By Cassie Gavin
Director of Government Relations
State lawmakers focused this week on overriding several gubernatorial vetoes and considering amendments to the state constitution that would go on the November ballot including:
- A constitutional amendment to require that voters show photo identification at the polls: House Bill 1092 “Constitutional Amendment - Require Photo ID to vote;”
- An amendment that would allow judicial vacancies be filled by nominations from a special commission instead of by the governor: Senate Bill 814 “Judicial Vacancy Sunshine Amendment;”
- An amendment supported by the National Rifle Association addressing the supposedly at-risk right to hunt and fish: Senate Bill 677 “Protect Right to Hunt and Fish;” and
- A state income tax cap: Senate Bill 75 “Max Income Tax Rate of 5.5%.”
Legislative leaders have also said that they are considering a constitutional amendment to limit Governor Cooper’s authority over the State Board of Elections. Learn more about the proposed constitutional amendments here.
There was no action on environmental bills this week but note that Governor Cooper has until next week to take action on Senate Bill 711, the Farm Act, which the Sierra Club opposes because of environmental justice concerns.
Opportunity for Action:
Please contact Governor Cooper and request that the S 711, the Farm Act, be vetoed because all North Carolinians deserve a fair chance to protect their health and homes from environmental nuisances.
The House Speaker stated this week that his plan is to adjourn by the end of next week. Expectations are that the legislature will adjourn after taking up the constitutional amendments described above along with additional ones and after addressing any additional bills vetoed by Governor Cooper.