NC House session briefly delayed by medical emergency
The opening day of the 2023 state legislative session was delayed briefly in the North Carolina House of Representatives Wednesday when a member had a medical issue.
Emergency responders were called for state Rep. William Brisson, R-Bladen. The nine-term lawmaker was helped out of the chamber. Shortly after, he returned to take the oath of office as the House organized for the session.
Brisson's office didn't immediately respond to a request for more details about the event or his current condition.
After the oath, Brisson left again in a wheelchair. Colleagues said he was OK.
Speaker of the House Tim Moore called him “one tough fellow.”
“He was not going to leave this building without taking the oath of office,” Moore said.
The speaker said Brisson was “talking and joking” as he left.
Wednesday was the first day of a new legislative session. It is largely a ceremonial gathering. Lawmakers will adjourn and return in two weeks to begin lawmaking for the year.
