Our appropriations process continues to move along steadily and we hope we are nearing the time when we will vote on a final version of the House budget. Our chief intent as we draw up this plan is finding ways to preserve jobs and to limit the impact of budget cuts in education.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Military
_A resolution honoring North Carolina veterans on Memorial Day passed the House on Wednesday (HJR 1940). The General Assembly expressed profound gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their selfless service and honored the memory of those killed in the line of duty. Veterans from across the state were present for the reading of the resolution.
_The Division of Motor Vehicles could note a person’s military service on driver’s licenses or special identification cards under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1965).
Economy
_The sunset on various economic incentives would be extended under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1973). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. If enacted, the legislation would also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
_The competitiveness of North Carolina’s film credit for production companies would be increased under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1957).
_ The North Carolina Seafood Marketing Grant Program would be established in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under a bill that was taken into consideration by the House Committee on Marine Resources and Aquaculture this week (HB 1709). The program would provide funding to local marketing programs that promote the increased purchase and consumption of North Carolina seafood.
Violence
_A bill that would increase the penalty for the killing of an animal from a Class A1 Misdemeanor to a Class H Felony was unanimously approved in the House this week (SB 254). The legislation would also increase the penalty for the malicious abuse or torture of an animal from a Class I Felony to a Class H Felony. Susie's Law, as the legislation is commonly known, is named after a dog found burned and left to die in a Greensboro park last summer.
_The North Carolina Supreme Court would be directed to establish minimum standards of domestic violence education and training for district court judges under a bill that was taken into consideration by the House Committee on Ways and Means/Broadband Connectivity this week (HB 1762). If enacted, the legislation would also encourage the University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence education and training for judges and magistrates. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.
Miscellaneous
_A bill that would appropriate funds for the Kids Voting of North Carolina Program was introduced in the House this week (HB 1924). Kids Voting North Carolina is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes voter participation by educating America's youth about the importance of being informed citizens and the responsibilities of voting to sustain democracy.
_The Division of Aging and Adult Services could study whether to require criminal record checks for current and prospective owners, operators, and volunteers of adult day care programs and adult day health services programs. The legislation (HB 1703) is based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging and was considered this week by the House Committee on Aging this week.
_School districts would have more flexibility to improve failing schools under legislation approved in the House this week. The bill (SB 704) gives school systems additional authority to reorganize failing schools, including the ability to operate them like charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that are exempt from some of the rules that apply to traditional schools. The legislation is expected to help strengthen the state’s application for federal education money.
Notes
_Vitacost.com Inc., a leading online retailer and direct marketer of health and wellness products, will expand in Davidson County. The company plans to invest $6.7 million and create 228 jobs over the next three years. The project was made possible in part by a $450,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_WhiteRidge Plastics LLC, a national supplier of custom-molded plastic parts for the automotive, industrial, agricultural, tool and custom-part markets, will expand its operations in Rockingham County. The company plans to create 55 jobs and invest more than $1.2 million during the next three years in Reidsville. The project was made possible in part by a $45,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_The American Red Cross will create 440 jobs at a Charlotte call center. The American Red Cross, based in Washington, D.C., is the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. Charlotte was selected as the location for the call center thanks partly to job training assistance provided by the state.
_The second phase of North Carolina’s Energy Star Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program starts June 1. In the second phase, more appliances are eligible for rebates to consumers seeking to cut energy costs by replacing older, less-efficient models. The rebates are available until $1 million set aside for the program is exhausted. The link to the N.C. Energy Star Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program can be found at www.energync.net. Consumers without Internet access may call 1-877-379-7323.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "Audio," and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. May 20, 2010
Work at the General Assembly is going rapidly so far this session, with the Senate approving its version of the budget bill this week, much earlier than in past years. The bill now comes to the House for consideration. Our budget committees have already been meeting to review the contents of the Senate bill and will start crafting our plan soon.
We will once again be accepting comments and ideas from anyone willing to offer them. The House Appropriations Committee will be hosting a public hearing on the budget on Monday beginning at 7 p.m. The hearing will be at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh with satellite sites at Bladen Community College, Central Piedmont Community College and Southwestern Community College. In addition, we will be accepting email comments at town.hall@ncleg.net. You can get additional information from the General Assembly website, www.ncleg.net.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Jobs/Economy
_A bill that would provide H.E.L.P. (Health Care, Employment, Leverage, and Preparation) for small businesses in North Carolina was debated in the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship on Wednesday (HB 1721). This bill would help create or retain 6,000-7,000 jobs, conservatively. It would also help many small businesses get through a very difficult time and it would give the state a stronger structure with which to assist small businesses. The bill is based on the recommendations of the House Select Committee on Small Business.
