Rep. Howard files bill in North Carolina House to create infrastructure bank study commission

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia C. Howard in the North Carolina House seeks to explore the feasibility of a State Infrastructure Bank to support economic growth through infrastructure financing, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 631 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘State Infrastructure Bank Study.’

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

In essence, the bill establishes a Joint Legislative Study Commission to explore the feasibility of creating a State Infrastructure Bank in North Carolina to finance infrastructure projects and drive economic growth. The Commission will consist of 17 members, including state officials and experts in public finance, environmental infrastructure, and more. It aims to analyze the potential for enhancing economic development by increasing access to capital for various projects, including transportation, energy, and housing infrastructure. The study will cover the bank’s design, operation, regulatory framework, and integration with existing financial resources. The Commission is tasked with holding at least five public meetings across the state and may report its findings to the 2025 General Assembly, with a final report due by the end of the 2026 Regular Session. The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Howard proposed the most bills (15) 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.

Howard graduated from Salem College in 2003 with a BA.

Howard, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 77th House district, replacing previous state representative Harry Warren.