Uncertainty over federal coronavirus relief and the state’s financial challenges loom large as the legislature resumes its 2020 short session next week with plans to take up another round of pandemic response measures.
Legislature
New Bills Address Reforms, Virus Response
Recently filed bills in the North Carolina General Assembly include measures to carry out planned changes at state ports and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with COVID-19 relief.
COVID-19, Economy Top Legislators’ Agenda
State lawmakers return Tuesday for what is expected to be a brief session to focus on response to the coronavirus and its ongoing damage to the state’s economy, including in tourism-dependent communities.
Legislative Error Wipes Out Bond Program
An apparent error in a bill that became law in 2019 revoked local government authority for a special type of bond financing that’s been used for beach renourishment projects and other types of municipal projects.
U.S. Senate OKs Aid, Legislature Opens Talks
As a federal COVID-19 aid package gained Senate approval in Washington, N.C. legislators began discussions Wednesday on bills needed to address economic effects of the coronavirus, including impacts on coastal businesses.
Coastal Incumbents Survive Challenges
According to the unofficial results from the N.C. Board of Elections for Super Tuesday, state House incumbents representing coastal districts have withstood challenges from within their respective parties.
New Coastal Districts In Focus As Filing Ends
Voters in the March 3 primaries will see on the ballot changes from the court-ordered redrawing of North Carolina districts and several challenges in the House.
Budget Fights Increase Pressure on DEQ
Amid the impasse between the governor and legislative leaders, a number of Department of Environmental Quality initiatives and long-sought environmental priorities remain on hold.
Trust Funds Shortchanged in Budget Impasse
The deadlock over the state budget between the Democratic governor and Republicans in the General Assembly leaves $15 million out of reach for parks and recreation, clean water trust funds.
Review Highlights DEQ Funding Shortfall
A legislative report released this week finds that DEQ’s funding and organizational structure are hurdles to accomplishing mandates from the General Assembly.
Disaster Recovery Bill Clears Legislature
The $180 million in the disaster recovery bill approved Thursday will help local governments with Dorian recovery and includes funds for Ocracoke School repairs.
Senate, House Disaster Bills: An Analysis
With the House and Senate deadlocked on competing bills for hurricane relief funding until legislators return Nov. 13, we break down the differences.
Bird Advocates Hail NC Native Plants Law
Wildlife advocates are praising a state law passed earlier this year that requires the N.C. Department of Transportation to give priority to native, bird-friendly species in its plantings.
Session Yields Spending Bills Amid Impasse
As the stalemate over a final budget continues, leaders in the N.C. General Assembly are pressing forward with smaller-scale spending plans that include numerous coastal provisions.
House Set to Vote on Disaster Recovery Bill
Money for storm recovery, water quality monitoring, a resiliency study and other coastal needs is included in a disaster funding bill making its way through the General Assembly this week.
Impasse Snags PFAS, Clean Water Funding
Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and millions of dollars in funding for clean water and parks and recreation trust funds are caught up in the ongoing state budget deadlock.
