Legislators were not likely to adjourn until after midnight due to voting requirements for a pair of local tax bills and other potential delays.
The House voted 90-17 for the final version of the $15.9 billion spending proposal to run state government through next June. The plan adjusts the second-year of the two-year budget approved by the Legislature in 2003.
The Senate approved the budget by a 21-17 count.
The budget goes to Gov. Easley for his signature to become law.
With little debate, the House and Senate also gave their final approval to a debt package that would issue up to $310 million in debt this year. Most of the proceeds will fund projects at 12 of the 16 University of North Carolina system campuses.
Another $158 million in debt would be issued after next July.
The House gave final approval to create a recreational saltwater fishing license in North Carolina, which had been the only state on the Southeast coast without a permit.
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