_Funds would be appropriated to the E-NC Authority to support connectivity initiatives and to advance technology-based economic development throughout the state under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1752).
_The House will be considering a bill that would provide funds for planning and funding of pilot programs recommended by the Joint Legislative Joining Our Businesses and Schools (Jobs) Study Commission (HB 1718).
_A bill that would appropriate funds in support of the North Carolina Community Development Initiative for capital acquisition leverage and green agenda programs in low-wealth communities was introduced in the House this week (HB 1872).
Health
_Legislation that would allow already enrolled dependent children under the age of 26 who are not eligible for employer-based health care to remain on the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees for plan year 2010-2011 was discussed by the House Committee on Insurance on Thursday. If enacted, the legislation would also direct the State Health Plan to consult with the Committee on Hospital and Medical Benefits before implanting a tobacco use testing program (HB 1707).
_A bill that would appropriate funds to prevent infant mortality in North Carolina was taken into consideration in the House Committee on Health on Thursday (HB 1702).
_The Child Care Commission, in consultation with the Division of Child Development of the Department of Health and Human Services, would be required to develop improved nutrition standards for child care facilities under a bill that is in the House Committee on Health (HB 1726). If enacted, the bill would also direct the Division of Childcare Development to study and recommend guidelines for increased physical activity in child care facilities. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
Crime/Safety
_Funds would be appropriated based on recommendations from the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1788). These funds would be allocated for: (1) the Domestic Violence Center Fund; (2) the North Carolina Council for Women and the Domestic Violence Commission to pay for shelters for victims of domestic violence; (3) the Governor's Crime Commission to create supervised visitation and exchange centers and to continue existing centers; (4) and for local programs to prevent domestic violence.
_Funding for law enforcement support services in the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety would be restored under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1813).
Notes
_Advanced Textile Solutions Inc., a regional company specializing in fabric products for the military, automotive, aerospace and marine markets, will open a new plant in Caldwell County. The company plans to create 127 jobs and invest $500,000 during the next three years in Sawmills. The project was made possible in part by a $127,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_The Appropriations Committee of the North Carolina House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 24, to receive comments about the state budget. The hearing will be held from 7-10 p.m. at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Email comments concerning the budget may be sent to town.hall@ncleg.net up to midnight of May 25. Written comments postmarked by May 25 may be sent to House Appropriations Committee, Suite 401, Legislative Office Building, 300 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603-5925. Additional information will be available at http://www.ncleg.net. Three community colleges that will serve as remote host sites are: Bladen Community College, Dublin; Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte; and Southwestern Community College, Sylva.
Please remember that you can listen to committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "Audio," and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. A calendar of meetings is also available on the site.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
We will once again be accepting comments and ideas from anyone willing to offer them. The House Appropriations Committee will be hosting a public hearing on the budget on Monday beginning at 7 p.m. The hearing will be at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh with satellite sites at Bladen Community College, Central Piedmont Community College and Southwestern Community College. In addition, we will be accepting email comments at town.hall@ncleg.net. You can get additional information from the General Assembly website, www.ncleg.net.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Jobs/Economy
_A bill that would provide H.E.L.P. (Health Care, Employment, Leverage, and Preparation) for small businesses in North Carolina was debated in the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship on Wednesday (HB 1721). This bill would help create or retain 6,000-7,000 jobs, conservatively. It would also help many small businesses get through a very difficult time and it would give the state a stronger structure with which to assist small businesses. The bill is based on the recommendations of the House Select Committee on Small Business.
_Funds would be appropriated to the E-NC Authority to support connectivity initiatives and to advance technology-based economic development throughout the state under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1752).
_The House will be considering a bill that would provide funds for planning and funding of pilot programs recommended by the Joint Legislative Joining Our Businesses and Schools (Jobs) Study Commission (HB 1718).
_A bill that would appropriate funds in support of the North Carolina Community Development Initiative for capital acquisition leverage and green agenda programs in low-wealth communities was introduced in the House this week (HB 1872).
Health
_Legislation that would allow already enrolled dependent children under the age of 26 who are not eligible for employer-based health care to remain on the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees for plan year 2010-2011 was discussed by the House Committee on Insurance on Thursday. If enacted, the legislation would also direct the State Health Plan to consult with the Committee on Hospital and Medical Benefits before implanting a tobacco use testing program (HB 1707).
