Insights
InsightsSubscribe
Old North State Report
March 14, 2025
Old North State Report – March 14, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 31, 2025
IIANC Thinkers Lunch: What Do Voters Want?
April 1, 2025
Wake County Bar Association April Luncheon – Raleigh
April 8, 2025
NC Chamber Spring Member Roundtable - Raleigh
April 14, 2025
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours - Raleigh
NOTE: We could sponsor a future Business After Hours at the firm for $1,500.
April 16, 2025
Federalist Society Housing Policy and Regulation in NC – Raleigh
April 17, 2025
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Social - Raleigh
April 17, 2025
NC Chamber Building NC - Durham
April 22, 2025
NC Chamber Spring Member Roundtable – Asheville
April 23, 2025
RTAC – Association of Corporate Counsel Spring Reception – (Raleigh)
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
GOVERNOR JOSH STEIN DELIVERS FIRST STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein urged lawmakers to quickly pass more aid for Hurricane Helene and approve raises for teachers and law enforcement during his first State of the State address to the Republican-controlled General Assembly. He repeated his call for three tax cuts aimed at families with young children, childcare costs, and working families. These proposals will be included in Stein's upcoming budget request, serving as a framework for Democratic and possible bipartisan priorities.
Among his priorities is a $4 billion public school bond to fix school facilities, with the Department of Public Instruction stating that $13 billion is needed to meet all repair needs. Stein also emphasized the importance of reducing housing costs and making childcare affordable and accessible.
His speech indicated a commitment to pursue issues that can gain bipartisan support, such as banning cell phones in classrooms, creating a law enforcement unit to address fentanyl issues, offering free community college for students in high-demand fields, and ensuring accountability in government spending. While Stein painted a hopeful picture of North Carolina's future, he cautioned about potential budget shortfalls, federal funding cuts, and rising living costs.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) delivered the Republican response and expressed willingness to collaborate with Stein on Hurricane Helene recovery but criticized the previous emergency responses by former Governor Roy Cooper and former President Joe Biden. “I look forward to partnering with Governor Stein, who I know shares my desire to get people back in their homes as quickly as possible. He and I both recognize the long road ahead and the need for us all to rise to the moment, setting aside petty partisanship for the sake of our neighbors,” Hall said.
THE REINS ACT INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE
On Thursday, North Carolina lawmakers filed a new bill, House Bill 402, entitled the "NC REINS Act" (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) which could increase the General Assembly's role in the state's rule-making processes. The bill would make executive regulations more accountable by requiring legislative approval for any permanent rule that could affect the economy by $1 million or more within a year. Lawmakers want to ensure transparency and prevent unelected officials from making laws.
Currently, rules are approved by the Rules Review Commission, but this bill introduces a required review by the General Assembly for rules with significant economic impacts. It also allows the public to challenge proposed rules if 10 or more individuals object, leading to legislative review. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to explain the economic effects of proposed rules to enhance public understanding.
Read more by The Carolina Journal
HELENE RELIEF BILL STALLED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
House Bill 47, the legislature’s $535 million Helene aid package, will go to a conference committee after the House rejected changes made by the Senate. The House originally approved the bill in late February, but the Senate introduced significant modifications. These included adding funding for homebuilding in eastern North Carolina, removing money for state park repairs, and extending relaxed building codes.
The bill allocates $535 million for recovery efforts. It also provides $217 million to ReBuild NC for projects related to past Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. After Senate approval, it included $192 million for agricultural relief, $140 million for homebuilding, and $100 million for road and bridge repairs. Republican members expressed hope for a final agreement soon.
DUKE EMISSIONS BILL ADVANCES
A bill to remove North Carolina's 2030 carbon-cutting deadline and allow utilities to charge customers for future power plants passed the state Senate with bipartisan support on Thursday, despite worries about impacts on ratepayers and climate goals.
Senate Bill 261, entitled the “Energy Security and Affordability Act,” was introduced by over a dozen Republican lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus). The bill would eliminate a part of House Bill 951 passed in 2021 that mandates a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, it seeks to expand the use of a method called Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) so that utilities like Duke Energy can charge customers for nuclear and natural gas plants before they are finished or operational.
Senator Newton, the main sponsor of the bill, argued that removing the 2030 target would protect ratepayers from higher costs and provide utilities with more options to build reliable power plants, while other lawmakers expressed concerns about the risks and potential financial burdens on customers.
Following a floor debate, the legislation was approved with a vote of 31-12 and will now be forwarded to the House for consideration.
Read more by The Carolina Journal
MILITARY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
A series of bills in the Homeland Security and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee received favorable reports on Tuesday.
House Bill 35 designates November as Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina, aligning with the federal recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month.
House Bill 69 enhances support for veterans within the UNC System. It extends admission deferment for active military members from one year to five years and for National Guard members from one year to two years. Spouses of armed forces members also receive these benefits. Additionally, in-state tuition is granted to North Carolina high school graduates who joined the military, regardless of their time away, and to those stationed in North Carolina for at least 90 days. Representative Grant Campbell (R-Cabarrus) noted a $2.7 million fiscal impact, partially offset by $1.6 million in increased enrollment revenues.
House Bill 91 updates the recognition of the United States Space Force as a military branch. A proposed substitute also officially renames the former Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg.
Read more by State Affairs Pro
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
GET IN TOUCH
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.