The 144th session of the North Carolina General Assembly will be most active. Our new Governor, State Legislators, and PTA advocates for children have an opportunity to shape the legislative agenda to improve the lives of all young people in our state. Having a clear understanding of how the legislative process works will help you become a more effective advocate. Laws of North Carolina, known as statutes, are made by the General Assembly which is elected by the people in even-numbered years at the November general election.
Legislators serve for two-year terms.
Each legislator represents either a Senatorial District or a House District, and the Legislature is required by the Constitution of North Carolina to change these districts after every ten-year census to assure that all legislators represent approximately equal numbers of people. All legislators must be residents of the district which they represent. By following proper procedures and observing Constitutional limitations, the General Assembly can create new law and can destroy old law. Laws empowering or directing local governments to act. Laws determining how much money shall be raised by the State and for what purposes it shall be spent.