Senate passes bills on abortion education, car sales, trial by jury
Senate lawmakers dealt with more than two dozen bills on Monday night.
Posted — UpdatedThe measure was one of more than two dozen measures senators dealt with Monday.
The bench trial bill is a proposed amendment to the state constitution. If the House also approves the measure, voters would have the ultimate say.
"This is something that's already being done in the federal court system," said Sen. Pete Brunstetter, R-Forsyth, saying the measure could save money for the court system. Defendants facing execution would not be able to opt out of a jury trial.
Brunstetter said that North Carolina and South Carolina are the only two states in the nation that don't allow bench trials for criminal cases. The bill passed the state Senate 49-0.
In other news, the Senate:
- Passed a measure making changes to state laws with regard to auto dealers. Opponents of the measure say it could keep high-end electric car maker Tesla from selling their cars in the state. The measure passed 48-0 with no debate. It now goes to the House.
- Gave final Senate approval to a measure requiring that students be taught having an abortion increases the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
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