Stein Presses for Law Enforcement Raises, but Budget Power Rests with Legislature

Gov. Josh Stein on Monday urged more spending on law enforcement, calling for pay raises, hiring incentives and expanded public safety programs — while acknowledging that final authority over the state budget lies with the North Carolina General Assembly.

Addressing the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association spring conference, Stein said his proposed 2026–27 budget prioritizes officer pay, recruitment and behavioral health resources as part of a broader public safety strategy.

“Keeping people safe is job No. 1,” Stein said. “That’s why we need more well-trained officers on the beat and more behavioral health options for people who need urgent care.”

Stein’s proposal includes more than $970 million in targeted spending, including a 5% pay raise for state law enforcement, correctional officers and certain health workers, on top of a previously recommended 10% increase. It also calls for bonuses for Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates and incentives to attract out-of-state officers.

The plan seeks to address staffing shortages at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which has reported a 21% increase in caseloads. Stein is proposing full funding for the agency, along with a new cold case unit and additional investigative resources.

Other proposals include creating a fentanyl control unit to target drug trafficking, stabilizing the state’s VIPER emergency communications network, launching a real-time threat alert system and equipping state officers with body cameras.

Stein also pointed to ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, including national legal settlements reached during his tenure as attorney general. His budget would expand medication-assisted treatment in correctional facilities and increase enforcement targeting fentanyl distribution.

Under North Carolina law, the General Assembly writes and passes the state budget. The governor can sign the measure into law or veto it, but lawmakers can override a veto with sufficient votes. Negotiations between Stein and legislative leaders are expected to determine how much of his proposal is ultimately adopted.