The House and Senate of the North Carolina Legislature return July 13 for another special session. The top priority is to approved new congressional and legislative districts for the next decade as mandated by the 2010 census. The process is a partisan exercise and with Republicans dominating both Chambers, new districts will be drawn to maximize the GOP power base for the next 10 years. As was the case when Democrats were in power, gerrymandering and ink-splotch districts will be the order of the day. Already, Democrats and public policy groups have announced the plan will go to the courts. …OTHER ISSUES ON THE TABLE: Before adjournment last month, House and Senate leaders released a possible agenda that goes beyond redistricting. Efforts will be made to override Gov. Perdue’s vetoes, including those dealing with a cap on medical malpractice lawsuits, an abortions bill and legislation curbing environmental regulatory powers. Also, the lawmakers left open the door to revisit the state budget, although no major changes are anticipated. Five Democrats joined the House Republican majority in the historic override of the Governor’s budget veto. House Speaker Thom Tillis has publicly announced he thinks the same Democrats will join in the override of vetoes requiring voter identification at polls and a bill requiring a 24-hour wait and counseling before a woman can have an abortion. WHAT THE GOVERNOR SIGNED: Among the bills signed into law by Governor Perdue:
- House Bill 709 which puts new restrictions on claims and procedures for Worker Compensation injuries;
- House Bill 751 titled Various Economic Development Incentives which caps machinery tax at $80 for companies investing at least $80 million on plant and manufacturing operations and employing 550 persons. This bill was targeted to help a large furniture company reportedly ready to build new facilities in Davie County.
- House Bill 594 allows the Commission for Public Health to determine if a wastewater system is functionally equivalent to an approved system.
- House Bill 595 to reorganize Legislative Oversight Commissions.
Republicans said a priority for the majority is to make the state more business-friendly with lower taxes and fewer regulations coming from non-elected bureaucrats. Democrats and advocacy groups said fewer controls on environmental problems will threaten the quality of life in North Carolina, making the state less attractive to state-of-the-art industries.