North CarolinaSB 3552025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADULT CORRECTION.

Sponsored By: Buck Newton (Republican), Danny Earl Britt, Jr. (Republican), Warren Daniel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

BUILDINGSCOLLEGES & UNIVERSITIESCOMMISSIONSCOMMUNITY COLLEGESCONSTRUCTIONCORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONSCRIMESDEATH & DYINGEDUCATIONHIGHER EDUCATIONLOCAL GOVERNMENTMINORITIESPAROLE COMN

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

College tuition help for probation families

Public colleges and universities waive tuition for families of North Carolina probation officers. Survivors of a line‑of‑duty death, spouses of officers permanently and totally disabled from a duty injury, and children ages 17–24 qualify. Child waivers last up to 54 months for a bachelor’s, or the program length if not a bachelor’s. Schools must verify a line‑of‑duty death using records from the State Treasurer or the employing agency. The law also adds probation officers to the disability and survivor definitions used for these waivers.

Higher buying limit from Correction Enterprises

Eligible State and local employees, retirees, and National Guard members can now buy up to $4,000 a year from Correction Enterprises. The old cap was $2,500. You must show a government ID or proof of retirement. Items bought under this rule cannot be resold.

Retirement protection for DAC trainers

Full‑time Department of Adult Correction training staff who are certified as probation/parole officers are treated as probation/parole officers for supplemental retirement. This keeps these trainers eligible for the same retirement benefits.

Free alcohol‑education classes in state prisons

People housed in state prison can get substance‑abuse assessments and an alcohol and drug education traffic class. The Department of Adult Correction does not charge fees or tuition and pays for required materials. Services must follow state rules and prison policies. A state program may also provide these services under the same standards.

New rules for sex‑offender review boards

Boards that study sexually violent predator cases must have at least four members. Two must be experts in sexual‑offender behavior and treatment, one chosen from a North Carolina Medical Society panel and not a full‑time State employee. One member must be a victims’ rights advocate and one a law‑enforcement representative. This applies to boards chosen on or after December 1, 2026.

Parole panels get more authority

Three‑member panels of the Post‑Release Supervision Commission can decide violations, issue warrants, and handle certain parole questions. A single member can set or change supervision terms, issue a reprimand, and continue supervision. Full‑Commission actions need a majority vote, and the chair breaks ties.

Prison investigators get needed IT access

Investigators handling cases about people under Adult Correction or misuse of department devices are exempt from certain IT limits. The exemption applies to investigations before, on, or after this law takes effect.

Tribal marshals access probation records

Marshals for the Cherokee and Catawba tribes can access probation and parole records like State officers. Access is limited to people the tribal courts can prosecute and sentence. The Department may make agreements on how to share the records.

Reentry Council meets less often

The State Reentry Council Collaborative must meet at least once a year instead of at least every three months. This may slow coordination of reentry work.

Stricter electronic monitoring and court review

Electronic monitoring devices must be nonremovable and track your location at least once every minute, all day and night. Systems must allow crime‑scene comparisons, and non‑cell devices may be used where there is no service. If your monitoring continues after post‑release supervision ends, only the superior court in your conviction county can end it. The Commission no longer issues those releases.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Jim Burgin
Republican • Senate
Bobby Hanig
Republican • Senate
Timothy D. Moffitt
Republican • Senate
Norman W. Sanderson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/2/2026

SB 355: Support the Dept. of Adult Correction.-AB

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 6/30/2026

SB 355: Support the Department of Adult Correction.

Yes: 113 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 5/6/2025