State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer, who has spent her career in North Carolina state Government, put it plainly: "If we invest in our most valuable asset, our people, then we'll have a stronger, safer, and healthier North Carolina for everyone. Senate Bill 1041 is a critical step in advancing that goal, because a strong public workforce and a responsive human resources system are foundational to delivering high-quality services to the people of North Carolina."
On July 6, 2026, Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 1041 into law, creating S.L. 2026-40 and enacting the largest overhaul of North Carolina's state human resources system in over 60 years. The law, which passed with unanimous, bipartisan support, replaces Chapter 126 with a new Chapter 126A built for a modern workforce: faster to hire, easier to navigate, and more accountable. The law took effect October 1, 2026.
The Public Workforce Modernization Act sets a new standard for how North Carolina approaches HR: one built to prepare the state's public workforce for the future. This approach expands the flexibility, tools, and support given to state agencies while maintaining a merit-based hiring system and protecting employee rights. When the full workforce transformation is implemented, the system will work for everyone, with easier pathways for applicants, more resources (and accountability) for getting work done, and easier systems and policies to navigate.
2025: State Hiring Accessibility and Modernization
These HR transformation efforts began in 2025 with Session Law 2025-34: State Hiring Accessibility and Modernization.
The 2025 law decreases barriers to state employment by:
- Reducing the number of jobs that require a college degree.
- Allowing a resume or online profile to be used in all state job applications.
- Expanding temporary-to-permanent hiring to all agencies.
- And making hiring, pay, and classification more flexible.
HR Transformation Press
North Carolina’s bold move on civil service (Recoding America)
North Carolina takes first steps to modernize state hiring practices in more than 60 years, starting with IT (State Scoop)
Big changes for state workers and government hiring (WUNC Radio)
NC Governor Signs New Workforce Bill (CBS 17)
North Carolina Expands its Public Sector Paid Leave Program, Becoming the Strongest in the South (Better Balance)
More parental leave, faster hiring among changes coming to NC workforce (NC Health News)