Friday Wrap: See you in November
Lawmakers left Raleigh on Friday after a speedy six-week legislative session.
Posted — UpdatedBut they're not quite done for the year, having included a lame-duck session after Thanksgiving in their adjournment resolution. Republican legislative leaders say they may need to come back if any of the six proposed constitutional amendments they put on the ballot pass so they can fill in some details.
The most controversial amendments would require photo identification to vote and would shift the power to fill judicial vacancies from the governor to lawmakers. The other amendments would cap the state income tax rate at 7 percent, overhaul the state elections board and shift other appointment powers from the governor to lawmakers, expand crime victims' rights and guarantee the right to fish and hunt.
The session opened with a massive teachers rally, and although raises for teachers were included in the state budget, lawmakers passed on including a proposed $1.9 billion school bond on the November ballot to help school districts repair aging buildings.
The budget also implemented a $15-an-hour minimum wage for state employees and higher raises for correctional officers and state troopers.
Other major action during the session included the following:
- The annual Farm Act included a provision to insulate hog farms from lawsuits by neighbors over odors, insects and other nuisances.
- The early voting schedule was changed, although lawmakers late Thursday reinserted voting on the final Saturday before Election Day.
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