Jason Saine Coverage

You can't bet on Kentucky Derby in NC, but lawmakers could change that soon

Though betting on horse racing is now legal in North Carolina, no operator is licensed to take bets on races like the Kentucky Derby.

Brian Murphy, WRAL

Most people NC prefer to stop doing Daylight Saving Time

High Point University surveyed 1,000 adults in North Carolina about their feelings about the twice-a-year time change. By a two-to-one margin, they'd prefer to stop doing it. Every year, North Carolina lawmakers file bills to do that, but it would take federal action to make it happen.

Poll: 2 in 3 North Carolinians want to end time change

This is the weekend most of America sets its clocks back by one hour. If you hate doing this, you're definitely not the only one. A new poll shows two-thirds of North Carolinians are right there with you.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Key NC Republicans call for changes to U.S. Constitution

An annual proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution has gained strength in the North Carolina House of Representatives, but major hurdles remain.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Bipartisan bill would legalize happy hour in North Carolina

On Monday, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers filed a bill that would allow individual cities and counties to legalize limited-time drink specials and promotions.

Drink it up: Bipartisan bill would legalize happy hour in North Carolina

Bars and restaurants want to reform North Carolina's alcohol laws, some of which date back to Prohibition. But any changes will face stiff opposition from religious groups, who are influential at the Republican-controlled state legislature.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers want to legalize happy hour

North Carolina is one of just eight states that don't currently allow happy-hour drink sales. State lawmakers want to change that.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Lawmakers aim to give cities a say whether to allow happy hour

Currently, happy hour drink specials are not legal in North Carolina.

Bar owners push to change antiquated alcohol laws, which they say invade privacy

Bar owners are pushing North Carolina lawmakers to update some of the country's most antiquated alcohol laws - many of which they say are unfair and invade people's privacy.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

House budget delays raises till January because of 'availability' of funds

Raises for teachers and state workers won't kick in until next year under the House's proposed 2019-20 state budget because the state doesn't have enough money to pay for them just yet.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

'Spring forward' forever? NC lawmakers propose permanent Daylight Saving Time

A bipartisan group of state House lawmakers is backing a bill to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round in North Carolina.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief

Lawmakers look at making Daylight Saving Time permanent in NC

A House committee debates a proposal that, if Congress allows it, would make Daylight Saving Time permanent in North Carolina. The committee also is considering changes to the E-verify program that allows employers to check the immigration status of workers.

House members roll out competing plan on school construction

House leaders compete with the Speaker Tim Moore's bond plan, backing a proposal more like the Senate's to spend billions on schools.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

FBI agents contacted two lawmakers regarding House speaker

An anonymous letter sparked inquiries into House Speaker Tim Moore's activities.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Stronger protections against data breaches proposed

Attorney General Josh Stein and Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, unveiled proposed legislation Monday to strengthen North Carolina's laws to prevent data breaches and to protect victims.

Matthew Burns

Old state computers could get new life faster under House bill

State lawmakers are considering a bill that could get more surplus computers into the hands of low-income families.

Laura Leslie

House member makes another run at 'puppy mill' regulations

For the past two sessions, Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, has led a bipartisan group of House members to pass legislation seeking basic regulation of large commercial dog-breeding operations, but the proposals have stopped cold in the Senate.

Laura Leslie

Lottery officials: New games would bring in more money

North Carolina could earn more money by introducing new lottery games, officials say, but big changes are unlikely in the next year.

Mark Binker

Health plan flap could spark back-to-the-future moment

Lawmakers unhappy with a recent flap over North Carolina's State Health Plan say the episode may prompt them to take a more active oversight role. It wasn't that long ago that they created an appointed board to handle the plan's governance.

Mark Binker

Rodney Ellis speaks on health plan changes

N.C. Association of Educators President Rodney Ellis speaks at a news conference on Feb. 4, 2016, across the street from the Legislative Building. The NCAE and a group representing state workers object to proposed changes in the State Health Plan.