the house will come to order. Members elect for the 2000 and 21 House of Representatives. Please occupy the seat to which you have been assigned Visitors. Please repair to the lobbies and galleries. The acting sergeant at arms will clear the aisles and close the doors. Please be in order and silence all electronic devices. Welcome to those who are assembled here today and to all those who are watching or listening Pursuant to law, you have assembled at this time in place for the convening of the regular 2000 and 21 biennial session of the General Assembly. I requested all members elect and guests in the chamber who are able rise for the opening prayer, which will be offered by Representative Shepherd. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thereafter, representative Shepherd Bell will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. A pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic, for which secretary of State, being the custodian of the North Carolina election returns, has deposited with the principal clerk for inclusion in the journal. Ah, complete certification of all members elect as evidenced by the abstract of votes filed in that office under the hand and seal of the clerks of Superior Court of several counties of the state and the State Board of Elections. This will eliminate the necessity of individual filing of election credentials with the principal clerk. The names of persons so certified as being elected shall be called in numerical order by House District. As your name is called, please stand answer present and remain standing until the roll call is completed and the oath of office is administered. The acting reading clerk will now read the certifications of Election. First District Edward C. Goodwin, Mhm 36 is president as well as District 107th Kelly Alexander. Petitions, memorials or papers addressed to the House. The chair notes for the receipt of a letter of resignation from representative Darren Jackson. On January 6th, the clerk will read a proclamation from the governor appointment of the person recommended by the House District 39 executive committee of the North Carolina Democratic Party. And whereas the House District 39 executive Committee has notified me of this recommendation of James Robertson, Wake County, North Carolina, to feel the unexpired term I do by these presents a point. James Robertson as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. 2021 2022 General Assembly A witness whereof I have here on two signs and named Fixed the Great Seal State of North Carolina At the Capitol in the city of Raleigh this 11th day of January in the year of our Lord 2021 and Independence of the United States of America. 245th. Roy Cooper Governor, Representative Robertson will occupy Seat 106 The chair declares a quorum present. The oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice Paul M. Newbie, North Carolina Supreme Court. Mr. Chief Justice, you are recognized. All of our constitution since 17 76 required the taking of an oath to enter into public service. At this time, if you will place your left hand on your Bibles and raise your right hand, I will read the whole other thing. At the end. I will ask you to respond. I do or I do. So help me God, do you solemnly and sincerely swear that you'll support the Constitution of the United States that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities, which are or may be established for the government thereof. And that you'll endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said State not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States to the best of your knowledge and ability, so help you God, and do you swear that you will well and truly execute the duties of your office? Is a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives according to the best of your skill and ability according to law, so help you God? Congratulations. Thank you for your willingness to serve our state, Theo Theo. In the absence of adopted rules, the house is governed by usage, custom and precedent and the general parliamentary law. The best evidence of what are the established usages and customs are the rules as last In effect, it has not been the custom of the House of Representatives to allow members to pass on a roll call vote. The election of speaker requires a majority of the members present and voting unanswered of present at the time your name is called is not a vote. No member may vote unless the members in the chamber when the question is put to the body. With that, I declare the floor open. Two nominations for speaker of the House of Representatives. For what purpose does the gentleman from Lee, representative Saul seek recognition? I rise to place the name of representative Tim More of Cleveland County before the House of Representatives. As a nominee for speaker of the House of Representatives member has the floor. You may approach the well of the house and proceed that went before B thio that say that their class is the best. Well, the other four were wrong. The class that produced Representative Tell more Pat Congressman Patrick McHenry. Becky Carney, uh, build altars ended up Secretary Administration. If you want to argue with me after this, be glad to talk with you. But I also want to say that I've served under three speakers. All of them were very good at what they did and, uh, administering as the speaker's office. But none have done it any better, in my opinion than speaker. Tell more. I also want to thank him because he off the three that I served under. He's the only one that I didn't stay here to five o'clock in the morning and six o'clock in the morning. So I appreciate him being respective of our time and our time at home. Um, we have one kind of problem. The speaker of myself. We both have an addiction to buying automobiles. One of us can afford it. And when I was can I'll let you figure that out? But I want to say this. I believe with all my heart and the evidence, if you've served here before with the speaker as speaker, he genuinely cares about every single member