Legislative Update from Rep. Iler — March 20, 2023
Last week at the North Carolina General Assembly saw the action inside warming up as the temperature outside dropped back into overcoat range. We ramped up the budget meetings, as both the House and Senate passed important bills. The Governor got involved by letting two important bills become law without out his signature.
The chairs of the House committees known as “appropriations area committees” were presenting their budget recommendations to the chairs of the House Appropriations Committee, who will be putting the state budget together. In my case, that was the Transportation budget. All the budget areas will come back for final approval in the House, and then proceed to the Senate and finally to the Governor. Stay tuned, the budget isn’t done yet.
When we are in session and send bills to the Governor, he has ten days to sign or veto them, or they become law automatically after ten days. House Bill 40 – Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder became law last week. It strengthens the penalties for assault and property destruction during violent protests, but confirms the right to peacefully protest, which right is also in the Constitution. Senate Bill 53 – Hotel Safety Issues became law in the same manner. It determines that a guest in a hotel or other short term hospitality rental under 45 days does not create a tenancy, thereby making it easier for the owner or law enforcement to evict unruly guests when they break rules or laws. I was a cosponsor of House Bill 40 and of House bill 41, the companion bill of Senate Bill 53.
Two interesting bills came to the House floor last week. House Bill 130 – Preserving Choices for Consumers keeps citizens from being penalized for their choice of energy due to the energy source, if available. This is whether they choose a gas stove or water heater or solar power, for example. It passed the House by 77 – 37 and went to the Senate.
Senate Bill 41 – Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections makes changes to the concealed carry laws and the pistol permit laws and provides for a safe storage education campaign for firearms. It passed the House by 70 – 44 and went to the Governor.
It was good to continue to see people from back home. The Youth Legislative Assembly began for the weekend, and Elizabeth Nutley, from Brunswick County was in town to participate. Also, the page program is still available for high school students, and instructions for applying are on the General Assembly website.