Rep. Price files bill in North Carolina House to support state highway patrol

A new bill filed by State Rep. Renée A. Price seeks to provide funding and policies to enhance the operations and welfare of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 662 on April 1 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Support the State Highway Patrol.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill appropriates funds and implements policies to support the North Carolina State Highway Patrol starting July 1, 2025. It includes $40.5 million annually for pay raises based on experience and specific ranks, with salaries ranging from $56,000 to $224,612. It directs the development of secondary employment policies for patrol members, ensuring additional jobs do not affect their patrol duties. The bill encourages retired members to return to service without affecting their retirement benefits. Furthermore, $23.4 million is allocated for bulletproof glass installation in patrol and State Capitol Police vehicles. An additional $643,150 is designated for fuel infrastructure and equipment at the Huntersville patrol station, with a requirement for collaboration with the Department of Transportation.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Price proposed the most bills (24) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Prince graduated from Tufts University with a BA.

Prince, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 50th House district, replacing previous state representative Graig R. Meyer.