What’s Happening at the NCGA: The Good, the Bad, and the Dangerous! | Eastern NC Now

From Newsletter

Dr. Mark Creech
 INTRODUCTION. As the legislative Long Session continues, several key measures are under consideration that will shape our state’s values, religious freedoms, and moral foundation. From reaffirming our national motto in the General Assembly to protecting churches from undue financial burdens and ensuring private schools can safeguard their students, these bills address matters of great significance.

While some proposals seek to uphold and strengthen the principles upon which our nation was founded, others pose a serious threat to them. It is crucial we stay informed and actively engaged, advocating for policies that align with the just and righteous principles of God’s Word. This report provides a vital update for the
President, the Board, and supporters of Return America on legislative
developments since the Long Session began.
Honoring Our Heritage: Displaying ‘In God We Trust’ in the General Assembly
One of the most significant legislative measures currently under consideration is House Bill 16 – General Assembly: In God We Trust – Display. This bill would require the national motto, In God We Trust, to be displayed directly above and behind the dais of the speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the president of the North Carolina Senate. The legislation specifies that the display shall be consistent with the historic and patriotic presentation of the motto in the United States House of Representatives, which is prominently placed above the speaker’s chair.

This initiative is more than a symbolic gesture - it is a reaffirmation of the foundational truth that our nation was built upon faith in Almighty God. In God We Trust has been an enduring statement of America’s values since it was adopted as our national motto in 1956. Displaying it in the chambers of our state legislature serves as a visible declaration that our government and its laws are ultimately accountable to God.

On behalf of Return America, I had the privilege of testifying before the House Judiciary 3 Committee in support of this measure. In my testimony, I addressed the growing efforts to secularize public spaces and emphasized the historical and moral
significance of this motto:

“Too often, extreme interpretations of the separation of church and state call for the removal of every acknowledgment of God from public life. This notion, however, is a myth that misrepresents the very foundation of our nation. Our founding principles embraced a common moral framework that recognizes a higher authority as the bedrock of our society. Expressions of faith, like the national motto ‘In God We Trust,’ have long been a unifying symbol of our shared values.”

I further underscored the importance of this bill, stating:

“Prominently displaying ‘In God We Trust’ in both chambers of this legislature is a visible affirmation that anchors public policy in enduring moral values, counterbalancing ever-changing secular influences and fostering a culture of ethical
responsibility. It is more than a decorative gesture but a reminder that our laws and government are rooted in a tradition that honors divine guidance and accountability.”

Speaking directly to legislators across the political spectrum, I referenced both our nation’s Founders and modern leaders to reinforce the importance of keeping faith at the center of our governance:

“By embracing this measure, we honor our religious legacy and encourage a more principled, morally conscious government that reflects the values that have made our nation great.

“To our Democrat friends, we may cite Thomas Jefferson, who said, ‘[C]an the
liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?’”

“To our Republican friends, none was a more eloquent speaker than Ronald
Reagan, who said, ‘We are a nation under God, and if we ever forget that, we will be a nation gone under.’”

HB 16 successfully passed out of the House Judiciary 3 Committee. The House State and Local Government Committee will take it up next.
Easing the Burden on Churches: Expanding Religious Property Tax Exemptions
One of the most critical legislative measures currently under consideration is HouseBill 100 – Expand Religious Property Tax Exemption. This bill seeks to ease the
financial burden on churches and faith-based ministries by allowing them time to
develop land for future ministry use without being immediately taxed.

Under current law, when a church purchases property for expansion - whether for a
future sanctuary, a Christian school, or a community outreach center - the land is
often subject to property taxation until construction begins. This can place a
significant financial strain on congregations, many of whom must spend years
planning, fundraising, and securing resources before breaking ground. HB 100
provides relief by expanding the church’s property tax exemption for contiguous
property up to five years without it having to be used for religious purposes.

On behalf of Return America, I had the privilege of testifying before the House Housing and Development Committee in support of this measure. In my remarks, I emphasized the importance of this tax exemption in ensuring that churches are not
penalized for their growth:

“For generations, churches have been the heart of our communities—providing
spiritual guidance, charitable outreach, and essential services to those in need. But
too often, when a church seeks to expand its ministry - whether by purchasing land
for a future sanctuary, a Christian school, or a community outreach center - it is
burdened with property taxes before breaking ground.”

I further explained how HB 100 offers a practical and fair solution:

“House Bill 100 provides a practical solution. It allows churches to acquire land for
future ministry use without the immediate financial strain of taxation. Under this
bill, if a church purchases undeveloped land adjacent to its existing property, it will
have up to five years to use it for religious purposes or start development - without
being taxed.”

Highlighting the real-world challenges congregations face, I stated:

“This bill recognizes a simple truth: churches need time to plan, raise funds, and
build. Many congregations save for years before they can expand their facilities.
This legislation ensures that a tax burden does not hinder their mission or limit
their ability to serve their communities.”

