This week at the legislature, Senate confirmations continued as rumors of another potential HB2 compromise swirled.
Confirmations
Senate committees are continuing the process of confirming Governor Cooper's Cabinet members despite the matter being the subject of a pending lawsuit. A three-judge panel recently ruled that the Legislature can confirm Secretaries but the Governor is appealing that ruling. Senate committees this week considered the nominations of Machelle Sanders to serve as Secretary of Administration and former House member Susi Hamilton to serve as Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources. Sanders' nomination will now go to the Senate floor. Hamilton was approved by one committee on a split vote (11-3) and will next go before the Senate Nominations committee.
Cooper Veto Overridden (HB100)
Last week, Governor Cooper issued his first veto, objecting to a bill that would require that the political party of candidates for Superior and District court be listed on the ballot. The veto was overridden by both the House and Senate this week and the change will be effective for elections beginning January 1, 2018.
HB 2 Repeal and Replace
Discussions continue about a potential repeal or changes to HB 2. Press reports indicate that the NCAA will soon make decisions about upcoming sport events and action on HB2 could impact those decisions.
Bills Filed