NC General Assembly Archives

North Carolina court: GOP can narrow governor’s appointment powers on some boards

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina appeals court has ruled that the Republican-controlled General Assembly can reduce the governor’s appointments to certain commissions. The court upheld the composition of four boards dealing with the environment, fishing, hunting, and building codes. However, it struck down changes to boards overseeing transportation, economic incentives and public health policies. This decision is part of a long-standing legal fight between Democratic governors and GOP lawmakers who have moved to limit gubernatorial powers.… Continue Reading

North Carolina effort wipes out $6.5B in medical debt for 2.5M people

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Officials say a North Carolina government initiative is eliminating over $6.5 billion in medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents. The totals released Monday exceed initial expectations for the effort announced last year. It offered hospitals extra Medicaid funds if they relieve patients’ debt and implement policies to prevent future liabilities. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said word of the debt relief is “life-changing news for so many families” struggling with the financial weight of unexpected medical crises. Hospitals are already letting many patients know about their debt relief. A nonprofit group helping in the project is sending more than 250,000 notices this week.… Continue Reading

North Carolina Gov. Stein signs stopgap budget bill and vetoes opt-in bill helping school choice

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed a stopgap spending measure as lawmakers remain stuck in a budget impasse. But he also vetoed a bill Wednesday that would otherwise sign off on state involvement in a federal tax credit program to boost school-choice options. Stein criticized the spending plan for not providing enough pay raises or covering increased Medicaid expenses. The new law includes funds for state construction projects and employee benefits. The tax-credit program bill approved by Republicans seeks to opt in to the financial benefits within President Donald Trump’s new law for donations to K-12 scholarship organizations.… Continue Reading

North Carolina governor vetoes another set of bills, including one on guns in private schools

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has cleared his desk of the last of the legislation passed to him from the North Carolina General Assembly this legislative session. The governor vetoed three of the bills Wednesday. One of the vetoed bills would allow certain people to carry firearms on private school property with permission from certain school administrators. Stein says the bill would make children less safe. Republican proponents say the bill would help private schools in rural areas. The two other vetoes deal with nonprofit donor information and removing unauthorized people from residential property. Possible veto override attempts could occur starting later this month.… Continue Reading

North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature has wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session by passing another Hurricane Helene relief measure. But lawmakers in the House and Senate have been unable to agree on a two-year budget by July 1. Legislators may return, starting next month, as negotiations continue. The legislature did approve another relief bill Thursday that moves $700 million to the state’s Helene fund and appropriates $500 million of that. Among other GOP priorities passed this week was the rollback of state diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein will have to approve or veto the measures.… Continue Reading

North Carolina redistricting trial begins, with racial gerrymandering allegations the focus

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina congressional and legislative districts drawn by Republicans in 2023 that helped them retain majorities in Raleigh and Washington are in court. A trial began Monday in two federal lawsuits filed by voters and advocacy groups that accuse mapmakers of illegally eroding Black voting power while enacting lines that aided GOP electoral prospects. The lawsuits claim that lines are so skewed that many Black voters lack the ability to elect their preferred candidates. Republicans counter that they used no race-based data in developing the plans. The trial won’t end until next month. North Carolina has a long history of redistricting litigation and related landmark decisions.… Continue Reading

Permitless concealed carry in North Carolina faces uphill battle after some GOP pushback

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina legislators have given final approval to a bill allowing eligible adults to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, the legislation faces a handful of challenges before it can become law. A likely veto from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is the first. Republicans also lack a supermajority in the House that allows them to override the governor’s vetoes. A few Republican House members also joined in with Democrats to vote against the bill Wednesday. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state in the country to allow the concealed carry of a handgun without a permit.… Continue Reading

North Carolina GOP sending immigration crackdown bills to Democratic Gov. Stein

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republicans at the North Carolina legislature have given final approval to two pieces of immigration legislation. One would compel state agencies to participate in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the other would toughen a recent law that required sheriffs to help federal agents seeking criminal defendants. A series of House and Senate votes on the measures on Tuesday means they now go to new Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who has yet to veto a bill and since taking office has tried to build rapport with lawmakers. The GOP’s legislative maneuvers happened as National Guard troops have been deployed by Trump to Los Angeles.… Continue Reading

North Carolina Republicans already seek to tighten up 2024 immigration enforcement law

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republicans managed just last fall to enact their long-sought policy ordering local sheriffs to cooperate with federal agents seeking to locate and deport certain jail inmates. Some GOP members already want it tightened further. The GOP-controlled state House approved a measure Tuesday that would subject people accused of more categories of crimes to inquiries about their immigration status. The bill also would make clear that jail officials must contact federal immigration agents if they’re holding someone. Vetoes by then-Gov. Roy Cooper meant Republicans took five years to pass the initial law. The proposed upgrade comes as President Donald Trump pushes an immigration enforcement crackdown nationally.… Continue Reading

North Carolina judges weigh GOP law shifting election board control away from Democratic governor

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina trial judges will soon rule if legislative Republicans’ latest method to attempt to wrest control of the State Board of Elections from a Democratic governor is lawful. A three-judge panel listened to arguments Monday in a lawsuit filed by Gov. Josh Stein against GOP lawmakers. A law approved last year and taking effect soon would give board appointments to the state auditor. Republican Dave Boliek is now the auditor. The legislature has sought to erode or eliminate a governor’s authority to appoint the board for nearly a decade. At least four laws have been blocked and a constitutional amendment was defeated. Any ruling will assuredly be appealed.… Continue Reading