Additionally, I reassured the committee that the bill is carefully structured to
maintain fairness:

“Moreover, this exemption is carefully structured - it applies only to contiguous
land and limits the size of exempt properties, ensuring fairness while still promoting growth.”

I concluded my testimony with an appeal for support:

“At its core, House Bill 100 empowers churches to excel in their mission - serve,
minister, and lift up their communities. It strengthens religious freedom, encourages responsible growth, and helps faith-based organizations flourish.

“Return America urges you to support this vital measure, which will benefit our
churches and the communities they serve. Thank you.”

HB 100 successfully passed out of the House Housing and Development
Committee. The bill has a serial referral and is next to be considered by the House Finance Committee.
Weakening Safeguards Against Gambling, Gifting the Gambling Enterprise
A troubling piece of legislation currently under consideration in North Carolina is a
bill allowing taxpayers to deduct gambling losses from their state income taxes. HB14 – Gambling Losses Deduction, which was recently debated in the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, is of concern to Return America. As it is currently written, Return America is opposed to this legislation.

Under this proposal, individuals who gamble would be permitted to subtract their
losses from their taxable income, thereby reducing the negative financial impact of
their gambling activity. While this may appear to offer relief to gamblers, in reality,
it encourages more reckless behavior, further entrenches the gambling industry in
North Carolina, and imposes potential costs on taxpayers who do not participate in
gambling.

I had the opportunity to testify before the House Committee on Commerce and
Economic Development to express opposition to this bill on behalf of Return
America. I made it clear that such a policy is not only financially irresponsible but also morally and socially harmful:

“This legislation actually creates several significant concerns. By allowing taxpayers to deduct their gambling losses, the bill reduces the immediate financial impact of losing money. This, in turn, lowers the natural deterrent against risky behavior. People might feel encouraged to gamble more frequently or wager higher amounts, knowing that some of their losses will be absorbed by the state.”

Beyond the concern of incentivizing more gambling, I pointed out the devastating
consequences that gambling has on individuals and families:

“Moreover, gambling is not a victimless activity. It often leads to financial hardship,
addiction, and a host of social problems that extend beyond the individual. By
subsidizing gambling losses through tax deductions, the state is indirectly
supporting an industry known for its negative social consequences. Essentially,
taxpayers, including those who don’t gamble, could end up shouldering the burden
of increased public health and social service costs.”

I also warned that this bill could serve as a gateway for even greater gambling
expansion in the state:

“Additionally, this policy could spur further expansion of the gambling industry in
North Carolina. With reduced perceived risks, more people might participate,
fueling growth for an industry that thrives on high participation rates. This not only
entrenches the gambling enterprise but also potentially erodes the state’s tax base as deductions lower overall tax revenue.”

My testimony concluded with a direct appeal to lawmakers to reject this misguided
proposal:

“In conclusion, while the intent behind the bill might be to provide financial relief,
it inadvertently promotes riskier gambling behavior, subsidizes an activity with high social costs, and could lead to further expansion of the gambling industry at the expense of the state’s citizens.”

This bill is a step in the wrong direction for North Carolina. Instead of helping
those harmed by gambling, it rewards risky behavior and strengthens an industry
that thrives on addiction and financial ruin.

Unfortunately, the bill passed the House Committee on Commerce and has now
been referred to the House Finance Committee.

Ironically, the bill’s sponsors and supporters have historically opposed gambling
expansion but view this measure as relatively harmless. While their arguments in
favor of the bill seem reasonable on the surface, they overlook a crucial fact: North
Carolina’s current law was enacted by former lawmakers who clearly understood
the devastating social harms associated with gambling. At the time, state leaders
took these concerns seriously and crafted laws to discourage gambling and protect
citizens from its predatory nature. HB 16 dismantles those safeguards, undermining
the intent of the original law and effectively granting a gift to the gambling industry
- the most exploitative enterprise in America.
Expanding Gun Rights for Christian and Private Schools: A Legislative Priority
One of Return America's top legislative priorities this year is ensuring that
Christian and private schools have the right to protect themselves. Private schools,
especially faith-based institutions, should have the authority to secure their
campuses just as any other private entity. Security is not a privilege - it is a necessity.

Last year, Return America successfully led the charge for a bill allowing churches
on or near private school campuses to establish armed security teams for their
congregations. This was a major victory, but it did not go far enough. Now, two
bills - House Bill 193 and Senate Bill 280 - seek to extend similar protections to private and Christian schools by allowing concealed carry on their premises under different conditions.

House Bill 193, titled "Firearm Law Revisions" creates an exception to the current firearm ban on school property, allowing concealed carry on private school grounds under specific conditions. The property must be owned, used, or operated by a private school, though this excludes private colleges and universities. The person carrying a concealed firearm must have written permission from the legal authority of the school, such as the school administrators or owners. The school must not have posted a notice prohibiting concealed carry on its property, and the firearm must be a handgun, as other weapons remain prohibited.

