every unemployment applicant is legally allowed to live in the U.S. before the first payment. The policy is adopted and implemented by January 15, 2026 and applies statewide. As of June 24, 2026, benefits require this check. If you cannot prove legal status, payments are delayed or denied.

UNC schools barred from sanctuary policies

UNC campuses cannot have policies that limit enforcement of federal immigration laws. Schools cannot stop law enforcement from asking about or sharing a person’s immigration status, where federal law allows. This takes effect June 24, 2026.

Cities can be sued for sanctuary policies

If a county or city does not follow state anti‑sanctuary laws and an unauthorized person then commits a crime against a person or property there, the local government loses immunity from civil lawsuits. Victims can sue the county or city even if it has not bought insurance. This rule starts June 24, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

W. Ted Alexander
Republican • Senate
Lisa S. Barnes
Republican • Senate
Bob Brinson
Republican • Senate
Danny Earl Britt, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Jim Burgin
Republican • Senate
Kevin Corbin
Republican • Senate
David W. Craven, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Carl Ford
Republican • Senate
Amy S. Galey
Republican • Senate
Bobby Hanig
Republican • Senate
Ralph Hise
Republican • Senate
Mark Hollo
Republican • Senate
Brent Jackson
Republican • Senate
Steve Jarvis
Republican • Senate
Todd Johnson
Republican • Senate
Dana Jones
Republican • Senate
Michael A. Lazzara
Republican • Senate
Michael V. Lee
Republican • Senate
Tom McInnis
Republican • Senate
Timothy D. Moffitt
Republican • Senate
Brad Overcash
Republican • Senate
Paul Newton
Republican • Senate
Bill Rabon
Republican • Senate
Norman W. Sanderson
Republican • Senate
Benton G. Sawrey
Republican • Senate
Vickie Sawyer
Republican • Senate
Eddie D. Settle
Republican • Senate