of this General Assembly. Regardless of party. I've seen him do nothing but be very patient and kind to everyone, giving everyone ah voice in this General Assembly. And because of that, I asked your vote for Speaker Tim more to be speaker of this session. Thank you very much. For what purpose does the gentle lady from Carter at representative McHale Raft seek recognition? I rise to second the nomination of the member from Cleveland County representative Tim More as the speaker of the House of Representatives the member has the floor. You may approach the well of the house and proceed. Thank you. It's great seeing all of you. It was an honor when I got asked to second this nomination, Tim More has been in the house, I think a couple of years longer than I have. So we've been here a long time together. I have never seen anyone who reaches across the aisle more than he. I am honored to second this nomination. Our country in 2020 has been through so much. We, as American citizens, need to unify. We need to come together as Americans. I can't see anyone in the speaker physician doing that better than Tim. More. He will bring us together. He is fair with committees. Make sure everyone gets a chance to participate. And I'd like to second the nomination for Tim. More for speaker of this North Carolina house. For what purpose does the gentleman from Chatham representative Reeves seek recognition to debate the nominee for speaker? Mr. Clerk, The member is recognized to speak to the nomination. Thank you very much. I would agree. Represented McElrath. The one thing that I think it's clear to all of us that serve in office today is that the events of the last couple of weeks have made one thing clear, that we've got to come together, that we've got to come together as a nation, as a state and as communities. The other thing that has been made abundantly clear by these events is that that's got to start here. We've got to start by recognizing the will of the people. We've got to start by recognizing that all voices matter, no matter what our results. What our differences, that all voices should matter, and all voices should have an opportunity to be heard. The people of the state of North Carolina have spoken and congratulations to the majority party for winning a couple of seats this year. But having that majority, I think, also gives you the earned right to choose nominee for speaker. And what we would let you know today is that House Democrats. We still stand for the same things we've stood for all these years. We stand for good jobs, good opportunities for people, bigger paychecks, great healthcare access, great education and making North Carolina what it is and what it can continue to be and to continue to make it greater. But we also recognize that to achieve this that takes all 120 others. And that part of achieving this is recognizing that we do this together as a group and as a unit. As a result of that, we would inform you that House Democrats do support the House Republicans nominee for speaker. We do believe that this is our first step, that together we can do what is most important for the citizens of North Carolina and Mawr. Importantly, we believe that all of us recognize one thing in particular. We have an awesome opportunity this year above all others. Two for one of the few times in our history, we can all agree that people want our government to act and they want our government to be there for them. And we've got the opportunity together to figure out that path forward and how to make that happen and how to give the best result for all of the citizens of North Carolina. They don't wanna hear us bickering this year. They don't wanna hear us fighting. They don't wanna hear disagreements. They have to do with partisan disagreements. But they wanna hear disagreements, true civil discourse and disagreements about the best way that we can send North Carolina forward. Not based on the letters behind our names, but the thoughts behind our heart and the will of our constituents, which are all separate. All 120 of us represent unique areas in this state. Let those voices be heard. But let us all be heard in unison as telling people going forward from this day for this session that we are united and making North Carolina better that we are united and stopping the partisan bickering, stopping the unnecessary fighting. And we are united and making sure that this house truly represents the people. This is therefore, we do support your nominee for speaker. For what purpose is the gentleman from Scotland? Representative Pierce Seek recognition for request was to clerk. I would ask that the remarks of uh, leader Reeves be spread across the Journal police members. Is there objection to spreading remarks upon the journal? If not so, order. Are there further nominations from the floor? Seeing none. The gentleman from Caldwell representative Destined Hall is recognized for emotion. Mr clerk. I move that nominations be closed. And that representative Moore, be elected speaker of the House of Representatives by acclamation. Is there objection hearing? None. I declare the floor closed to further nominations has required by the North Carolina Constitution. Article six, Section five. All elections of the General Assembly shall be Viv of Okay, Members. The question before the House is the election of the speaker of the House of Representatives. Those in favor of the election of representative Tim Morris Speaker will say I those opposed No, the eyes have it in the chair, declares representative Mawr, duly elected as speaker of the 2021 House of Representatives by acclamation. Thank you. That Asian. The oath of speaker of the House of Representatives will be admitted stirred to speak ERM or by Chief Justice Paul M. Newbie North Carolina Supreme Court left hand on the Bible and raising your right hand the u tim more solemnly and sincerely swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States, that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities, which are or may be established for the government thereof and that you'll endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States to the best of your ability. So help you God and you swear that you're well and truly execute the duties of your office as speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives according to the best of your skill and ability according to law, so help you God. Congratulations. You don't get the complete story. