North Carolina Legislative Report - October 4, 2013

September 21-October 4

The General Assembly has officially completed its business for the 2013 long session.  The 2014 short session will begin on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.  The MVA Public Affairs Legislative Report on North Carolina will be distributed bi-weekly to keep you up to date on the latest legislative issues facing the state during the interim.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Joint Legislative Energy Policy Commission

The Joint Legislative Energy Policy Commission held its first meeting on Wednesday, October 2.  The purpose of the committee was to update members on work by the Mining and Energy Commission (MEC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) on regulations pertaining to oil and gas exploration.  DENR Assistant Secretary Mitch Gillespie reported on the merger of the State Energy Office into the departments Energy Division, updated members on planned geological testing and discussed compulsory pooling laws.  MEC Chairman Jim Womack and other members of the commission provided updates on subcommittee work and rules approved to date.  The next meeting is scheduled for November 5 in Raleigh.

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance

The Committee had its first meeting during the 2013 General Assembly on October 2, 2013.  As is typical of the first meeting of a study committee, the primary focus of this meeting was a summary of recent legislative actions.  Dale Folwell, Assistant Secretary of Commerce - Division of Employment Security, and Roger Shackleford, Assistant Secretary of Commerce - Division of Workforce Solutions, gave presentations with respect to the implementation of recent legislation.  Sen. Rucho had numerous questions for Assistant Secretary Folwell about the failure of the Governor to appoint members to an independent Board of Review established by the General Assembly to hear appeals of decisions of the Division of Employment Security.  The Board was originally established by legislation in 2011, but has never been appointed.  Legislation adopted earlier this year required the Governor to make appointments to the Board by September 1, 2013. 

Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee

The Committee had its first meeting during the 2013 General Assembly on October 2, 2013.  As is typical of the first meeting of a study committee, the primary focus of this meeting was a summary of recent legislative actions.  In addition, Kim Strach, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections gave a presentation on political committees, independent expenditures, and electioneering communications.

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Economic Development and Global Engagement

The Committee met for the first time during the 2013 General Assembly on Thursday, October 4.  As is typical with the first meeting, the Committee began by reviewing significant legislation passed during the 2013 Regular Session.  The Committee also heard from Secretary Decker on the Department of Commerce on the Department's plans with respect to a public-private partnership to promote economic development in North Carolina, and Assistant Secretary Pat Mitchell of the Rural Economic Development Division on the transition to the Division on programs previously administered by the Rural Center.  Legislators present at the meeting primarily asked how the administration of Community Development Block Grant funds would be affected by legislatives changes in 2013 and the Department's reorganization efforts.

IN THE NEWS

News & Observer: WoodFuels contract at Morehead City is second pellets deal for NC ports (Bruce Siceloff)

AP: Tillis spokesman heading to manage US Senate bid

News & Observer: NC DOT losing one of its generals (Bruce Siceloff and Lynn Bonner)

AP: McCrory: Feds 'overreach' in voter law challenge

News & Record: Mark Davis will run to retain his seat on N.C. Court of Appeals

News & Observer: Pete Brunstetter says he won't seek U.S. Senate seat (John Frank)

News & Observer: Morning Memo: Rove to raise money for Tillis (John Frank)

AP: Former NC auditor says he will leave ethics panel

WRAL: Drilling commissioner questions DENR's pass on water grant (Laura Leslie)

Charlotte Observer: N.C. returns EPA grant for fracking study (Bruce Henderson)

News & Observer: In new Democratic polling, some state lawmakers looking vulnerable (John Frank)

News & Observer: North Carolina has nation’s 4th best business climate according to Forbes (Rob Christensen)

News & Observer: NC Senate leader Phil Berger won't challenge for Kay Hagan's seat (John Frank)

News & Observer: NC Medicaid director resigns after eight months on job(Joseph Neff and Lynn Bonner)

Triangle Biz Journal: McCrory: I don't like the 'loophole' Catawbas are using for casino (Ken Elkins)

AP: Tripp hired as NC Senate leader's top attorney

CALENDAR

Fri, October 04, 2013

10:00 AM

North Carolina General Statutes Commission

1027/1128 LB

3:00 PM

Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee

1228/1327 LB


Mon, October 07, 2013

10:00 AM

Perinatal Health Committee

1027/1128 LB


Tue, October 08, 2013

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services

643 LOB

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology

643 LOB; 1027 LB

9:30 AM

Revenue Laws Study Committee

544 LOB


Wed, October 09, 2013

9:30 AM

Environmental Review Commission -- CORRECTED

643 LOB


Thu, October 10, 2013

1:00 PM

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety

643 LOB


Mon, October 28, 2013

10:00 AM

Unintentional Death Committee

1027/1128 LB


Mon, November 04, 2013

10:00 AM

Child Fatality Task Force

1027/1128 LB


Tue, November 05, 2013

1:00 PM

Joint Legislative Workforce Development System Reform Oversight Committee

544 LOB


Mon, November 18, 2013

10:00 AM

Unintentional Death Committee

1027/1128 LB


Mon, December 09, 2013

10:00 AM

Intentional Death Prevention Committee

1027/1128 LB


Mon, January 06, 2014

10:00 AM

Perinatal Health Committee

1027/1128 LB


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