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Old North State Report
Feb. 7, 2025
Old North State Report – Feb. 7, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb. 19-21, 2025
NC Healthcare Association 2025 Winter Meeting
Feb. 24, 2025
IIANC Thinkers Lunch: Political Reporters Roundtable
Feb. 25, 2025
NC Chamber - Government Affairs Reception
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
2025 LEGISLATURE CONVENES
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the 2025 state legislative session began, with lawmakers filing many bills reflecting the priorities of both Republican and Democratic leaders, as well as specific interests. The bills include Hurricane Helene disaster relief, exemptions for overtime and tips from federal income taxes, ending Daylight Savings Time in North Carolina, allowing bettors to deduct wagering losses, permitting concealed weapons without a permit for those 18 and older, and constitutional amendments related to literacy tests and gerrymandering.
The GOP controls the state legislature but lost a veto-proof majority in the previous elections. Bills passed need approval from Democratic Governor Josh Stein, and if he vetoes any, the GOP will require Democratic support to override the veto.
Newly elected House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) received applause from legislators on Wednesday for sharing a six-month calendar on X, outlining expected vote days in the House and committee meeting days. Hall expressed his intention to follow the schedule to provide certainty. This is the first time in the Chamber’s history a schedule has been set for House lawmakers. Mondays are designated for Rules and Select Committee meetings. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, from late February to the end of June, will have House votes, except for the two break weeks on April 21-25 and May 26-30. Thursdays in February are for committee meetings, while later Thursdays may include House votes. Hall aims to maintain simplicity and consistency in the legislative process and hinted that work may extend beyond the six-month timeframe, especially for unfinished matters.
The House and Senate filing and crossover deadlines are as follows:
2025 House Request and Filing Deadlines
|
Drafts |
Requested |
Filed in House |
|
Local Bills |
Thursday, Feb. 20 |
Thursday, March 6 |
|
Public Bills & Resolutions |
Thursday, March 6 |
Thursday, April 3 |
Crossover Deadline: Thursday, May 8
2025 Senate Request and Filing Deadlines
|
Drafts |
Requested by 4:00 p.m. |
Filed by 4:00 p.m. |
|
Local Bills |
Thursday, Feb. 13 |
Thursday, February 27 |
|
Public Bills & Resolutions |
Thursday, Feb. 27 |
Tuesday, March 25 |
Crossover Deadline: Thursday, May 8
Read more by State Affairs Pro
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA DISASTER RELIEF BILL INTRODUCED
Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly and the Democratic governor agree on the need for more funds for Hurricane Helene relief, but they disagree on the amount of money and its distribution. Lawmakers have begun discussing these details in committee meetings. Governor Stein is asking for a $1.1 billion relief plan, in addition to nearly $1 billion already approved for victims of the hurricane. Some House lawmakers suggest initially approving only $500 million. Additional priorities of Stein’s $1.1 billion proposal include business grants, assisting local residents with mortgage and rent, rebuilding downtown areas, and supporting local food banks.
The legislature’s $500 million set forth in House Bill 47 is divided into seven categories:
- $150 million for home rebuilding.
- $150 million for local farmers.
- $100 million for privately owned roads and bridges.
- $60 million for state facility repairs.
- $20 million for debris removal.
- $10 million for local volunteer groups.
- $10 million for volunteer fire departments.
SENATE BILL 24 ADDRESSES HIGH HEALTHCARE COSTS
The North Carolina General Assembly is working to lower healthcare costs. On Wednesday, two Senate committees approved a bill that will reveal the costs of state government health insurance mandates for employers and taxpayers. Senate Bill 24 seeks to improve transparency about these costs and tighten regulations that contribute to high premiums. It was discussed by the Senate Committee on Health Care and the Senate Committee on Pensions and Retirement and Aging and has also been introduced in the House. Senators Jim Burgin (R-Harnett); Amy Galey (R-Alamance); and Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston).sponsor the bill. Business and healthcare leaders support it, suggesting measures like publishing healthcare costs for public employees. The bill will now move to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.
Read more by The Carolina Journal
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.