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Thank you all. Well, good afternoon. For those who are returning, this is Ah, a little different type of opening day than we normally have. Normally, we're able to have our families with us on the floor. Uh, the galleries would be packed to the gills, and it would be an opportunity. Thio have mawr of the folks who play a part of our of our lives as members with us today, like you, I wish that we could have done that. But we know our present circumstances with co vid. Just don't render that safe and practical this day. But we do know that, uh, we do have a lot of family of course, in the gallery who are here with us. We have a few that we fit in a few places on the Ford for our for our new members. And I want to personally welcome all of you with us here today. Uh, and I know a lot of folks Aer watching, watching at home right now, with, uh, for the first time in the history of the North Carolina House, our sessions are being live, streamed and could be seen from all corners of the globe, all corners of the state. And they're being broadcast on television as well as on the Internet. So we are probably the most transparent that the history of this North Carolina on a General Assembly. I wanna welcome each of you to a new session of the of the North Carolina House, and I wanna thank the comments of the House minority leader. Appreciate those comments and, uh, agree with the general sentiment and want to thank and appreciate the comments also from from everyone on both parties. You know, it's a tremendous honor to accept this nomination of service speaker for a for 1/4 time. When I ran in 2002, I thought I was going to serve for three terms. I think I've gone past that just a little bit on DSO. Serving four terms of speaker was not something that I had ever intended to do. But it is indeed a high honor, and it is an opportunity that very much appreciate, you know, today also marks a new beginning for North Carolina, and I am gonna be brief because I do want to move on with the business at hand. But right now, our nation and our state faces a lot of uncertainty and a lot of challenges that no one in our lifetimes has had to deal with. Folks were suffering. And what's a health care crisis on what is also an economic crisis? You know, our hearts are heavy with every person who is hurting today. But you know, the United States and North Carolina has tackled tough time has tackled tough times before and what? One thing I always know is that our state and our nation has always been that shining city on a hill. It is a guide for how things can be done for how things should be done and it's because of the people of this state and of this nation. I know that North Carolina is ready to lead the way forward as we emerged through co vid as we move through a lot of this other strife that we've had. And I know that all of us is North Carolinians and Americans that we hope we hope the best for everyone. Those who are with us today, those yet to come what I can tell you for those who are watching and looking to this General Assembly to deal with many of the pressing issues today know that we're going to be going to work on all these issues. We're gonna build on a lot of great work. We did these last few sessions in this last session on the cove in legislation. I couldn't be more proud of the fact that the last covert legislation we passed last year passed entirely unanimously. I mean, it's hard to get a group of us to agree on much of anything, but to pass something that significant unanimously says a lot, it shows the potential of this General Assembly and of the state. We wanna make sure that the folks of this state know that they can count on the leadership in this General assembly from the mountains to the coast, from the cities to the country, Republican Democrat, everything that we're all committed to seeing that North Carolina move forward. We know his legislators. We have to serve the people first from families who are struggling to deal with financial issues from parents who are wondering what is gonna what is gonna become of their Children and their education. The fact that so many kids right now are not in school and what do we do to make sure no Children get left behind this year? We have to help folks every day who are calling, asking for help to the new members you're gonna get. You're gonna learn very quickly about things such as unemployment claims, uh, everything that you may have never dealt with before because people will call you because they need someone. They need that person to help them navigate the bureaucracy. And as members of the house, we are the closest to the people. We're the ones that folks turned to when they need help. While that's a job that's also a high honor every one of you have, and those who are new will have an opportunity to help someone in this state and a meaningful way. And at the end of the day, I submit to you that will be the things that you care about most. When you look back at your time and serving in the house, you know, we want to listen to the taxpayers who want to make sure that we're not taking too much of their income and that we're spending it wisely in ways that make sense. We can trust the folks in this state to know how to manage their affairs. If we create the right environment, North Carolinians want us to put partisan politics aside and create a state government and build on the state government that attracts success that allows us to continue doing the great things were doing, and you know what? We've done that and we're going to continue to build on that, and we've turned a corner towards stronger growth. North