New Bills Expected to be Introduced Wednesday

RALEIGH, N.C. — One week into the new legislative session, the General Assembly will discuss a number of new bills on Wednesday.

The House will consider 15 new bills, many of which will deal with how the state handles domestic violence cases. Some of the new measures include more funding to help victims, more security for them and making it a felony for those who knowingly violate a domestic violence order of protection while armed.

One bill also suggests developing a statewide reporting system and database that shows the number of domestic violence-related murders.

The House will also consider a bill to give more economic incentives to the struggling furniture industry while the Senate will look at a bill about police dogs. Anyone who kills or attempts to kill a law enforcement animal would be slapped with a felony.

Another bill to be considered in the state House would call on officials to notify the public immediately when someone with dementia or a similar illness is reported missing.

The state House and the Senate will honor Appalachian State University for winning its second straight football championship.