As we explained last week, the N.C. General Assembly's adjournment resolution allows for lawmakers to be called back to Raleigh monthly through the end of the year. That means several bills we've been tracking may yet see more action before this legislative session is truly over.
Lawmakers have saved July 29, Sept. 9, Oct. 9 and Dec. 11 for brief sessions to address election law or district-related issues, gubernatorial vetoes, conference reports, and a few other matters. An immediate post-election "lame duck" session is planned on Nov. 19, with an emphasis on the budget and other pending bills.
We're keeping a close eye on:
- H426, Various Environmental Amendments, doesn't currently have any worrisome provisions. But, as with many bills during the "short session," it could be turned into a vehicle to push through harmful policies.
- S166, Building Code Regulatory Reform, included numerous environmental rollbacks, and Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed it. Chamber leaders were frustrated this year by spotty attendance, so no override has been attempted yet. We'll see if they're able to get enough lawmakers in town to try to get this bad legislation over the finish line.
A few bills we support are still eligible for action, though we don't expect them to be priorities:
- H370, Responsible Firefighter Foam Management Act, would prohibit the use of firefighting foams that contain PFAS for testing or training. Passed by the House.
- H864, PFAS Pollution and Polluter Liability, got a favorable reception in House committees. It would allow the Department of Environmental Quality to order a responsible party to pay for PFAS remediation in a public water supply system.
- S613, Sedimentation Buffer for Trout Waters, closes a loophole in the Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act for agricultural activities that affect trout waters. Passed by the Senate.
After today, we’ll shift this update from weekly to periodic based on the General Assembly’s schedule, so be sure you're signed up for the Letter from Jones Street email (scroll down this page for the link) to get significant news and calls to action.