Carolina was just on a solid trajectory up until Cove it, But if you look at where states are in terms of Cove in, we've actually weathered it better than most states. I talked with a lot of my colleagues around the nation, other speakers of the House who are in states that are dealing with multibillion dollar deficits because they simply have not made the tough choices for years to come. In North Carolina, we can hold our heads high and say We've made the choices and we're in the situation where our status solvent, where we're not having to shut down where we're able to keep providing those essential services and at the same time do so in a way that allows an efficiently run government. You know, we dealt with those financial problems head on, and it's paid dividends for us to whether the toughest challenge that we've had or of course, dealing with co vid we've had hurricanes. We've had other challenges in North Carolina every time every time has risen to the challenge. I know that we're going to continue to do that. I know that we're going to continue to make investments in education in expanding rural broadband, being committed to a system of government that represents justice for all North Carolinians. We each know that each person is created equal with the same rights, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone's rights are in fact protected. You know this body, this house chamber is the form for spirited debate about freedoms guaranteed for every North Carolinian. We certainly had a spirited election throughout the state, from Muneo to Murphy. Every one of you are here. Came here because you fought hard. You campaigned hard and the voters of your district elected you. You have that job. You have that honor. You have that responsibility. And everyone in our everyone in this chamber respects each other. For that. Our citizens deserve the reserve leadership. That fulfills the promise of North Carolina's constitutional preamble, which calls quote for the better government of this state. And I want to thank each and every one of you for answering that call. I pledge to continue to work with both folks on both sides of the aisle from the mountains to the coast to try to find solutions to our toughest challenges. Because I know some of the greatest ideas to the days to the day's issues are going to come from those of you sitting in these seats in this room right now. We're truly blessed to be in a state that has such a rich culture and the natural beauty, and it is now stronger than ever. It's a special place like any other, and all of us have chose to let chosen to live here because we know it is indeed the greatest state in this nation. I would simply ask that our work here leave the same positive impact on this land that it has made on all of us. May God continue to bless this great state in this great nation. Thank you. Now let's get to work. Yes. Petitions, memorials, papers address to the House of General Assembly. The corporal read. Cool election protests Form submitted by Kim Coley Appeal The decision of the Board of Election dismissing protest filed by Kim College, the House principal Kirk has received papers purporting to initiate a contested election. It is the opinion of the chair that this filing is fatally fall procedurally because it does not comply with general statute. Section 1 20-10 point three and General Assembly Section uh, 1 20-10 point five. I asked the chamber by unanimous consent agreed to dismiss this filing because of these falls and have it placed on five of the corks office. Is there objection hearing? None. So ordered. The next order of business is the adoption of temporary rules for the house. The member from Caldwell represented Hall is recognized. Mr. Speaker, I have placed a resolution with the clerk for consideration by the body. Cork will file the resolution and assigned a number. House Resolution one corporation represented Dustin Hall, House Resolution one doctor In the temporary rules of the House of Representatives for the 2021 regular session General, some of the North Carolina next represented halls recognized to debate the resolution. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr. Speaker and Members, I want to start off by presenting the House temporary rules with a thank you to our central staff who spent a lot of time over the past few weeks and especially the past few days trying to get these, uh, temporary rules together that you see before you today during the unchartered times that Cove in 19 has presented us with. I appreciate their work that go into these rules in such a matter that allow us to conduct the business of our state while taking into consideration the limitations caused by this global pandemic. As for the rules themselves, most of them as his customary are what we had during the last session. However, there are some changes and probably the most significant change in these rules is 58.1, which deals with an emergency session. Of course, we didn't have such a rule in our our last set of rules in the last biennium because we hadn't dealt with a global global pandemic in any of our lifetimes. And so this section will deal with that and allow us to more smoothly and efficiently get our state's business done while hopefully trying to keep all of us in this body as safe as we possibly can be. As for dates, I wanna highlight just a few of the importance when important dates real quick crossover is gonna be may 13th in these bills that are non finance or non appropriations must be submitted by March 24th and introduced by April 20th. Bills that are financing appropriations must be submitted by March 31 and introduced by April 27 members. I'll close by just simply reminding everyone that today is a celebration. Our families air here, and these rules are temporary. And my commitment to the body is to continue to work with the minority leader and all members of this body to come to it. Lisa's much consensus as we can on a permanent set of rules. And in fact, leader Reeves and I have a meeting later on today to talk