Special superior court judges would be allowed to serve out their terms before their positions are eliminated. But lawmakers say two people appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory would not be able to serve out their term under the measure.

Despite impassioned pleas from Democratic lawmakers and a raft of attempts to weaken it, legislation that would require voters to present photo identification at the polls was approved Wednesday by the House Elections Committee on Wednesday.

Two Wake County lawmakers apparently are tired of complaints from drivers on the Triangle Expressway over toll bills that amount to pennies.

House lawmakers tentatively approved Thursday a proposal to make sweeping changes to the state's boards and commissions, but only after a tense debate about public access and transparency.