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.
Redistricting Maps Approved
This week, the General Assembly voted to approve the new North Carolina House, Senate, and U.S. Congressional maps for the 2024 elections. These maps became Session Law after votes on Wednesday. Redistricting bills are not subject to signature or veto by the Governor. North Carolina’s current 14-seat U.S. House delegation consists of an even 7-7 split between Republicans and Democrats. Based on data from previous election cycles, the new congressional map is predicted to create 10 likely Republican districts, 3 likely Democrat districts, and 1 competitive swing district. The House and Senate maps are also predicted to result in Republican majorities.
Speakers Race
Top Republican leaders in the North Carolina House have consolidated their support around Representative Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) to succeed current House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) once his term is complete. There have been many discussions this year about who would become the next speaker, as Moore has said this two-year term leading the chamber would be his last. Moore has held the position for a record five two-year terms. Hall, the current House Rules Committee chair, and Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne) have been the leading candidates to replace Moore. On Wednesday, the two men along with other House GOP leaders told a Republican caucus meeting that they supported a plan for Hall to become the caucus nominee for the next speaker. If ultimately backed by the caucus and elected by a majority in the 120-seat chamber, Hall said he would select Bell as House Rules Chairman.
Session Adjourned
On October 25th, the House and Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 760 to officially adjourn the 2023 Regular Session of the North Carolina General Assembly. Lawmakers will reconvene once a month, starting on November 29th, to consider a limited number of items. Oversight and Interim Committee hearings will take place over the next few weeks. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said on Wednesday that these would likely be non-voting sessions, and he anticipates that next votes will take place when short session begins on April 24th, 2024.
*Due to the adjournment of the 2023 Regular Session, this will be the last weekly newsletter update until short session resumes in April 2024*