_A bill that would appropriate funds to prevent infant mortality in North Carolina was taken into consideration in the House Committee on Health on Thursday (HB 1702).
_The Child Care Commission, in consultation with the Division of Child Development of the Department of Health and Human Services, would be required to develop improved nutrition standards for child care facilities under a bill that is in the House Committee on Health (HB 1726). If enacted, the bill would also direct the Division of Childcare Development to study and recommend guidelines for increased physical activity in child care facilities. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
Crime/Safety
_Funds would be appropriated based on recommendations from the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1788). These funds would be allocated for: (1) the Domestic Violence Center Fund; (2) the North Carolina Council for Women and the Domestic Violence Commission to pay for shelters for victims of domestic violence; (3) the Governor's Crime Commission to create supervised visitation and exchange centers and to continue existing centers; (4) and for local programs to prevent domestic violence.
_Funding for law enforcement support services in the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety would be restored under a bill that was introduced in the House this week (HB 1813).
Notes
_Advanced Textile Solutions Inc., a regional company specializing in fabric products for the military, automotive, aerospace and marine markets, will open a new plant in Caldwell County. The company plans to create 127 jobs and invest $500,000 during the next three years in Sawmills. The project was made possible in part by a $127,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_The Appropriations Committee of the North Carolina House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 24, to receive comments about the state budget. The hearing will be held from 7-10 p.m. at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Email comments concerning the budget may be sent to town.hall@ncleg.net up to midnight of May 25. Written comments postmarked by May 25 may be sent to House Appropriations Committee, Suite 401, Legislative Office Building, 300 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603-5925. Additional information will be available at http://www.ncleg.net. Three community colleges that will serve as remote host sites are: Bladen Community College, Dublin; Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte; and Southwestern Community College, Sylva.
Please remember that you can listen to committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "Audio," and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. A calendar of meetings is also available on the site.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. May 13, 2010
The General Assembly reconvened this week, and I am proud to once again be in Raleigh representing your interests. Several committees have already met and we are starting to consider new legislation that will help make our state a better place to live. We also will be looking at some bills from last session that are still eligible for consideration this year. I reintroduced some of them to you last week and this week will summarize some bills that relate to education, crime, and emergency management, among other important areas of interest.
Also this week, I joined with members of the House Democratic Caucus to approve a four-point agenda that focuses on jobs, education, fiscal responsibility and accountability. We already have legislation in the works to address each of these items and will also support them through the state budget.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Education
_The State Board of Education would be directed to annually review nutrition standards for food and beverages administered by the Department of Public Instruction under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 900). According to the bill, the State Board of Education would examine the standards on an annual basis and make modifications that reflect current products in the marketplace, best practices in the industry, and science-based evidence from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
_Local school administrative units could be required to reorganize all high schools that have a high dropout rate. Under the bill (HB 1176), local boards of education would be required to reorganize all high schools that have a graduation rate less than 60 percent for two consecutive years.
Emergency Management
_The Division of Health Service Regulation, a branch within DHHS, would be directed to review recommendations from the Disability and Elderly Emergency Management Task Force under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 143). The bill would require the division to take appropriate action to strengthen disaster planning and disaster preparedness for long-term care facilities. This legislation is based on the recommendations of the NC Study Commission on Aging and is now in the Senate.
_The Division of Emergency Management would be authorized to establish a registry that counties and municipalities could use to identify functionally and medically fragile people during a disaster under a bill that has already passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 382). If enacted, the bill would also authorize counties and municipalities to operate similar registries. The intent of this legislation is to improve the safety of medically vulnerable individuals in the event of a disaster.
_The Division of Emergency Management may be allowed to establish a voluntary emergency management certification program under a bill that has passed the Senate (SB 255). The purpose of the program is to strengthen and enhance the professional competencies of emergency management personnel in state and local emergency management agencies.
Crime
_Private personnel services, job listing services, and individuals would be required to provide a notice to potential customers concerning identity theft under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 1265).
_A number of improving changes would be made to the state’s sex offender registry under a House bill that is now in the Senate (HB 1317). Among those changes are: (1) requiring people who must register as sex offenders to report in person to and notify the appropriate sheriff of the addresses of any temporary residences; (2) expanding the list of properties where certain sex offenders are not allowed to be in the premises; and (3) requiring registered sex offenders from other states to stay away from certain properties frequented by minors.