about the set of permanent rules. So members, I ask for your support on these House temporary rules. What purpose? Jump from Chatham Representatives rise to debate the resolution Mr Speaker gentlemen has before. Thank you, Mr Speaker Meeting. What are you talking about? I was a joke. I would say thank you very much. Mr. Rules chair his work tirelessly to work with us to try to fix some of the things in the room when I say fixed, of course, to try to come to a compromise about some of the things that we may disagree with some of the issues that we may have with the rules of the same issues that we had last by any. Um, but I would say that represented Chairman Hall has gone through a yeoman's effort to try to meet us halfway and work on compromise. We will be meeting again today. We had a chance to meet this morning, had a chance to talk last night. And so I think there's been some efforts and we would remind all the body that these are temporary rules and they were trying to do what we can. Obviously, we still want to address covert protocols. We still want to dress transparency, and that's the fine balance to try to figure out. And I would commend the rules share for all the efforts. And, Mr Speaker, for the efforts that you've made to try to figure out how to strike that balance will continue to work with you. Thank you. Further discussion. Further debate, if not the question for the houses. The adoption of House Resolution One Those in favor will say I those boats No, that would appear to have the eyes. Do you have it? Uh, the resolution having passed the it is ordered adopted and ordered printed. Next time a business is the election of a speaker pro tempore e. From the membership. I now declare the the floor open The nominations for the Office of Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives. What purpose of the general from Wayne represented? Bell Rise? Thinking the speaker. I rise to place the name of representing Sarah Stevens of Surrey County before the house as nominee for speaker. Approach to party. Remember, from Wayne County represented, Bell is recognized. Thio speak. Speak to nomination from the well of the house. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Members. I stand before you today to nominate representatives Sarah Stevens and service our speaker Protein represented, Stevens asserted. Our speaker approach employees for the last two terms. She is a well respected member of this body and has worked in a bipartisan manner to better our state. I ask that you join me in supporting her nomination. Thank you. What purpose jumper from Lincoln represents saying rods. I rise to second. The nomination of the member from Surrey County represented Sarah Stevens as a speaker pro tempore. E generally recognized the gentleman eyes authorized to approach the well a house and to speak to the second of the nomination. A speaker, My fellow members of the house. I am honored to second the nomination of my friend, representative Sarah Stevens who has always served her constituents in this body will, while under normal circumstances, I would expand only many attributes and qualifications of representative Stephens. However, today we must make case. I will just conclude with the message to our newest members of both parties who may not have yet had the pleasure of getting to know representative Stephens. She will serve you well in the capacity of Speaker Pro temporary. But more importantly, you could have no better friend than Sarah. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Are there further nominations? Seeing none. The gentle from Caldwell represented Hall recognized promotion. Mr Speaker, I move that nominations be closed and that representative Sarah Stevens be elected speaker Protein for by acclamation. Is there objection hearing? None. I declared the floor close to further nominations. Question for the House is the election of a speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives those in favor of the election of representative Sarah Stevens that spoke speaker pro tempore. It will say I those opposed No, the eyes have it on the chair declares that represented. Stevens is duly elected a speaker pro tempore of the 2021 House of Representatives by acclamation. Madam Speaker Pro TEM. Please approach the well of the house. Yeah, mhm replacing your left hand on the Bible Raising your right hand. Do you, Sarah Stevens solemnly And sincerely swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina to the constitutional powers and authorities which are may be established for the government there. Of that, you endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said state not inconsistent with constitution of the United States to the best of your knowledge and ability. So help you God and you swear that you will well and truly execute the duties of your office as speaker pro tempore a of the North Carolina House of Representatives According to the best of your skill and ability according to law, so help you God, So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you for your service. Could you? Yeah. The lady has the four. Thank you, Mr Speaker, And thank you members for your support again this year have been honored to do this for the last two terms. And I've used it as an opportunity to make some very, very wonderful relationships with people. Um, and it has been amazing. One of my biggest controversies in terms of taking my opening day speech was to talk about getting to know something about the members here you didn't Otherwise, No. For those of you who missed that comment, we know that one former member of our body who is now a state uh, elected official has six pack abs. Um, I did not warn him that I was going to make that statement, but I made it. Now what that did is bring me another relationship on the other side of the aisle. There's a member over there who I can even call him out, but told me that he was gonna also have six pack abs and he would provide me Chris proof by Christmas. 