The long-running battle between craft brewers and beer distributors appears to be over.
The two sides announced a deal backed by House and Senate leaders of both parties to allow brewers to sell more of their own product before having to go through a distributor. The existing state limit has been fought over for years and led to a 2017 lawsuit.
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The House gave final approval to the $1.9 billion school construction bond proposal, and the Senate gave final approval to legislation allowing small businesses to team up to purchase lower-cost health coverage for their employees.
And in what appears to be a transparent attempt to limit transparency in the General Assembly, a bill sponsored by Rep. Ray Russell, D-Watauga, calling for an end to such practices as gutting and amending bills, late-night sessions and bills popping up in committee with little notice was put on an obstacle course in the House. Because of the series of referrals called for by House leaders, the measure has to clear 13 committees, including House Rules twice, and a floor vote before a May 9 deadline, significantly dimming its chances at survival.