_ Legislation that would prohibit cell phones in prison (HB 8) has already been unanimously approved by the House. The bill would also make it unlawful for a prison guard to provide a phone to an inmate. Some prison officials had reported that more prisoners were smuggling in phones. The bill is now in the Senate.
Miscellaneous
_A bill that would expand the authority of the North Carolina Department of Transportation to locate and acquire right-of-way for the location, above or below ground, of fiber-optic cable has passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 136).
_A bill that would provide for an alternative credit for qualifying expenses of a production company has passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 713).
_Legislation that would provide a Survivor’s Alternate Benefit for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty has already passed the House (HB 766). If enacted, the principal beneficiary of an officer who has completed 15 years of service would be entitled to the survivor’s benefit should that officer be killed in the line of duty. The Senate must now pass the bill before it becomes law.
_State and local governments would be encouraged to use military veteran contractors under a bill (HB 912) that has passed the House and now awaits action in the Senate.
_ Political candidates could be prevented from accepting campaign donations from a company or from the officers of companies with active state contracts. The intent of the legislation (HB 961) is to prevent possible conflicts of interest by candidates and state contractors. The Senate will consider the bill next.
_ All units of local government would be allowed to regulate golf carts under a bill that has already passed the Senate (SB 650).
_Bicycles could be required to have visible lights on the front and rear, or on the person operating the bicycle, between sunset and sunrise if they are being used on a street, highway, or public area for vehicles. The bill (SB 955) has passed the Senate and, if enacted, would also require the report of a crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle where the total property damage exceeds $500.
_Leaving a child under the age of 9 unattended in a motor vehicle would be made unlawful under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 827). The bill is now in the Senate.
Notes
_VSA LLC, a recycler of automotive catalytic converters, will locate its production plant in Burke County. The company plans to create 98 jobs and invest $4.5 million during the next two years in Morganton. The project was made possible in part by a $98,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Please remember that you can listen to committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "Audio," and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. A calendar of meetings is also available on the site.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Also this week, I joined with members of the House Democratic Caucus to approve a four-point agenda that focuses on jobs, education, fiscal responsibility and accountability. We already have legislation in the works to address each of these items and will also support them through the state budget.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Education
_The State Board of Education would be directed to annually review nutrition standards for food and beverages administered by the Department of Public Instruction under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 900). According to the bill, the State Board of Education would examine the standards on an annual basis and make modifications that reflect current products in the marketplace, best practices in the industry, and science-based evidence from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
_Local school administrative units could be required to reorganize all high schools that have a high dropout rate. Under the bill (HB 1176), local boards of education would be required to reorganize all high schools that have a graduation rate less than 60 percent for two consecutive years.
Emergency Management
_The Division of Health Service Regulation, a branch within DHHS, would be directed to review recommendations from the Disability and Elderly Emergency Management Task Force under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 143). The bill would require the division to take appropriate action to strengthen disaster planning and disaster preparedness for long-term care facilities. This legislation is based on the recommendations of the NC Study Commission on Aging and is now in the Senate.
_The Division of Emergency Management would be authorized to establish a registry that counties and municipalities could use to identify functionally and medically fragile people during a disaster under a bill that has already passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 382). If enacted, the bill would also authorize counties and municipalities to operate similar registries. The intent of this legislation is to improve the safety of medically vulnerable individuals in the event of a disaster.
_The Division of Emergency Management may be allowed to establish a voluntary emergency management certification program under a bill that has passed the Senate (SB 255). The purpose of the program is to strengthen and enhance the professional competencies of emergency management personnel in state and local emergency management agencies.
Crime
_Private personnel services, job listing services, and individuals would be required to provide a notice to potential customers concerning identity theft under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 1265).
_A number of improving changes would be made to the state’s sex offender registry under a House bill that is now in the Senate (HB 1317). Among those changes are: (1) requiring people who must register as sex offenders to report in person to and notify the appropriate sheriff of the addresses of any temporary residences; (2) expanding the list of properties where certain sex offenders are not allowed to be in the premises; and (3) requiring registered sex offenders from other states to stay away from certain properties frequented by minors.
_ Legislation that would prohibit cell phones in prison (HB 8) has already been unanimously approved by the House. The bill would also make it unlawful for a prison guard to provide a phone to an inmate. Some prison officials had reported that more prisoners were smuggling in phones. The bill is now in the Senate.
