RESOLUTION EXTENDS BUDGET DEADLINE

A continuing resolution adopted by both the House and Senate on Thursday extends state government operation for three weeks and extends the half-cent sales tax through the point at which a state budget is eventually adopted. A standoff between House and Senate leaders over continuation of the sales tax and income tax surcharge, both set to expire June 30, and the relative effects of these taxes on different income groups, remain unresolved. The Continuing Resolution, H1630, continues state spending at current levels, continues allocation of federal block grant funds, postpones salary increases and includes an expiration date of Wednesday, July 20, 2005. Both houses of the General Assembly adjourned shortly after taking action of H1630, scheduled pro forma sessions Friday morning and prepared to resume normal activities and budget negotiations on Tuesday of next week.

BILLS OF INTEREST

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 #13, April 21, 2005; Bulletin #18, May 26, 2005; Bulletin #19, June 2, 2005). This bill was favorably reported by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment on June 29 and was re-referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Updates

S396
“Allowing counties to make changes in service districts created pursuant to Article 16 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes.” Sen. David Hoyle (Gaston). (Bulletin #07, March 10, 2005; Bulletin #12, April 14, 2005; Bulletin #20, June 9, 2005; Bulletin #22, June 23, 2005). After being signed by the governor, the bill has been enacted as SL 2005-136.

H635
“To require at least one public comment period per month at a regular meeting of a local board of education, county board of commissioners, or municipal governing board.” Rep. Earl Jones (Guilford). (Bulletin #08, March 18, 2005; Bulletin #17, May 19, 2005; Bulletin #19, June 2, 2005). This bill was favorably reported in the Senate on June 29. It was approved on second and third reading June 30 and sent to the governor for signature.

H1482
“To exempt from the law governing smoking restrictions local departments of social services and the buildings and ground where they are located.” Rep. Garland Pierce (Scotland). (Bulletin #14, April 28, 2005; Bulletin #19, June 2, 2005; Bulletin #20, June 9, 2005). This bill was favorably reported in the Senate on June 22. It was approved on second and third reading June 23 and has been sent to the governor for signature.

TAXATION AND FINANCE
Updates

S682
“To extend to public health authorities, sanitary districts, and metropolitan sewerage districts the set-off debt collection procedures currently available to counties and cities.” Sen. Robert Holloman (Hertford). (Bulletin #09, March 24, 2005; Bulletin #12, April 4, 2005; Bulletin #22, June 23, 2005). This bill, approved by the House last week, was returned to the Senate and referred to the Senate Finance Committee for a recommendation on concurrence with the House revisions to the bill.