LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

July 29, 2011--From the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women

NC General Assembly

The legislators completed their business for the special session on Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 which included addressing the governor's vetos in override votes, and redistricting.

Leading from the front, Republicans with the help of a few Democrats were successful in overriding the governor's veto of the following bills:

1. "Abortion - A Woman's Right to Know Act" HB 854 - On Jul 26, 2011, the House was tenacious in overriding the governor's veto of this important legislation in a vote of 72 to 47 with 1 excused absence. Democrat Representatives Brisson, Crawford, Hill, and Spear joined with all Republicans in the override. In the Senate the override vote passed in a vote of 29 to 19 with 2 excused absences. Both Republican Senators Bingham and Stevens had excused absences. Previously, Senator Bingham voted against the measure and Senator Stevens did not vote. Since the two Senators were absent, the Senate only needed 29 votes instead of 30 for the override.

Thanks to all NCFRW members, and especially Joyce Krawiec for leading the Grassroots Activists, in communicating with our legislators on this important bill. Women in Numbers (WIN) make a difference!

2. "Medical Liability Reforms" SB 33 - On Jul 25, 2011 the override was successful in a vote of 74 to 42 with 2 not voting, and 2 with an excused absence. Most Republicans voted for the measure, except Representatives Blackwell, Daughtry, and Mills. Most Democrats voted against the bill except Representatives Brisson, Crawford, Goodman, Hamilton, Hill, Lucas, Owens, Parfitt, Wilkins, and Wray.

3. "Regulatory Reform Act of 2011" SB 781 - The veto override passed on Jul 25, 2011 in a vote of 76 to 42 with 2 excused absences. Democrat Representatives Brandon, Brisson, Crawford, Goodman, Hill, Jackson, McGuirt, Owens, Spear, and Wray joined with most Republicans in voting for the bill; except Republican Representative McGrady. All other Democrats voted against the bill.

4. "Employment Security Commission Jobs Reform" SB 532 - On Jul 26, 2011 the House passed the override in a vote of 72 to 47 with 1 excused absence. Democrat Representatives Brisson, Crawford, Hill, and Spear joined with all Republicans in the override.

5. "Medicaid and Health Choice Provider Requirement" SB 496 - On Jul 25, 2011 the House voted to override the veto in a vote of 74 to 41 with 3 not voting, and 2 excused absences. Democrat Representatives Brisson, Bryant, Crawford, Goodman, Hill, Jackson and Spear voted with all Republicans.

Redistricting
The General Assembly enacted District Plans, including the "Lewis-Dollar-Dockham 4" on Jul 28, the "Rucho Senate 2" on Jul 27, and the "Rucho-Lewis Congress 3" on Jul 28, 2011. You can access information on 2011 Redistricting by going to http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/.

Both the House and the Senate passed along party lines the "Omnibus Local Election Laws" bill (HB 719) that addressed local redistricting in Mecklenburg and Guilford counties.

Unfinished Business:

1. "Restore Confidence in Government" (HB 351/SB 352) - The Voter Photo ID vote was held in the House on Jul 26 but did not garner enough votes to override the governor's veto. The House vote was 68 to 51 with 1 excused absence. No Democrat voted for Voter Photo ID and no Republican voted against it. Four Democrat votes were required for the override.

2. "Energy Jobs Act" (SB 709) - The governor vetoed the bill on Jun 30, 2011. The bill aimed to initiate efforts for "offshore energy exploration and accelerate a method to collect natural gas in the Piedmont." (Star News Online ) No votes were taken.

3. "No Dues Checkoff for School Employees" (SB 727). No votes were taken to override the governor's veto that occurred on Jun 18, 2011.

Legislators will return to Raleigh on Sep 12, 2011, to discuss NC constitutional amendments, including the Marriage Amendment.

Sources: ncga; WRAL, "Senate leader defends abortion override vote," Jul 29, 2011; News & Observer, "N.C. Senate overrides Perdue's veto of abortion bill," by Lynn Bonner, Jul 29, 2011; and Star News Online, "NC lawmakers leave town after new maps, overrides," by Gary D. Robertson, Jul 29, 2011.