Hello Friends and welcome to the new, 2025-26 legislative session!

On Wednesday, my Senate colleagues and I were sworn in for a new two-year term. We also elected the Senate leadership, adopted our rules for the session, and then adjourned until January 29 when we return to get down to business. I continue to proudly represent the people of District 49 and am grateful to be serving my third term.

While the Republican leadership of the Senate is largely the same, Democrats elected a new Minority Leader in Senator Sydney Batch. Our Whip, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, remains in his position, and I round out the leadership as our caucus Secretary. We've already had our first retreat, and I'm excited about the year ahead of us.

My committee assignments for this term are largely the same as last year, with two important changes. Repeat assignments are Healthcare, Transportation, Elections, and Rules. My new assignments are ones I've been asking for since I first got here - the Agriculture, Energy and Environment Committee and the associated appropriations committee. At last I can put my environmental expertise to work on a committee!

Since we're starting off new, I thought I would provide some information about how things work down here. I'll be in touch soon to discuss my legislative priorities, but I hope you enjoy this review of the legislature, the process, and how you can stay engaged.

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA)

The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of the 50-member Senate and the 120-member House of Representatives. It convenes anew every two years after elections. In 2025, the "long session" typically runs from January through July, with lawmakers working to pass the biennium budget and a myriad of other legislative matters. The "short session" will be next year, in 2026, when we convene usually in April and work through June. The Speaker of the House presides over the House, while Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt serves as President of the Senate. Senate leadership, however, is largely driven by the President Pro-Tem, Senator Phil Berger, who is the key figure in shaping legislative priorities in the chamber.

How to Stay Engaged During the Legislative Session 

It is important for you to remain informed and engaged in the work we do here as we work on policies that impact your family and community. Here are some ways you can stay informed and involved throughout the session.

1. Attend Meetings and Sessions. You can attend committee meetings and legislative sessions in person to hear discussions and debates, and most committee meetings also offer an opportunity for public comment. Most committee rooms and both chambers also provide live audio recordings for those who prefer to listen remotely. The live streams are available on the NCGA's website. If you come to Raleigh and plan to attend a committee meeting or session, please let me know.
2. Track Legislation Online. The General Assembly’s website offers tools to track bills, read summaries, and follow the legislative schedule. By staying updated on key proposals, you can understand how they may affect you and take action when necessary.
3. Contact or meet with Me. You can schedule a meeting with me either in Raleigh or when I'm back in Asheville by contacting my Legislative Aide, Irma Avent Hurst. Once session gets going later this month, I am generally in Raleigh from Monday evening until Thursday evening. That means I'm available to meet in Asheville on Mondays before leaving town and Fridays.
4. Have an Idea for a Law? You can play a role in shaping policy by proposing a bill. While only legislators can sponsor and introduce bills, anyone can suggest a new idea or request a change to current law. You can bring your idea to me for starters and I can let you know if it makes sense to pursue it. There are no silly ideas!

In additional to setting up a meeting, Irma can also help you with a range of constituent services if you're having trouble with a state agency, your local government, or a federal issue. If we can't help you, we can at least get you to the person who can.

You can reach Irma at irma.aventhurst@ncleg.gov or by calling my office phone, 919-715-3001. If you find yourself in Raleigh and just want to stop by to say hello, our office is #1025 in the Legislative Building at 16 West Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601. We always love to see constituents!

That's it for now. I'll be in touch again soon when there is more to report!

Julie