NC Lobbying 101
How a bill becomes a law in North Carolina — and where you need a guide.
The North Carolina General Assembly is one of the most consequential — and least understood — legislatures in the country. Here is the process, plainly explained, and where a partner like New Frame changes the outcome.
Step 01
A bill is filed.
Any of the 170 members of the General Assembly — 50 senators and 120 representatives — can introduce legislation. Bills are filed in their chamber of origin and assigned a number that follows them through the process.
Step 02
Committee assignment.
The presiding officer assigns the bill to a committee, often more than one. Committees are where most of the substantive work happens — and where most bills quietly die.
Step 03
Hearings & amendments.
If a committee chair places the bill on the calendar, members hear public testimony, debate, and offer amendments. Stakeholder input here is decisive.
Step 04
Floor vote in the chamber of origin.
After committee, the bill moves to the chamber floor for two readings, debate, and a roll-call vote. A simple majority sends it across the building.
Step 05
The other chamber repeats the process.
Committee, hearings, amendments, floor vote — again. Differences between House and Senate versions go to a conference committee for reconciliation.
Step 06
The Governor's desk.
The Governor signs, vetoes, or allows the bill to become law without signature. Vetoes can be overridden by a three-fifths supermajority of present and voting members.
Why hire New Frame
The process is public. The leverage is not.
The flowchart above is the easy part. Every veteran of Jones Street will tell you the real game is timing, sequencing, and trust. That is what we sell.
We know the calendar.
NC's short and long sessions move at very different speeds. We know which week your bill needs to move — and which weeks to stay quiet.
We know the rooms.
Decades of relationships with members, staff, and agency leadership in both parties. The doors that matter open faster.
We frame the issue.
Most policy fights are won or lost before the first vote, in how the question is framed. That's our craft.
We work the whole field.
Lobbyists who only show up at the General Assembly miss half the story. We integrate agencies, the Council of State, communications, and grassroots.
Common questions
Lobbying in North Carolina, answered.
Bring us your hardest issue.
The first conversation is on us. Tell us what you're trying to accomplish; we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Contact our team