Legislature Coverage

Checking 5 of NC Rep. Tricia Cotham's claims about NC Dems and why she switched parties

State Rep. Tricia Cotham cited mistreatment from Democrats as a reason she switched parties. Gov. Roy Cooper and other party leaders respond to some of her claims.

Paul Specht, PolitiFact reporter

North Carolina Republicans propose new abortion restrictions starting at 12 weeks

Republicans proposed a bill that would ban most abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest. State law currently bans abortions after 20 weeks, unless needed later on to save the mother's life.

Paul Specht and Will Doran, WRAL state government reporters

12 GOP lawmakers seek to ban gender-affirming care for NC minors

The proposed Youth Health Protection Act would prohibit health care providers from administering puberty blockers and block the use of state funds for any gender transition-related medical care.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers explore Fairness in Women's Sports Act to ban transgender athletes

North Carolina high school athletic officials say there has been no issues in the state, but Republican lawmakers said exploring the Fairness in Women's Sports Act is an issue of fairness and safety.

Proposed bill could change yearly emissions standards for NC vehicles

North Carolina lawmakers are talking about getting rid of emissions inspections for cars and scaling back safety inspections, too.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The gang that shoots from the lip

April 1, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Cooper vetoes bill that would loosen pistol permit laws

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper rejected a bill that seeks to lift a state law requiring people to obtain a permit from a local sheriff before acquiring a handgun. Republicans vow to override the veto.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Bill to ban 'pet leasing' would make repossessing animals illegal in NC

"Pet leasing" has become controversial with some owners having their pets repossessed.

Joe Fisher, WRAL reporter

New legislation aims for stronger punishments for fentanyl, opioid abuse

Families of overdose victims pushed for action to raise awareness about the danger of fentanyl and opioids.

Editorial: Cooper offers N.C. legislature a prescription it must fulfill

Tuesday, March 7, 2023 -- Legislators should embrace Gov. Roy Cooper's focus on the things that matter most - a healthier, better educated state with a workforce that earns a decent living and the opportunity to live lives "of purpose and abundance."

'State of the State': Cooper tells NC lawmakers to invest in schools to keep economy booming

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will propose a state budget that fully funds the Leandro remedial education plan without needing to raise taxes, he said in his State of the State address.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Gov. Roy Cooper delivers State of the State address

In the State of the State address, Gov. Roy Cooper plans to emphasize "that North Carolina is at a pivotal moment with opportunities for historical investments rebuilding North Carolina's infrastructure, communities and economy," his office says.

Votes are 'act of service to the Lord,' says lawmaker who wants 'In God We Trust' in NC legislature

Republican state Rep. Ben Moss says his bill, which seeks to display the words "In God We Trust" in the legislative chambers, would remind lawmakers that votes are "an act of service to the Lord our God and to help advance His Kingdom in our elected capacity."

Paul Specht, WRAL state politics reporter

On the Record: 2023 Legislative Session

Our state lawmakers hold power over our taxes, our healthcare, the right to vote, to carry guns, and to protect our families from those guns. Their decisions impact all of us. WRAL's NC Capitol team brings us up to speed on what our state senators and representatives are doing this session.

The Wrap: Moore's rammed vehicle, tax cuts, new Lindberg indictment, and Medicaid in the Senate

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team

State services strained as NC struggles to hire government workers

Vacant positions across state government -- at 10-year highs in many departments -- have left a growing population with spotty services. State agencies are trying new ways to recruit and retain workers in a tricky job market, and they're hoping legislators approve a budget that will boost pay for state workers.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC House Republicans propose 'compromise' veto override rules

A proposal filed Monday by state Rep. Destin Hall would allow House members to override the governor's veto on the same day the House receives an official notice of the veto.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Lots of laws proposed, few get passed. Here's how it works

Any of the 120 members in the North Carolina House and 50 members of the North Carolina Senate can propose a bill.

Abortion in NC: Democrats propose putting Roe vs. Wade ruling into state law

On Thursday, Democrats proposed putting the right to abortion until viability into state law.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

Lawmakers file first bills on abortion's future in North Carolina

Democrats propose putting Roe Vs. Wade into effect in North Carolina on Thursday. Republican lawmakers want to pass additional restrictions on abortion in 2023.

On the Record: Prospects of widespread legalized online sports betting in North Carolina

WRAL anchor/reporter Cullen Browder and WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy were joined by state Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln County; state Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford; and Kilpatrick, Townsend, & Stockton lobbyist Ches McDowell to discuss the possibility of legalizing online sports gambling in North Carolina.

NC GOP working toward more restrictive abortion laws

A thirteen-week ban would make North Carolina the 18th most restrictive state in the country on abortion.

NC abortion fight likely to begin behind closed doors

With the 2023 session just one day old, Republican legislative leaders say they're already working on more restrictive abortion laws than the state's current 20-week ban. What's still unknown, observers say, is whether House and Senate Republicans can find unified support for any given proposal

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

NC House session briefly delayed by medical emergency

Emergency responders were called for state Rep. William Brisson, R-Bladen. The nine-term lawmaker was helped out of the chamber but returned to take the oath of office.

WRAL News staff

'People are fed up': As NC Democrats reflect on election missteps, a party shake-up is underway

While Democrats in other swing states scored big victories, the party struggled in North Carolina. Political strategists say geography, money and recruiting troubles are to blame.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter