NC Committee Advances ‘Right to Work,’ Farm Protection Ballot Measures
North Carolina lawmakers advance constitutional amendments on farming rights and union membership that could boost GOP turnout in November’s crucial elections.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina lawmakers moved forward Monday with plans to place constitutional amendments protecting farming rights and workplace freedom on the November 2026 ballot, despite Democratic opposition questioning the measures’ necessity.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Energy, and Environment approved both Senate Bill 1081, which would establish a constitutional right to engage in farming and forestry, and Senate Bill 1082, creating a constitutional right to work that would prohibit workplaces from requiring union membership.
Senate Bill 1082 is scheduled for a vote before the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday, while Senate Bill 1081 has yet to be scheduled for further committee action.
Part of Broader Amendment Push
The two measures are part of a larger Republican effort to place constitutional amendments before voters this fall. As of Monday, six proposed amendments could appear on the November ballot, marking the most since 2018 when Republicans last faced a midterm election under President Donald Trump.
Critics have suggested the amendments are designed to boost Republican voter turnout during a year when the GOP faces potential challenges, including a U.S. Senate race where Republicans could lose their first seat since 2008.
Democratic Opposition Mounts
Democratic committee members questioned both the purpose and practical impact of the proposed amendments during Monday’s session. Sen. Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe) challenged the farming amendment’s necessity.
“Given the answers to a number of the questions, it doesn’t seem like this amendment is actually changing anything,” Mayfield said. “I’m just curious why we’re doing this. I mean, normally, what we do changes something, right?”
Sen. Lisa Barnes (R-Franklin), one of the bill’s primary sponsors, defended the farming amendment as showing support for the state’s agricultural community. When pressed to identify specific threats to farming in North Carolina, Barnes cited nuisance lawsuits against farmers, though existing state laws already address such concerns.
What the Amendments Would Do
Senate Bill 1081 would enshrine farming and forestry rights in the state constitution, providing what supporters say would be additional protection for agricultural operations. The measure aims to prevent future restrictions on farming practices that comply with existing regulations.
Senate Bill 1082 would constitutionally guarantee workers’ rights to join or decline to join labor unions without facing workplace consequences. The amendment would prohibit any requirement for union membership or nonmembership as a condition of employment.
Both measures require additional legislative approval before reaching the ballot. If passed by the General Assembly, voters would have the final say on whether to amend the state constitution when they head to the polls in November.
The Senate could vote on the measures this week, with Republicans holding the necessary majorities in both chambers to advance the proposals without Democratic support.
