Guardrails Under Pressure: Critical Issues Before the North Carolina General Assemblyby Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations ReturnAmerica The North Carolina General Assembly is approaching what may be one of its final periods of activity for the 2025–2026 legislative session. Several consequential matters remain unresolved, while other measures enacted in the state budget are only now receiving the public scrutiny they deserve. A Well-Intentioned Law That Threatens the Independence of Christian Schoolsby Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations ReturnAmerica Christian schools share North Carolina’s concern about students struggling with depression, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. Protecting vulnerable young people is not a partisan issue, issue, and Christian educators take it seriously. When Delay Becomes a Decision on Intoxicating Hempby Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations ReturnAmerica On Tuesday, the North Carolina House left House Bill 328, Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables, in the Rules Committee and off the calendar.