Legislative Update from Rep. Frank Iler – Aug. 18, 2014

The North Carolina House and Senate held no voting sessions for almost two weeks, so there was no article in this series last week. There were “skeleton sessions” held to comply with the constitution, which says we must meet every four days while in session. These sessions are attended by members who live in the immediate area or are in Raleigh for other reasons. No votes are taken, but bills can be received from the other chamber and moved in and out of committees from the floor during these sessions.

There are several good reasons that a break in our sessions was needed. After our last vote on the budget on Saturday, August 2nd, we had left over 15 bills for the Governor to sign or veto. He has ten days to decide to sign or veto a bill. If he does neither, the bill becomes law automatically in 30 days. Had he vetoed one of these bills after August 2nd, we could have come back on the 14th and voted to override or sustain his veto. He did not veto them, so we came back on the 14th to take care of other business.

There were several bills that were in controversy between the House and Senate. The coal ash bill and a regulatory reform bill were still being negotiated by conference committees during this time. We did not have the coal ash bill back on the Friday, the 14th, session. We did pass a regulatory reform bill, Senate Bill 734, which contains 40 pages and 60 sections. It is far too complex to list the provisions in this article, but it can be researched in detail on the General Assembly web site at www.ncleg.net.

Another bill that is important to the economy of our region was passed during the Friday session last week. It is House Bill 1086 – NC and SC Rail Compact. This bill establishes a commission between North Carolina and South Carolina to study, plan, and oversee the rehabilitation of a short railroad line in Columbus County, Horry County and Marion County. It runs from the Myrtle Beach area to the Whiteville and Chadbourne area and back over to the Mullins, SC area, where it joins a track used by the CSX Company for freight. If it is brought up to standards, it can be used by CSX and help the economy in Columbus County. No appropriation of state funds was made in the bill. I presented the bill on the House floor. After some debate and questions, it passed the House 77 – 13. Having already passed the Senate 45 – 0, it was sent to the Governor on Saturday for his signature.

This week we expect to go back to Raleigh for sessions on Monday and Tuesday. There is a very important bill on economic incentive programs which could benefit our county and the region. The Governor and Secretary of Commerce have asked for the flexibility in the bill to recruit industry to the state and help retain the industry we have. It is controversial, but many of us are working hard to give them these tools and create jobs for our hard-working families. We hope to conclude our business and adjourn for the session.

Being back home for over 10 days gave me a chance to meet with groups and individuals. This included several meetings on education issues in the county and one on transportation issues. There were also chances to catch up on home repairs, lawn duties, and doctors’ appointments. I also got to see my friends who work out at the Oak Island Recreation Center several times during the week and work on a few muscles.