North Carolina senator proposes legislation to broaden commission chair’s hiring authority

Sen. Lisa S. Barnes has put forward legislation seeking to enhance the commission chair’s authority to hire temporary personnel and adjust funding allocated for these positions, records from the North Carolina State Senate show.

The measure, identified as SB 1000 and introduced April 30 during the 2025 regular session, carries the short title: ‘Environmental Management Commission Staffing.’

Below is our summary, referencing the actual bill text, and may interpret key details for clarity.

Essentially, the bill allows the Environmental Management Commission chair to utilize the Temporary Solutions Program to hire temporary professional, administrative, technical and clerical workers at their discretion. The chair would continue overseeing commission staff and could request extra support from the Department of Environmental Quality if necessary. The legislation maintains current guidelines for setting pay and approving expenses. Additionally, it calls for a $5,000 recurring reduction to the Department of Environmental Quality’s General Fund appropriation for dedicated commission staff, effective once enacted.

Among the bill’s three sponsors, Todd Johnson introduced the most legislation (56 bills) in the 2025 regular session.

Legislation in North Carolina must complete a multi-stage process to become law. A lawmaker begins by introducing a bill, which is then referred to a committee. It is required to undergo three readings in both chambers. If any changes are made by one chamber after the other has passed a bill, both must agree on the final language. Once both chambers pass the same version, it moves to the governor, who has 10 days—or 30 if the legislature is adjourned—to sign, veto or allow it to become law without a signature.

Further details on legislative measures can be found here.

Barnes earned an associate degree from Peace College and went on to complete a bachelor’s at North Carolina State University in 1988.

Elected in 2021, Barnes, a Republican, currently represents North Carolina’s 11th Senate district, taking over from former senator Rick Horner.