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Old North State Report
Dec. 9, 2024
Old North State Report – Dec. 9, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 14, 2025
NC Chamber Economic Forecast Forum
Jan. 29, 2025
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
VETO OF SENATE BILL 382 OVERTURNED BY SENATE
On Dec. 2, the North Carolina Senate voted 30-19 to override Governor Roy Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 382. This bill would take away many powers from the governor, the attorney general, and other offices that Democrats won in recent elections. Although the bill is officially about providing relief for Hurricane Helene victims, its main focus is on altering the balance of power in state government.
The bill proposes to transfer $277 million from a general state savings fund to a special fund for Hurricane Helene, but much of the money would remain unspent for now. Cooper has urged lawmakers to approve a larger, $3.9 billion relief package, but only less than $1 billion has been approved so far.
The bill would also shift control of the State Board of Elections from the governor to the newly elected state auditor, Dave Boliek, a Republican. It aims to reduce the powers and responsibilities of incoming Attorney General Jeff Jackson, a Democrat.
Additionally, the bill includes several changes affecting the executive and judicial branches. These changes would create new judicial positions appointed by the legislature, eliminate a Democrat-held judicial seat, make the State Highway Patrol independent, and dissolve certain councils currently led by Democrats.
The House of Representatives is expected to consider overriding the Governor’s veto next week.
Read more by The Center Square
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILLS ADVANCING
Two proposed constitutional amendments are rapidly advancing in the Senate. One would limit the state’s income tax rate to 5%, while the other would mandate photo ID for anyone voting by mail.
Senate Bill 920 would limit North Carolina’s maximum income tax rate to five percent in the state constitution. The current cap is 7%, but the rate is now at 4.5%. Republican lawmakers have approved gradual cuts, and this amendment would prevent any future rate increases.
Senate Bill 921 would require all North Carolina voters, including those voting by mail, to show photo ID. Current state law mandates ID for all voting methods.
The Senate approved both proposals on Monday, sending them to the House. If both chambers agree, the amendments will go on the 2026 ballot for voters to decide; they cannot be vetoed by the governor.
Both amendments were passed along party line votes 30-19.
CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP FOR HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS
Dan Blue, a significant figure in North Carolina politics for over 40 years, will no longer lead the state Senate Democrats after more than a decade and will be replaced by Senator Sydney Batch of Raleigh.
At 75, Blue joined the legislature in 1981 as a House member and became the first and only Black House speaker in North Carolina ten years later, serving for four years until Republicans gained control. He left the House after an unsuccessful U. S. Senate bid in 2002, returned in 2006, and moved to the Senate in 2009. In 2014, he became the minority leader after Martin Nesbitt's illness and subsequent death.
His replacement, Batch, a family law attorney, was first elected to the House in 2018 but lost in 2020. She filled a Senate vacancy in early 2021 and was reelected in 2022.
The Senate Democratic Caucus also reappointed Senator Jay Chaudhuri as minority whip, while Representative Robert Reives was reelected as House minority leader.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
- Under the Dome Podcast
- Do Politics Better Podcast
- WUNC Politics Podcast
- Carolina Newsmakers Podcast
- NC Capitol Wrap Podcast
WHAT WE’RE READING
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These materials have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.