KTS Strategies brings years of experience providing clients in a diverse range of industries with comprehensive policy and advocacy advice before federal, state, and local agencies. In North Carolina, we advise local municipalities, corporate transportation entities, nonprofit organizations, statewide associations, government vendors, and Fortune 500 companies before the North Carolina General Assembly and executive branch.
Below is an update on the activity at the NC General Assembly this week.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
On May 26th, the NC Senate healthcare chairs presented a proposed committee substitute to House Bill 149. The bill summary can be found here. This legislation aims to expand Medicaid to the currently unserved population in North Carolina, create a workforce development program to hopefully advance the Medicaid population out of poverty, provide for better access to telemedicine, modify the Certificate-of-Need program for healthcare facilities/services, and increase the scope of healthcare services provided by advanced practice registered nurses.
HB 149 will be heard today in Senate Rules committee (listen here) at 12pm.
Transfer of Sales Tax to Highway Trust Fund
On May 25, Senator Vickie Sawyer, Senator Tom McInnis, and Senator Mike Woodard introduced Senate Bill 793. This legislation would transfer general fund sales tax revenue to the Highway Trust Fund at a rate of 2% in fiscal year 2022/23, 4% in fiscal year 2023/24, and 6% in fiscal year 2024/25 and thereafter. The phased approach assists with the need to expand transportation infrastructure and maintain continuity as gas tax revenues are anticipated to decrease over the coming years. If enacted, this legislation would take effect July 1, 2022.
NC Compassionate Care Act/Medical Cannabis Access
Senate Bill 711 has been one of the most discussed pieces of legislation in 2021 and now in 2022. The Senate expects to hear S711 in committee this Wednesday and vote on the floor Thursday.
Upcoming Legislative Meetings
Tuesday, May 31
12:00 PM: Senate Rules
1:00 PM: Senate Commerce and Insurance
2:00 PM: House Wildlife Resources
2:00 PM: Senate Finance
3:00 PM: House Judiciary 1
Wednesday, June 1
9:00 AM: House Pensions and Retirement
9:00 AM: Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment
10:00 AM: Senate Health Care
11:00 AM: House Judiciary 2
2:00 PM: Senate Judiciary
Thursday, June 2
9:30 AM: House Judiciary 1
11:00 AM: House Local Government – Land Use, Planning, and Development
