Wednesday Wrap: Tax refunds, veto and hemp debate

With the state budget locked in a never-ending stalemate between GOP leaders and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, lawmakers said they plan to dispose of much of the $900 million budget surplus by giving taxpayers a refund – up to $125 for individuals and up to $259 for joint filers.

Speaking of that stalemate, GOP leaders are starting to move pieces of the budget, such as raises for corrections workers and Medicaid reform money, in separate bills to get around Cooper's veto.

Speaking of vetoes, Cooper issued his 33rd on Wednesday, quickly rejecting a proposal that would require sheriffs to honor detainers issued by federal immigration officials against people in county jails. The move prompted bill sponsors to label him a "sanctuary governor."

It's all enough to drive someone to self-medicate, but doing so with smokable hemp is one step closer to being illegal. The House approved the annual Farm Act and its regulation on the growing hemp industry after lengthy debate about probable cause and law enforcement searches – smokable hemp looks and smells like marijuana, in case you didn't know, but it doesn't get you high.