Legislative Update from Rep. Frank Iler – Apr. 25, 2011
Last week our time in Raleigh was shortened due to the tornado outbreak across the state. We were instructed to remain in our districts Monday, if needed, to assist with storm damage or help in networking with state agencies. Fortunately, our district was not hit like many to the north and west of us. Several of our members were able to help in their home districts. In Brunswick County we are truly blessed. Our area was spared in these storms and we also have one of the best emergency service networks in the state ready to respond if needed.
Tuesday, the House received House Bill 215 – Unborn Victims of Violence Act/Ethen’s Law back from the Senate. We voted to concur with the amended version and the bill has been sent to the Governor for her signature. This legislation allows the prosecution to pursue additional charges in cases of assault or murder of a pregnant woman. With the passage of this law, the defendant can be charged with the same felony on the unborn victim.
Two bills of local interest passed the Senate last week, went to the Governor, and have become law. House Bill 68 – Tax Certification allows the County Commissioners to require the Register of Deeds to certify with the tax collector that no taxes are owed on the property before the deed is filed. House Bill 140 – Oak Island/Recall Officials enables a referendum on the Oak Island ballot in November for the voters to decide if they want a change in the town charter to allow a recall of the Mayor or Council Members. If passed at that time, a recall would require a petition by 25% of the registered voters in the town to have a recall election to remove the official.
The biggest statewide news last week was the completion of the budget process in the six House Appropriations sub-committees. On Thursday, each of our sub-committees passed our portion of the budget and sent it to the full House Appropriations Committee. This week, we will be meeting in the Finance Committee Tuesday and the Appropriations committee on Wednesday and Thursday to finalize the budget and get it to the House floor for a vote, possibly Thursday. The goal is to send the budget to the Senate by May 1st and to the Governor by June 1st.
Another very important issue this week will be annexation. There are currently two annexation reform bills being discussed. The bill sponsors are working to present one bill this week that will protect the potential annexation areas as well as allow towns to annex when it is mutually beneficial.