13 months ago, Zach Hawkins promised me pictures of six pack abs, and I have yet to receive them. So we're going to see if that can fulfill his promises throughout the rest. This year, I will be very brief. It has been such an honor to be, um, the Speaker Pro TEM. It has given me the opportunity to work very closely with the freshman, and I certainly invite the freshman on the Democrat side as well to help you get acclimated to become the best person that you can bay. And as I thought about what I would say, because we want to be so brief and so quick here, I think about the advice I gave my Children as they were growing up. It doesn't cost anything to be nice, to be kind to listen to others. You don't have to agree with everything they say, but it's okay to listen. And the comment that you can make in the end when you are when you are through listening is and we can agree to disagree. And I think that's something we all need to remember that we can agree to disagree. But that doesn't mean we don't have to listen. So I'm hoping that we are based on the tone of today having a kinder, gentler General Assembly. We are so much more like than we are different and we need to remember that. So thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to serving. Yeah, okay. The next item of business is the election of a principal quirk. E declared the for it and denominations for principal clerk of the House of Representatives. What purpose does the gentleman from Wayne represented? They'll rise. Thinking the speaker. I rise to place the name of James White before the houses nominee for House principal clerk. The nominations before the body, the member has the four and may proceed. Thank you, Ms Speaker. Memories, Members. I proudly stand before you today to nominate Mr James White to continue serving as our house principal clerk. Mr. White has worked in a bipartisan manner to make sure that the administrative duties of this body are handled. He and his team doing outstanding job serving each and every one of us. I ask that you join me and supporting his nomination. Thank you, Mr Speaker. What purpose of gentleman from Chad and represented Reeves rise. Thank you, Mr Speaker. That's the second denomination Jim has recognized the Germans recognized to speak to the second of the nomination. Thanks very much, Mr Speaker. And I would say the same that Mr White has gone through all kinds of efforts to make sure they support every member of this body equally without favor. We've appreciated that the entire time. And we appreciate the professionalism and appreciate the ability to follow an absolute legend and Denise Weeks and still be able to do a great job. Thank you. And we're looking forward to hear vote being elected. Are there further nominations hearing none. The gentleman from Caldwell represented Hall is recognized for motion. Mr. Speaker, I move that the nominations be closed that James White be elected principal clerk by acclamation. Is there objection hearing? None. I declare that the force close to further nominations. The question before the house is the election of James Widest, principal clerk of the House of Representatives. Those in favor will say I those opposed No, the eyes have it. The chair declares that James White is duly elected as principal cork of the 2021 House of Representative by acclamation. Mr White, please approach diet Yeah! Pursuant to general statute 1 20-5. The speaker of the House of Representatives is authorized to administer oath for all officers of the House. Members of the court decided to forgo remarks this year, but asked the chair to convey to the body that his sincere gratitude for the honor to continue serving the body at this time. We would administer the oath of office. Place your left County Bible, raise your right. Do you, James White solemnly and sincerely swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States. That you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities, which are or may be established for the government thereof. And that you will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States to the best of your knowledge and ability. So help you God and that you will well and truly execute the duties of the Office of Principle Court of the North Carolina House of Representatives to the best of your skill inability according to law. So help you God. I do. So help me God. Congratulations. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. The next item of business is the appointment of officers percent. The house rule 45. The speaker appoints Larry Elliott to serve as the sergeant at arms of the 2021 session of the House of Representatives. Mr. Elliott, please approach the diets. If you would place your left on the Bible, raise your right. Do you, Larry Elliott solemnly and sincerely swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States, that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities, which are or may be established for the government thereof and that you will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States. To the best of your knowledge and ability. So help you God. And do you swear that you will well and truly execute the duties of the office? A Sergeant of arms of North Carolina House representatives according to the best of your skill ability according to law, so help you God, So help me. Congratulations. Percent the house. Rule 45 the Speaker of Points, Reggie Seals, to serve as the reading court for the 2021 session of the House of Representatives. Congratulations, Mr Seal's. Do you want to take a moment? I mentioned our guest today, but I would like to formally extend the courtesies of the gallery into the floor. For the for the family members who are here with us today of all members of the House, I would ask those family members to please stand. I would ask all of us to please give them the proper applause and thanks that they need is, well, your family member Police dancing Welcome. Okay, Jumping from Wayne represented Bell has recognized for an announcement. