Legislative Update from Rep. Frank Iler – Apr. 24, 2017
Last week in the North Carolina House of Representatives we had more frequent and busier committee meetings, we had more urgency in longer House floor sessions, and we saw the Governor veto two of our bills.
First, prior to going to Raleigh, I had a couple of days in the district, due to the long Easter weekend. On Monday, I had a meeting with a group of citizens in the Schooner Point community of Ocean Isle Beach. We had a great discussion and chance to improve communication with their state government.
Tuesday I had my car in the shop for a tire issue. After 80,000 miles in the past 2 years and 3 months, I was wondering what it was worth and what kind of deals the dealership might have. Their sales professionals picked up on this, and when I returned Friday we traded for the same model, 2 years newer. (After 4 of their cars, I can recommend buying in Brunswick County and buying an American brand). I seem to put excess miles on a car every 2 or 3 years, not only by trips to Raleigh, but also running around the county meeting with groups, community leaders, and individuals. There seems to be a meeting or two every day I am home. Fortunately, I enjoy it and it keeps me in touch.
Wednesday, we returned to Raleigh, starting early, and looking forward to two or three very busy days. At least 12 committees met between 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., some meeting at the same time. Our House Transportation Committee was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday, and we handled six bills. Some committees had a dozen or more bills to handle in an hour meeting. Many of the bills go through multiple committees, so they get a thorough vetting in spite of the rapid pace. Wednesday’s floor session started at 4:00, and we had many of the bills that had passed out of the committees during the day added to the calendar for votes.
Thursday, over 25 bills were on the calendar for House floor votes. Bills were added to the calendar, so the total was over 35. One bill that had some controversy was House Bill 110 – DOT/DMV Changes – Megaproject Funding. It was composed of the changes in the laws requested by DOT, but also contained a provision for transportation projects over the $200 million cap now in place. After a good debate, it was passed 65 – 50. We expect a good debate in the Senate, and possible changes. We started at 2:00 and adjourned before 6:00. Friday’s session was a “no vote” session, so I was able to return home by 9:00.Thursday night.
We got word that the Governor had vetoed two bills on Thursday, House Bill 239 – Reduce Court of Appeals to 12 Judges and Senate Bill 68 – Bipartisan Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement. They are scheduled for veto override votes this Wednesday.
This week is “crossover week”, meaning any bills not passed out of the House or Senate and crossed over to the other chamber will be dead for this session. This does not apply to finance and appropriations bills, such as the budget. We are starting our meetings early Monday, and may be here to very late Thursday.