This bill allows private school administrators to allow or prohibit concealed carry
based on the school's security needs. It empowers them to make decisions that best
serve their institutions while maintaining the flexibility to restrict firearms should
they choose.

Senate Bill 280, titled "Private School Security Act" also expands firearm access on private school property, but it does so in a more structured way. Rather than
allowing any concealed carry permit holder to bring a firearm onto school grounds
with written permission, this measure limits firearm possession to designated school personnel. Only private school employees and volunteers would be eligible to carry a firearm if they have written authorization from the school board of trustees or the school’s administrative director.

In addition to this requirement, those approved to carry a firearm must complete at
least eight hours of additional firearm training beyond what is required for a
concealed carry permit. This training must be conducted annually under the
supervision of a certified NRA instructor or equivalent professional. The private
school must also adopt written policies governing firearm possession and distribute
those policies annually to parents. Unlike House Bill 193, which broadly allows
concealed carry for approved individuals, Senate Bill 280 restricts firearm
possession to school personnel and requires structured oversight and training.

The key difference between these two bills is how they define who can carry a
firearm on private school property. House Bill 193 allows any concealed carry
permit holder to do so with school approval, whereas Senate Bill 280 restricts this
right to school personnel and mandates additional training and oversight. House
Bill 193 offers flexibility, while Senate Bill 280 creates a more structured security
framework.

Although I have not inquired of either of the bill sponsors why the differences exist,
I speculate that SB 280 is written more restrictively because Governor Josh Stein
could veto the initiative. A more restrictive bill may garner more votes from the
Democrats if the legislature’s Republican leadership attempts to override a
gubernatorial veto.

Christian and private schools deserve the same rights to self-defense as other
private institutions. Threats to schools are increasing, and law enforcement
response times are often too slow to prevent tragedies. Armed security is a strong
deterrent against potential threats, ensuring schools can protect students and staff
when immediate police assistance is unavailable.

For many private schools, hiring full-time law enforcement is not financially
feasible. Allowing qualified individuals to carry firearms provides a cost-effective
security solution.

Return America believes extending Second Amendment rights to Christian and
private schools is a matter of safety and fundamental fairness. These institutions
should have the right to responsibly determine their own security policies, just as
other private entities do.

These bills represent a significant step toward ensuring faith-based institutions can
defend themselves against threats and exercise their constitutional right to self-
protection - something they are currently denied.

At this point, both bills have only been filed and sent to the Rules Committee of
their respective chambers.
Ensuring Timely Notification of Alcohol-Related Violations
No alcohol bills that would irresponsibly expand the alcohol industry, placing
public health and safety at risk, have been filed so far.

HB 198 – Amend Law on Notice of ABC Violation is a bill requested by the state’s Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agency. The legislation is meant to ensure faster notification of alcohol-related violations to ABC permit holders. Under this bill, if an employee is cited for violating alcohol or criminal laws at a permitted
establishment, law enforcement must notify the permit holder within five business
days via electronic means or certified mail. It also expands the notification
requirement to include reports from all law enforcement agencies, not just ALE or
ABC officers. Additionally, the notice must specify the alleged violation and the
employee involved.

The bill has already been considered by the ABC and Judiciary I committees and
passed. It will next go to the House Rules Committee and, if passed there, to the
House floor for a vote.

Return America does not take a position on this bill. However, I have spoken with
the bill’s sponsor and the director of the state’s ALE, offering suggestions on how
the legislation might be strengthened. As of the writing of this report, I have not yet
received a response from either party.
Some Weightier Initiatives Yet to Be Seen
Some of the weightier initiatives that I told you about in my last report that might
be expected this year, such positive initiatives as those that would address
strengthening our laws against abortion and supporting the sanctity of human life
and a detransition bill of rights, have yet to be filed. Some of the more negative
initiatives that should still be high on our radar and likely to be filed this year are
legislation to expand casinos in the state and the legalization of so-called medicinal
marijuana.
CONCLUSION. As these legislative debates continue, faithful Christians
need to stay informed, engaged, and prepared to take action. That is what a report
of this nature aims to equip Citizen Christians to do. Some of the most pressing
issues - protecting life, resisting the expansion of gambling, and opposing the
legalization of marijuana - are still on the horizon. While positive measures, such as
displaying In God We Trust in the General Assembly and easing financial burdens on churches, are advancing, other proposals would erode the state’s moral fabric.

We must recognize that the policies enacted today will shape the future for
generations to come. Through prayer, advocacy, and direct outreach to lawmakers,
we stand for truth, uphold righteousness, and ensure North Carolina is a place
where biblical values guide our laws and society.

I implore you to stay vigilant, engaged, and ready to make your voice heard.
Thank you for your time in reading this report. Please remember to pray about
these matters.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Mark H. Creech
Legislative Liaison
Return America