COUNTY OFFICIALS VISIT CAPITOL

County officials from across North Carolina visited the state capitol and the General Assembly on “County Assembly Day” on Wednesday, May 25. About 240 visitors were in attendance at the Association’s annual legislative briefing. Those in attendance were given an extensive briefing on legislative budget deliberations as well as pending legislation. Most important, participants received an update on ongoing efforts to secure relief from Medicaid costs. Association members were assured that efforts to accomplish the organization’s top priority goal had not been abandoned, despite the lack of relief in the Senate budget. They were urged to step up efforts to make sure Medicaid relief remains a topic of every conversation with legislators.

ENVIRONMENT
Updates

H1281
“To grant counties the authority to make special assessments for noxious weed control projects in rivers and lakes and to grant certain counties the authority to define noxious Weed Control Service Districts.” Rep. Lucy Allen (Franklin). (Bulletin #05-13, April 21, 2005). This bill was favorably reported in the House on May 18.

H1465
“To prohibit the disposal of clean wood waste, electronic devices, motor vehicle oil filters, plastic bottles and wooden pallets in landfills.” Rep. Joe Hackney (Orange). (Bulletin #05-14, April 28, 2005). This bill was favorably reported in the House as a Committee Substitute on May 17. It was approved on second and third reading May 19 and has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Updates

H1305
“Requiring cities to file certified charters and boundary maps and counties to file certified boundary and township maps with the Secretary of State.” Rep. Lucy Allen (Franklin). (Bulletin #05-13, April 21, 2005). This bill was favorably reported in the House on May 19.