A new bill filed by State Sen. David W. Craven, Jr. aims to evaluate potential transportation improvements and economic impacts for the Winston-Salem, High Point and Greensboro region, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 1062 on April 30 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Commuter Transportation Study/Piedmont Triad.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to study the cost and potential economic benefits of commuter rail linking Winston-Salem, High Point and Greensboro, and to evaluate other options such as bus rapid transit, regional buses, and roadway expansion using growth projections through 2050. The study must examine governance and implementation structures, including a possible regional transit authority, funding sources and cost-sharing, and land and right-of-way needs with related cost estimates. The bill appropriates $250,000 in one-time Highway Fund money for the 2026-27 fiscal year, requires a report by Dec. 29, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026, expiring Dec. 29, 2026.
Of the two sponsors of this bill, Paul A. Lowe, Jr. proposed the most bills (49) 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.
Craven graduated from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2012 with a BA.
Craven, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 29th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Steven Jarvis.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| David W. Craven, Jr. and Paul A. Lowe, Jr. | SB 1062 | 04/30/2026 | Commuter Transportation Study/Piedmont Triad. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Brad Overcash, and Buck Newton | SB 1057 | 04/30/2026 | Required Disclosures/Proxy Advisory Services. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Benton G. Sawrey, and Eddie D. Settle | SB 481 | 03/25/2025 | Definitions for Advanced Recycling. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 584 | 03/25/2025 | Local Govt Transportation System Financing. |
| David W. Craven, Jr. and Tom McInnis | SB 595 | 03/25/2025 | Rev Laws Tech Chngs/BBA Chngs/P2P Tax Parity. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Brad Overcash, and Dan Blue | SB 675 | 03/25/2025 | Second Mortgage Fee Alignment Act. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Dana Jones, and Steve Jarvis | SB 690 | 03/25/2025 | Modify Licensing Real Est. Appraisers. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and Michael V. Lee | SB 693 | 03/25/2025 | Veteran Access, Liberty, Options for Recovery. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Benton G. Sawrey, and Brent Jackson | SB 699 | 03/25/2025 | Adult Care Home Medicaid PCS Coverage. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and Warren Daniel | SB 702 | 03/25/2025 | Bail Bond Omnibus. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Bill Rabon, and Michael V. Lee | SB 706 | 03/25/2025 | County Waste Management Assistance. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Michael V. Lee, and Ralph Hise | SB 709 | 03/25/2025 | 2025 State Investment Modernization Act.-AB |
| David W. Craven, Jr. and Amy S. Galey | SB 426 | 03/24/2025 | Student Borrowers’ Bill of Rights. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Brad Overcash, and Todd Johnson | SB 296 | 03/17/2025 | Buy American Steel. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Dan Blue, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 311 | 03/17/2025 | Utility Worker Protection Act. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Dana Jones, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 312 | 03/17/2025 | The Stars and Stripes Commitment Act. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 240 | 03/05/2025 | Establish NCSTARS Grant Program. |
| David W. Craven, Jr., Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 145 | 02/24/2025 | Mecklenburg Transportation Referendum. |
| David W. Craven, Jr. and Todd Johnson | SB 43 | 02/03/2025 | Window Tint/Inspection/Approach of LEO. |
| David W. Craven, Jr. | SB 5 | 01/29/2025 | 29th Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