Miscellaneous
_A bill that would expand the authority of the North Carolina Department of Transportation to locate and acquire right-of-way for the location, above or below ground, of fiber-optic cable has passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 136).
_A bill that would provide for an alternative credit for qualifying expenses of a production company has passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 713).
_Legislation that would provide a Survivor’s Alternate Benefit for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty has already passed the House (HB 766). If enacted, the principal beneficiary of an officer who has completed 15 years of service would be entitled to the survivor’s benefit should that officer be killed in the line of duty. The Senate must now pass the bill before it becomes law.
_State and local governments would be encouraged to use military veteran contractors under a bill (HB 912) that has passed the House and now awaits action in the Senate.
_ Political candidates could be prevented from accepting campaign donations from a company or from the officers of companies with active state contracts. The intent of the legislation (HB 961) is to prevent possible conflicts of interest by candidates and state contractors. The Senate will consider the bill next.
_ All units of local government would be allowed to regulate golf carts under a bill that has already passed the Senate (SB 650).
_Bicycles could be required to have visible lights on the front and rear, or on the person operating the bicycle, between sunset and sunrise if they are being used on a street, highway, or public area for vehicles. The bill (SB 955) has passed the Senate and, if enacted, would also require the report of a crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle where the total property damage exceeds $500.
_Leaving a child under the age of 9 unattended in a motor vehicle would be made unlawful under a bill that has already passed the House (HB 827). The bill is now in the Senate.
Notes
_VSA LLC, a recycler of automotive catalytic converters, will locate its production plant in Burke County. The company plans to create 98 jobs and invest $4.5 million during the next two years in Morganton. The project was made possible in part by a $98,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Please remember that you can listen to committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "Audio," and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. A calendar of meetings is also available on the site.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. May 5, 2010
The short session of the General Assembly reconvenes next Wednesday, and I am excited to return to Raleigh on your behalf. My focus while we are in session will be finding more and better ways to help retain and attract jobs for our state and to continue being good stewards of public money. There will also be other subject areas that we will address, of course, including continued ethics reform, health care improvements and education.
The following information highlights just some of the bills introduced last year that are eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative short session, bills that touch on the economy, the environment and election and ethics reforms. Next week we will be discussing bills introduced last year that relate to education, crime, and emergency management, among other important areas of interest.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Economy and Consumer Protection
_A bill being considered during the upcoming legislative session would enact the Small Business Assistance Act of 2009 and would establish the Small Business Jobs Preservation Fund in the Office of State Budget and Management with related programs coordinated by a technical assistance provider (HB 814).
_The purchaser of foreclosed property would be unable to evict tenants who receive federal Section 8 housing assistance prior to the expiration of the tenants’ leases (HB 1051).
_Expanded consumer protection could be put in place to protect against abusive debt buyers under a bill introduced last session (HB 1059).
_A bill that would enact the Homeowner and Homebuyer Protection Act may be considered. (HB 1060). If enacted, the legislation would prohibit home foreclosure rescue scams and offer protections in land installment sales.
Environment
_Certain environmental laws may be amended under a bill that may be taken into consideration during the coming legislative short session (HB 1099). Among the changes would be to (1) extend by one year the implementation of water system efficiency criteria for eligibility for state water infrastructure funds; (2) prohibit the use of high arsenic content glass beads when marking state or municipal roads or public vehicular areas; (3) modify the nutrient management strategy and adopt a sediments strategy for certain drinking water supply reservoirs; and (4) to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Upper Neuse River Basin, Falls Lake, and other drinking water supply reservoirs by directing the environmental management commission to provide credit to local governments, land owners, and others who reduce water pollution in the Upper Neuse River Basin before permanent rules are adopted.
_State agencies, including community colleges and public universities, would be required to recycle lights and thermostats containing mercury as part of a bill lawmakers could consider this year (HB 1287). As part of an effort to prohibit mercury in unlined landfills, the legislation would also require the removal of products containing mercury from buildings prior to demolition.
_An act that would authorize the governor to impose fuel rationing measures during a state of disaster, a local state of emergency, or an abnormal market disruption, is eligible for consideration this year (SB 811).
Elections and Ethics Reform
_The threshold for reporting campaign contributions would be lowered to $500 under a bill that has already passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 388). Existing law exempts candidates who raise less than $3,000 from having to submit detailed reports of contributions, loans and expenditures. The intent of the legislation is to provide more information about how candidates raise and spend money.
