North Carolina SB 1082: NC Right to Work Amendment.

Bill Text

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
S 1
SENATE BILL 1082

Short Title: NC Right to Work Amendment. (Public)
Sponsors: Senators Ford, Alexander, and Jarvis (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to: Agriculture, Energy, and Environment
May 18, 2026
*S1082-v-1*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO ENSURE THE 2
RIGHT TO WORK FOR ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS. 3
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 4
SECTION 1.1. Article I of the North Carolina Constitution is amended by adding a 5
new section to read: 6
"Sec. 39. Right to work. 7
The right to live includes the right to work. The exercise of the right to work must be protected 8
and maintained free from undue restraints and coercion. It is the public policy of the State that 9
the right of persons to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or 10
nonmembership in any labor union or labor organization or association. The General Assembly 11
may prescribe general laws to further define and implement this section." 12
SECTION 1.2. The amendment set out in Section 1.1 of this act shall be submitted 13
to the qualified voters of the State at the statewide general election to be held on November 3, 14
2026, which election shall be conducted in accordance with the laws governing elections at that 15
time. The question to be used in the voting systems and ballots shall be: 16
"[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST 17
Constitutional amendment to protect the right of North Carolinians to be employed 18
without being forced to join and pay membership dues to a labor union or association." 19
SECTION 1.3. The State Board of Elections shall certify the results of the 20
referendum conducted under Section 1.2 of this act. If a majority of votes cast on the question 21
are in favor of the amendment set out in Section 1.1 of this act, the Secretary of State shall enroll 22
the amendment among the permanent records of that office. If a majority of votes cast on the 23
question are against the amendment set out in Section 1.1 of this act, the amendment shall have 24
no effect. 25
SECTION 1.4. If the certification from the State Board of Elections under Section 26
1.3 of this act reflects that a majority of votes cast on the question are in favor of the amendment 27
set out in Section 1.1 of this act, the amendment set out in Section 1.1 of this act is effective upon 28
certification. 29
SECTION 2. Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes 30
law. 31