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand before you thio to recognize the Republican caucus. Leadership in the Republican caucus stands ready to conduct business of the House of Representatives. The following members have been elected to the caucus leadership Majority Leader. Representative John Bale Deputy Majority Leader. Representative Brendan Jones, Majority Whip representative John Hardest er Deputy whips include representative Bobby Hanning, representative Keith Kid. Will representative Jamie Bowls, representative Pat McKell, Wrath Conference chair representative John Szoka de for deputy conference chairs include representative Jason Sane, representative Tim Moffett, representative Matthew Wins, Load Joint Caucus liaison representative Pat Hurley, new member leader, representative David Willis and new member whip representative. Been Moss. Thank you for Speaker, noted the gentleman from Chatham Representive. Reeves is recognized for an announcement as well. Thank you, Mr Speaker. And we also would like to recognize the elected leadership of the House Democratic Caucus. Uh, starting with yours truly as minority leader and then Gail Adcock, Deputy Minority Leader Deb Butler, House Whip Susan Fisher, House Whip Amos Quick, House Whip Raymond Smith, House Whip and freshman Caucus co chairs Veneta, Austin and Terry Brown. Thank you. Noted members of chairs about to announce several committee chair appointments. Uh, will tell you that full committee appointments and vice chairs will be announced on a later date. But, uh, given some of the pressing business that the general somebody's gonna have to act upon as we come back at the end of this month, I want to go ahead and make some the appointments as to the chairs of the committees. And so at this time, I'm gonna ask the court to read the appointments of the various committee chairs. Agriculture representative Dixon senior chair representative McNeely ready. Could you sustain just to suspend just moment? Apologized also didn't announced that the 2021 House of Representatives now being organized and ready to proceed with public business chair orders a special message to be sent to the Senate to advising that honorable body. Now at this time, uh, the gentleman, please read The Committee of Pointers. Agriculture representative Dixon, senior chair representative McNeely, Alcohol Beverage control representative Moffitt Appropriations representative Lambert Sr. Chair representative, Same. Senior chair representative, AARP Senior chair representative Brisson Represented Bumgardner, representative Elmore Representing the Faircloth representative Hall representative Strickland Appropriations representative Dixon Senior chair representative Goodwin Represented Michael Ralph. Appropriation Capital. Represented. Hastings Appropriations, Education representative Hardest er Representive Torbit, representative Hurley Appropriations General. Government represented in Cleveland. Representative. Right. L Appropriations. How the Human Services Representative Parts representatives faster. Representative White, representative Christian Baker Appropriations Teague, representative. Johnson Appropriations, JPs representative Bold senior chair Represented. McNeil representing. David Smith, Appropriations Transportation representative Jones, senior chair representative Either representative Shepherd, banking representative. Kid Will. Commerce representative Saul's Education Community Colleges. Representative Hurley Education, K 12. Representative Blackwell Representive, Torbert Education University Represented Harvester Election Law Campaign finance representative Mills Emergency and Public Utilities representative Our representives Oka environment represented McHale, Raft represented. Yarber Ethics represented salts, representative Ray Families, Children in aging policy, representative Carter, representative Hunter, Federal relations and American Indian affairs represented Clampett, representative Graham, Finance representative Howard Senior Chair representative Setzer Senior chair Representives Oka, senior chair. Represented. Brad, First senior chair. Represent Kidwell, representative Rate Health. Represent Lamberth represented. Pots of the disaster. Representative White that was a Christian baker. Homeland Security military and veteran affairs representative. Goodwin Insurance Represented Hurley Judiciary. One. Representative Davis Judiciary to representing Stevens was in Richardson Judiciary. Three. Representive Zachary, representative. Rogers Judiciary. Four. Representing Blackwell. Local government. Land use, planning and development representative. Brody local government representative. Panic represented Watford. Marine Resource Is and aquaculture, Representive Panic, Pensions and retirement. Representative. McNeil redistricting representative. That's in hall Regulatory reform. Represented Freidel rules. Represented. Justin Hall, State government representative Torbert State personnel. Representative Warren Transportation represented Jones, representative Island representative Shepherd, U. N C. Nominations represented Hastings Wildlife Resource is represented. Adams representative Job and members this year is opposed to having members approach to receive the gavel. As you can see, those were being distributed by our staff this time in order to try to maintain the distancing Per usual. The house is waiting on the Senate, so we will be receiving a message momentarily. E thought something at the body of 120 was organized more quickly than a body of 50. For what purpose does a does? The gentleman from Scotland represented Pierce rise. Moment of personal privilege becomes recognize, speak to a point of personal privilege. Announcement one of the other. But also, we have a very important election this morning that we had one of the another outstanding caucus in our general simply That's the, uh, caucus of legislative black Caucus. We were delighted. Thio, uh, ripped into Kelly cutting brother. Excuse me. Give me Give me the wrong name. Kelly Alexander is our new president. We look forward to working with him on the issues that affect, uh, minority community as a whole. So, Mr Alexander, thank you. If you were given the privilege, Mr Speaker, to announce Thea other folks in the house that are also members of the legislative Black Caucus that would elected this morning. Thank you, gentlemen from Qatada. Representative Adams. Recognize. Speak to a point of personal privilege. