A new bill filed by State Sen. Michael A. Lazzara seeks to enable local governments to borrow money to speed up transportation projects under the State Transportation Improvement Program, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 172 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘STIP Grant Anticipation Notes.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill authorizes local governments in North Carolina to borrow money through grant anticipation notes for accelerating transportation projects identified for funding under the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The borrowed funds allow for faster project completion, with repayment timed to coincide with the receipt of expected state or federal grant funds. Local governments must enter into expedited project agreements with the Department of Transportation, including stipulations for project approval, costs, funding sources, repayment plans, and compliance with project timelines. Notes issued under this provision cannot exceed the identified funding, must be repaid within a set timeframe, and cannot be renewed. The Department of Transportation is tasked with ensuring that any modifications to the STIP do not delay note repayment. The act becomes effective when it becomes law.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Vickie Sawyer and Lazzara proposed the most bills (10) 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.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
