Sen. Lazzara files bill in North Carolina Senate for ferry division performance audit

A new bill filed by State Sen. Michael A. Lazzara aims to review the ferry division’s operations and finances through a comprehensive performance audit, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 902 on April 29 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Ferry Division Performance Audit.’

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 Office of the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division. The audit must include a financial review of operations, maintenance spending and budget practices; an evaluation of operations, capital projects, and maintenance with suggested long-term strategies to maximize revenue and reduce costs; an assessment of the route system and possible route and schedule changes; and a review of options to diversify revenue to support capital needs and recoup operating costs, plus any other issues the auditor finds relevant. The auditor must report findings by Oct. 1, 2026. The bill takes effect when it becomes law.

A related bill, HB 1094, was also filed in the North Carolina House, introduced by Rep. Frank Iler (and one other) on April 29, 2026.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Lazzara proposed the most bills (44) 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.

Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.