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GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETURNS FOR MINI-SESSION

Voter ID and gas tax among possible issues for discussion

The North Carolina General Assembly will convene for a three-day “mini-session” on Sunday, Nov. 27, with likely action on Nov. 28-29 on several issues left over from previous sessions. Rumors are spreading that legislators may also bring up some new items.

According to media reports and conversations with legislative staff, House and Senate leadership may be considering another attempt to override a gubernatorial veto aimed at H351 – the voter identification bill. Multiple counties have adopted resolutions requesting action on requiring voter IDs at the polls, which also raises the question whether similar local legislation may be addressed during the special three-day session.

Capping the gas tax is also being discussed in legislative circles as a predominant topic for consideration next week. Revenues generated from the gas tax pay for road construction and maintenance projects. The current law establishes a floating gas tax adjustment, rising or falling given a six-month average of the wholesale price of gasoline. The next scheduled adjustment is Jan. 1, 2012.

The NCACC has voiced concerns with the N.C. Department of Transportation and legislative leadership about the impacts of capping the gas tax, which could dramatically decrease state funds available for transportation projects and maintenance. The NCACC will closely monitor this issue and may contact county officials next week if immediate action – including contacting legislators – is needed.

Other matters that may be considered or are listed as eligible in the Adjournment Resolution include:

• the Racial Justice Act;
• redistricting;
• other pending vetoed bills;
• bills relating to election laws;
• tribal gaming;
• hurricane response;
• appointments;
• bills in conference as of Sept. 14;
• local bills pending in the House Rules committee;
• local Management Entity (LME) governance structure;
• bills eligible for a concurrence vote; and
• adjournment resolutions.

As set forth in the most recent version of the Adjournment Resolution, this “mini-session” will adjourn Nov. 29, however legislators will reconvene again on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. Leadership has stated that reconvening the Assembly every several months allows them flexibility to take action, if needed, on redistricting legislation.

The NCACC will monitor the events of the Nov. 27-29 session and will be in touch with updates or action alerts as needed.

– David F. Thompson, Executive Director
– Kevin Leonard, Director of Government Relations