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.
Budget Update
Lawmakers returned to Raleigh this week and Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) announced that the House plans to take votes on the budget next week.
Casino Proposal
House Republicans met on Tuesday to discuss outstanding budget items, including authorizing additional casinos in North Carolina. State law currently allows casinos to be built only on tribal lands. As reported by WRAL, one proposal would authorize four new casinos to be built in Rockingham, Nash, and Anson counties, with one allocated to the Lumbee Tribe in eastern North Carolina. When asked about the meeting, Speaker Tim Moore said, “We don’t have anything to report back after the caucus, but probably will in the next couple of days.” Moore was also quoted saying that a proposal will not move forward without support from a majority of House Republicans, who currently hold seventy-two seats in the chamber.
ABC Bill
A proposed committee substitute (PCS) for S527, ABC Omnibus 2023, was heard in the House Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee this week. The PCS would make several changes to state alcohol laws. One of these changes would allow ABC stores to operate on Sundays and select holidays if they are petitioned to do so by the local board. Another change would allow delivery and to-go sales of mixed beverages and wine, as was temporarily permitted by executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four amendments were adopted, including one that would allow the sale of beer and wine at community college sporting events. The bill was approved by the committee and has been referred to the House Finance Committee.
