Legislative Update from Rep. Iler — March 28, 2023
Last week at the North Carolina General Assembly we saw more busy days, with the House passing legislation to ban indoctrination in schools, promote vocational training, require a U.S. history course for college graduation, and crack down on drug trafficking. We also had the sports wagering bill in House committees, where it was thoroughly debated.
House Bill 187 – Equality in Education prevents teaching that one race or gender is superior or inferior to another or should be treated differently based on race or gender. It is intended to counter the concepts of critical race theory that one is oppressed or oppressor based on their birth race or gender. It passed on a party line vote of 68 – 49.
House Bill 282 – Trade School Study requires various departments of state government and public colleges and universities to report information to the General Assembly about training for licensing in trades such as plumbing, electrical, heating and A/C, and welding. It passed unanimously 115 – 0.
House Bill 96 – NC REACH Act requires a student in N.C. community colleges and public universities to obtain 3 credit hours in a U.S. history or government course prior to graduation. It passed on a nearly party line vote of 69 – 47.
House Bill 250 – Death by Distribution/Good Samaritan/Autopsy strengthens the laws on drug distribution that causes death, provides limited legal immunity for someone trying to save a life in a drug situation, and makes an autopsy required in certain cases. It passed with a strong vote of 100 – 16. All of the bills previously mentioned were sent to the Senate for their approval.
The Governor vetoed Senate Bill 41 – Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections last Friday. It will go back to the Senate for a possible override of his veto, and then, if successful, it will come to the House. An override requires 30 votes in the Senate and 72 votes in the House, if all members are present and voting.
House Bill 347 – Sports Wagering is controversial and divisive. It was in the House Commerce Committee last week, where some of us tried to remove provisions allowing wagering on public university campuses and wagering using a credit card. That failed, so I have a hard time supporting this bill, especially in its present form.
The state budget is moving along at a record pace and could be voted out of the House and sent to the Senate in the next couple of weeks. This week we expect a lot more committee meetings and visitors from back home, as well as floor votes most days.