Rep. Belk files bill in North Carolina House to revise transit funding rules

A new bill filed by State Rep. Mary Belk in the North Carolina House seeks to modernize state transit funding by revising rules for public transportation projects, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 735 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Modernize STI Transit Funding.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill aims to modernize state transit funding by revising the provisions concerning public transportation projects in North Carolina, including commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail. It amends statutes to clarify that state funding for these projects cannot exceed specific limits: 10% of a distribution region allocation or 10% of the estimated project costs, whichever is lower. Additionally, the bill specifies that the state will not be responsible for costs beyond these defined limits, and any agreements for project funding must include these stipulations. The amendments introduce a new category for public transportation services spanning four or more counties and serving more than three municipalities. The act takes effect when it becomes law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (30) 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.

Belk graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2006 with a BA.

Belk, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 88th House district, replacing previous state representative Rob Bryan.