Rep. Butler files bill in North Carolina House to raise disaster unemployment benefits

A new bill filed by State Rep. Deb Butler in the North Carolina House seeks to temporarily raise weekly unemployment benefits during disaster periods under state emergency declarations, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 960 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘UI/Give Enhanced Benefits During Disasters.’

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

In essence, the bill authorizes an increase in the weekly unemployment insurance benefit to $600 during periods when a disaster is declared under the North Carolina Emergency Management Act. This temporary enhancement is contingent upon meeting the certification requirements set by the Division of Employment Security, which must ensure that sufficient funds are earmarked within the Unemployment Insurance Fund to support the increased payments. Annually, starting Jan. 1, 2027, the division is required to report fund allocations and projections to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance. Additionally, if funds are insufficient, the enhancement will not take effect unless specifically mandated by the General Assembly. This act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Butler proposed the most bills (25) 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.

Butler graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1983 with a BA and again in 1986 from Wake Forest University School of Law with a JD.

Butler, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 18th House district, replacing previous state representative Susi Hamilton.