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thursday, January 13th, 1944 one PM My father, James Adams, was Obamacare Navigator in the B 25 Mitchell on a mission to bomb an enemy airfield near Rome, Italy, He was peering through. The Norden bomb site has released the bombs over the target. His left hand rested on the lever that controlled the bomb bay doors as he moved to close the doors. The plane gave a violent shudder, and his earphones were filled with static. He instinctively checked his watch. It was one o'clock. The plane was crippled but airworthy. It took about 15 minutes for German fighters toe overtake them and finish them off. Dad bailed out near Avezzano, Italy, and was immediately captured. He spent the next 16 months in captivity at Stalag left, one in northern Germany, about a mile from the Baltic Sea. I grew up with a father that suffered from PTSD. It was untreated. We thought it was from prison camp. His prison camp experience. It wasn't in May 1972 when I graduated from The Citadel on was leaving to move to Arizona. My father came to my car window and said, Son, you know those 16 months I spent a German prison camp. In a way, there were some of the best months of my life. I simply didn't know what to make of that So you mean when it's over? He said he replied. That's part of it. You'll figure it out and walked to his car. It took me a long time to fully understand what he meant. As years past, Dad started to have reunions with his POW buddies. Their meetings were filled with laughter. Simultaneously I was attending reunions with my cynical buddies. I began to understand what Dad was saying. The uncertainty, the stress, the fear of personal failure. The totality of his experience crushed the spirits of some. But those that kept their faith and determination came through the experience with bonds of friendship that are truly unique. I submit to you that the experience of what we're doing here, while not as threatening as those experiences, are similar. We face challenges together. We face uncertainty. We make promises that we may not be able to keep. We sacrifice Tom with our families. We may disagree intensely on how we proceed. We bear the responsibility for making decisions that affect 10 million people. We bear it together, but in the end, when we have left this political realm, we will be bound by our experiences in a way that Onley we fully appreciate. My father always said it was the 13th hour of the 13th day of the 13th month. I'm just glad it was Thursday. Dad never lost his sense of humor. He lost his freedom and his freedom was more important than his life. But my father never lost his spirit. He was a captive, but he was never a victim. Artifacts from the past are important. This Bible that I hold this New Testament has an inscription. It was sent to my father from his sister. He received it on January 10th, 1944 just in time for that last flight. In the ordeal that he faced. He returned home to his parents on July 5th, 1945 his 25th birthday. Thank you. Yeah. Members. We also have a number of you. I think the staff wasn't able to get all the gavels distributed. Reggie went a little fast form there on DSO There will be those there. And there also be a release of all those committees and the chairmanships, Uh, after session this afternoon. So it'll be on there for what purpose? Jumper from Lee represented. Solace rise point of personal privilege. German has four. I want to thank everyone that reached out to me during the passing of my brother. It meant so much the cards and emails. And and he's gonna be sorely missed. And so I just want you Thio keep his two sons. They lost her mother when she was 50 to 17 years ago. And I leave. Lost her father. So I would ask that you remember J and Daniel in your prayers. Thank you, sir. For what purpose? The jump from Mecklenburg represented Alexander Rise. Point of personal privilege. German has four. Uh, simply wanted thio share with, uh, the members, the officers that were elected for the legislative black caucus. Um, first vice chair Senator Ah Gladys Robinson, Second Vice Chair, Representative James Galliard, Secretary Secretary Natalie Murdoch, Treasure Representative Candy Smith, Parliamentarian representative Raymond Smith, Chaplain Representative Amos Quick and Sergeant at Arms Senator uh, Achieva Mohammed, if you would represent Alexander turned that just turn that information into the court received that, please. Thank you. Petitions, memorials or papers, Address to the house of the General Assembly. The corporal read resolution expressing Orange County's support for reparation for black African Americans. Noted members chairs about to put the house in at ease. We are. We're awaiting resolution from the from the Senate that will need to be adopted before we can conclude our business today. So the rules chairs, checking to see what the what the schedule is before we go into notice. Or excuse me before we go at ease, the chair is gonna ask you other. Any other additional notices or announcements? What purpose? The German from Taiwan represented Goodwin rise. I rise today to pay tribute to my mother. She's still alive. But she was 96 on Monday, January 11th. And thank God that I'm so fortunate that I still have my mother. For what purpose? The way from pit represent. Smith writes point of personal privilege. Side has for I would like to pay tribute to the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated celebrating 108 years today. So I would like to say congratulations and keep doing all of the community service. And we have members. Um, Miss representative, eh? Voluntary and myself in the house. Thank you so much. Remember, the chair is gonna declare that the house shall standard these