The Raleigh Report ~ From the Office of Representative Verla Insko

We are fast approaching the May 16 cross-over deadline where public bills that don’t affect the budget must pass in their chamber of origin or die. That date also signals the beginning of the end of the long session that usually adjourns near the middle of July.

Even though many bills have now passed in their chamber of origin, only about 40 public bills have passed in both chambers and been signed by the Governor.  That will soon change.  After the May 16 crossover, each chamber will work on bills that are half way home.  During this post crossover period, many more bills will be signed into law. That includes, of course, the budget - the most important bill passed in every session.

House:

The sausage machine is churning fast these days. A House regulatory reform committee will consider a number of measures to streamline government oversight, a major Republican agenda item, and the House Elections Committee will hear bills to repeal the state's antiquated literacy test and make judicial elections partisan contests. The full House will take votes on a bill to impose term limits on House and Senate leaders and a proposal to repeal the estate tax.

Senate:

The full Senate will hear a measure to ban e-cigarette sales to minors. . A Senate education committee will vote on a bill to regulate student prayers at school and athletic events and a Senate health care committee takes up another abortion-related bill.