North Carolina Legislative Report - December 19, 2014

December 19, 2014

The General Assembly adjourned “sine die” on Wednesday, August 20.  During the interim, the MVA Public Affairs Legislative Report on North Carolina will be distributed biweekly to keep you up to date on the latest legislative issues facing the state.

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Committee Reports

Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee

The Committee met on Tuesday, December 16.  First on the Committee’s agenda was a presentation of a recent report from the Program Evaluation Division recommending greater oversight for occupational licensing boards, but recommending against centralizing their operations in a single State agency.  Next, the Medical Board presented a legislative proposal to the Committee that included an increase in licensing fees and changes to the Board’s programs regarding medical professionals that may have substance abuse or mental health problems or who have been accused of sexual misconduct.  Third, the State Auditor’s office explained why they failed to comply with rules reporting requirements, stating that it was their understanding that compliance was not necessary so long as the agency wished for the rules to expire.  Finally, the Committee heard an update on activities of the Rules Review Commission.

House Education Innovation Committee

The Committee held its final meeting of the interim on Tuesday, December 16.  The Committee approved its report to the 2015 General Assembly.  The report highlighted the findings of the Committee during its two years of work.  Also included in the report were several pieces of draft legislation addressing the school calendar educational purpose waiver, cooperative innovative high schools and the establishment of a legislative task force on education innovation.

Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee

The Committee met on Wednesday, December 17.  Ben Stanley with the NCGA Bill Drafting Division reviewed draft legislation for the North Carolina Needs a Coordinated Strategy to Guide the Changing Landscape of Veterans Programs report.  Pam Taylor, Principal Program Evaluator, reviewed the reports from UNC GA on implementation of recommendation from the PED report, The UNC System Needs a More Comprehensive Approach and Metrics for Operational Efficiency.  Brent Lucas, Program Evaluator, reviewed the overnight respite pilot at adult day care facilities and reported that it was perceived as favorable, but lacked objective measures of success.  Then, there were several individual responses regarding the pilot from Stella Putnam (former caregiver), Allyson Sawyer (ED for Care Partners) and Suzi Kennedy (ED for Life Enrichment Center).  Finally, Chuck Hefren, Principal Program Evaluator, conducted a presentation on occupational licensing agencies and the fact that stronger oversight is needed.

Legislative Research Commission’s Committee on Banking Law Amendments

The Committee met on Wednesday, December 10, and Friday, December 19.  At its meeting on the 10th, the Committee approved three recommendations to be included in a report to the full Commission.  Those recommendations dealt with a) reducing the amount of the surety bond required by mortgage lenders, b) eliminating the requirement that licensed mortgage lenders obtain an audited financial statement, and c) increasing the membership of the State Banking Commission.  At its meeting on the 19th, the Committee approved its final report to the Commission, which included those three recommendations.

In The News

Associated Press: NC officials talk 7-year government management upgrade

Charlotte Observer: Lawmakers consider easing requirements for NC mortgage lenders

Associated Press: NC Senate Democrats choose leaders

Sanford Herald: Chatham County Board of Commissioners: Board approves resolution opposing Duke Energy's coal ash storage plans

Charlotte Observer: Google delays announcement on fiber networks for Charlotte, other cities

Associated Press: NC Sen.-elect Tillis bringing in mix of staff

Raleigh News & Observer: McCrory assembles 'coalition' to restore historic preservation tax credits in NC

Associated Press: NC Senate Republicans pick Berger for top job

Calendar

Tue, January 06, 2015

10:00 AM 

Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee

643 LOB


Wed, January 07, 2015

10:00 AM

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance

544 LOB


Fri, January 09, 2015

9:00 AM

Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee

1228/1327 LB


Tue, January 13, 2015

9:30 AM

Revenue Laws Study Committee

544 LOB

1:00 PM

Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee

544 LOB


Wed, January 14, 2015

9:00 AM

Session Convenes (House)

House

9:00 AM

Session Convenes (Senate)

Senate


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