_Candidates for political office could market legal services or promote other commercial activities not connected to their political campaigns without being subject to additional campaign reporting (HB 1048). The bill would allow candidates to be mentioned in mailers and TV ads for their businesses, aligning North Carolina’s law more closely with the US Supreme Court decision on nonpolitical communications.
_Legislation that could improve North Carolina’s absentee voting laws may be considered this year in the Senate (HB 614). The bill has already passed the House and is specifically intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots.
_The House has passed a bill that would require more disclosure of campaign fundraising and donations by appointees to state boards and commissions. The Senate may act on the legislation this year. (H944).
_The state's revolving door provision would be expanded to cover executive branch employees, and bar them from lobbying for 6 months after they leave under a bill introduced last session (H1136). The House approved the legislation unanimously last year.
_Vendors who win large state contracts would be prohibited from giving large campaign donations to the elected official whose office makes the contracting decision under a bill introduced last session (H961). The legislation was passed by the House and now awaits action in the Senate.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
The following information highlights just some of the bills introduced last year that are eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative short session, bills that touch on the economy, the environment and election and ethics reforms. Next week we will be discussing bills introduced last year that relate to education, crime, and emergency management, among other important areas of interest.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Economy and Consumer Protection
_A bill being considered during the upcoming legislative session would enact the Small Business Assistance Act of 2009 and would establish the Small Business Jobs Preservation Fund in the Office of State Budget and Management with related programs coordinated by a technical assistance provider (HB 814).
_The purchaser of foreclosed property would be unable to evict tenants who receive federal Section 8 housing assistance prior to the expiration of the tenants’ leases (HB 1051).
_Expanded consumer protection could be put in place to protect against abusive debt buyers under a bill introduced last session (HB 1059).
_A bill that would enact the Homeowner and Homebuyer Protection Act may be considered. (HB 1060). If enacted, the legislation would prohibit home foreclosure rescue scams and offer protections in land installment sales.
Environment
_Certain environmental laws may be amended under a bill that may be taken into consideration during the coming legislative short session (HB 1099). Among the changes would be to (1) extend by one year the implementation of water system efficiency criteria for eligibility for state water infrastructure funds; (2) prohibit the use of high arsenic content glass beads when marking state or municipal roads or public vehicular areas; (3) modify the nutrient management strategy and adopt a sediments strategy for certain drinking water supply reservoirs; and (4) to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Upper Neuse River Basin, Falls Lake, and other drinking water supply reservoirs by directing the environmental management commission to provide credit to local governments, land owners, and others who reduce water pollution in the Upper Neuse River Basin before permanent rules are adopted.
_State agencies, including community colleges and public universities, would be required to recycle lights and thermostats containing mercury as part of a bill lawmakers could consider this year (HB 1287). As part of an effort to prohibit mercury in unlined landfills, the legislation would also require the removal of products containing mercury from buildings prior to demolition.
_An act that would authorize the governor to impose fuel rationing measures during a state of disaster, a local state of emergency, or an abnormal market disruption, is eligible for consideration this year (SB 811).
Elections and Ethics Reform
_The threshold for reporting campaign contributions would be lowered to $500 under a bill that has already passed the House and is now in the Senate (HB 388). Existing law exempts candidates who raise less than $3,000 from having to submit detailed reports of contributions, loans and expenditures. The intent of the legislation is to provide more information about how candidates raise and spend money.
_Candidates for political office could market legal services or promote other commercial activities not connected to their political campaigns without being subject to additional campaign reporting (HB 1048). The bill would allow candidates to be mentioned in mailers and TV ads for their businesses, aligning North Carolina’s law more closely with the US Supreme Court decision on nonpolitical communications.
_Legislation that could improve North Carolina’s absentee voting laws may be considered this year in the Senate (HB 614). The bill has already passed the House and is specifically intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots.
_The House has passed a bill that would require more disclosure of campaign fundraising and donations by appointees to state boards and commissions. The Senate may act on the legislation this year. (H944).
_The state's revolving door provision would be expanded to cover executive branch employees, and bar them from lobbying for 6 months after they leave under a bill introduced last session (H1136). The House approved the legislation unanimously last year.
_Vendors who win large state contracts would be prohibited from giving large campaign donations to the elected official whose office makes the contracting decision under a bill introduced last session (H961). The legislation was passed by the House and now awaits action in the Senate.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
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