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.
Legislative Activity
It was a very quiet week at the NC General Assembly. Most House members worked in District as there were no committee meetings or floor votes scheduled. The Senate conducted only one committee meeting to handle some local elections bills. No Senate floor votes were held. Senate leadership continued to finalize their budget details behind closed doors which could be released soon. We anticipate legislative activity to pick back up again next week.
Abortion Bill
Last week, the legislature passed S20, Care for Women, Children and Families Act. The bill would prohibit elective abortions after 12 weeks. Certain exceptions apply for rape, incest, fetal life-limiting anomalies, and risk of life to the mother. It also includes $160 million for maternal health services, adoption care, contraceptive services and paid leave for teachers and state employees after the birth of a child. Governor Cooper has announced he will veto the legislation on Saturday. The Senate could consider an override vote as early as next Tuesday.
2024 Elections
This week, Representative Jeffrey Elmore (R-Wilkes) announced his run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2024 election. Elmore adds his name to a growing list of candidates for the position since current Lt. Governor Mark Robinson announced his run for Governor last month. Other Republican candidates include Hal Weatherman and Peter Boykin. Democratic candidates include State Senator Rachel Hunt of Charlotte and former Spring Lake Mayor Chris Rey. There are several others that have announced their run for statewide offices in 2024.
For the Governor’s race, current State Treasurer Dale Folwell will challenge Mark Robinson in the Republican primary. Former North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker is also expected to announce his run in the coming weeks. On the Democratic ticket is current Attorney General Josh Stein. Announced candidates for the North Carolina Labor Commissioner race are Republican State Representatives Jon Hardister, Ben Moss, and Democratic Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston. For the State Treasurer race, State Representative Wesley Harris (D-Mecklenburg) announced his run in March. Another Mecklenburg County Representative, Republican Rep. John Bradford, has mentioned he is considering a run for Treasurer, but has yet to officially enter the race. The candidate filing period for the statewide 2024 elections begins at noon on Monday, December 4 and ends at noon on Friday, December 15, 2023. Primaries will be held on March 5, 2024.
