Raleigh, N.C. — A coalition of groups in pursuit of equality for women released its evaluation of the 2007 session of the N.C. General Assembly Monday.

North Carolina Women United gave the legislature positive marks for creating economic independence and preventing violence against women. Of the 28 bills the group backed, 10 passed, eight failed and six could come up again.

The group gave a thumbs-up to bills that bring North Carolina into line with federal standards on domestic violence, classify the violation of a protection order while armed as a felony, and allow victims of sex offense or stalking to change their name without public notice.

The group also approved actions on an earned income tax credit for low-income workers and an increase in funding for affordable housing.

NCWU gave negative marks to the legislature on issues of access to health care. A bill backed by the group to improve offer sex education in schools failed; another to increase funding for home care was only minimally funded.