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General Assembly convenes for "short" session

In accordance with the resolution that adjourned its 2003 Session, the General Assembly will convene at noon on Monday, May 10, 2004.  The Legislature is expected to focus on amendments to the 2004-05 budget and to endeavor to conclude its business within two months. 

Call for Action

One budget issue that has already emerged is the possible diversion of county ADM Public School Capital funding.  Per media reports, Gov. Easley's budget proposal may divert these county funds — estimated total receipts of $60 million for 2004-05 — for state general fund purposes.  We urge our counties to contact their General Assembly members immediately, to let them know how important these funds are in providing adequate public school facilities.  Please use specific examples of projects funded through the ADM Public School Capital fund and remind them that Gov. Easley's proposed reduction in classroom size will necessarily require more classrooms. Thank them again for their help in restoring these funds for this fiscal year and ask for their support again.

Eligible Bills

In addition to proposals that affect the budget, eligible bills in the Short Session include bills approved by one House in 2003, local bills, study committee proposals, appointment bills, pension or retirement bills and memorializing or Adjournment Resolutions.  These limits on eligible proposals have been determined by last year’s adjournment, as have the deadlines set for their submission:

1. Budget Bills – To be submitted to the Bill Drafting Office by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 20, and introduced (House) or filed for introduction (Senate) by 4 p.m. May 27.

2. Local Bills – To be submitted to Bill Drafting by Wednesday, May 19, and introduced or filed by May 26.  Any local bill must also be accompanied by a certificate signed by the sponsor stating that no public hearing will be necessary, the bill is non-controversial and that it has been approved by all legislators representing the area affected by the bill.

3. Study Committee Proposals – To be submitted to Bill Drafting by Wednesday, May 12, and introduced or filed by May 19.

4. Pension or Retirement Bills – To be submitted to Bill Drafting by Wednesday, May 19, and introduced or filed by May 26.

The 2003 Adjournment Resolution sets no deadlines for filing or introduction of appointment bills, bills authorized by joint resolution approved by two-thirds votes in both houses or the joint resolutions introduced to authorize such bills.

Crossover bills affecting counties

A number of bills eligible for legislative action because they have been approved by one legislative chamber and sent to the other are proposals that would affect counties.  Some of these (the list is not exclusive) are described below.

S6 - “To prohibit the possession or operation of video gaming machines except by a federally recognized Indian tribe as authorized by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and a valid tribal-state compact.”  Sen. Charles Albertson (Duplin).  This bill has been approved by the Senate and referred to the House Rules Committee.  Passage of this legislation would accomplish an Association legislative goal.

S796 - “To amend the procedure for resolution of disputes between boards of education and boards of county commissioners.”  Sen. Richard Stevens (Wake).  This bill has been approved by the Senate and referred to the House Education Committee.  Passage of this legislation would accomplish an Association legislative goal.

S672 - “To improve the quality and accountability of the public health system by strengthening the public health infrastructure, to improve public health outcomes and reduce health disparities by the development of state and local comprehensive public health plans, and to improve the public health workforce by enhancing collaboration with public and private sector entities and imposing performance standards for public health practice.”  Sen. Fletcher Hartsell (Cabarrus).  This bill has been approved by the Senate and referred to the House Rules Committee.  The position of the Association is that the issues raised by this reform proposal deserve further analysis and discussion and that the bill should not be approved in its current form.

H429 - “To require local governments to pay just compensation for removal of lawfully erected buildings, structures, outdoor advertising or fixtures.”  Rep. Bill Culpepper (Chowan).  This bill has been approved by the House and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee #1.  The Association is opposed to this legislation as an unreasonable intrusion into local decision-making authority.

Bulletin Schedule

The Legislative Bulletin will be communicated, electronically or in hard copy, to county officials, legislators and other interested recipients on Thursdays each week during the Legislative Session.

You may contact the Legislature directly to obtain information about the status of any bill by calling the Bill Library in the Legislative Building (919) 733-7779, or by visiting the desk, located in the Legislative Library in the Legislative Building.  The General Assembly’s Internet address is www.ncga.state.nc.us.  You may also call the Printed Bills Office directly to obtain a copy of any bill: (919) 733-5648.  Identify the bill being requested by house of origin and number (example SB33).

While the Association does not advocate on behalf of local legislation, we are aware of the importance of these bills and can provide information on the status of local bills on an informal basis.  Do not hesitate to ask our staff to do so.

Note: Legislative bill numbers link to the most recent version of the bill that has action on it on the floor. Subcommittee and other amendments are not included.