Latest news with #SB516
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Restrictions on transgender bathroom use won't get NC Senate vote before deadline
Good morning and welcome to Under the Dome. I'm Caitlyn Yaede. As legislative 'crossover' week ramps up, Dawn Vaughan has the latest on some bills that aren't going to advance in time to meet Thursday's deadline. SENATE BILL ON BATHROOM USE WON'T GET A VOTE Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said Tuesday that Senate Bill 516 would not come to the floor this week, which means that the bill likely can't be taken up by the House this legislative session. The bill had been compared to House Bill 2, the controversial 'bathroom bill' that banned transgender people from using bathrooms different from those matching the sex on their birth certificates, and was later repealed. SB 516, called the 'Women's Safety and Protection Act,' would require restrooms in public schools and other facilities 'only be used by one designated biological sex at one time,' The N&O previously reported. 'First of all, I would say that the comparison of that bill to House Bill 2 is an inapt comparison,' Berger told reporters after the Senate session. He continued: 'I don't see at this point the runway exists for that bill to be passed by the Senate between now and crossover on Thursday.' — Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan But a bill dealing with transgender health will While that bill is not moving, another one dealing with transgender people met the legislature's deadline. House Bill 606, which passed the House on Tuesday, would extend the window for individuals to sue over gender transition care received as minors, giving them until age 28. It bans providers from requiring liability waivers for such care and prohibits state funds from covering gender transition procedures or related drugs for minors and prisoners. Meanwhile, a separate bill dealing with gender-affirming care is moving forward in both chambers and is expected to receive a Senate floor vote Wednesday. Korie Dean has the details on that measure, which would write into law that a parent's refusal of such medical care for their child could not be considered abuse or neglect. Nor could opposition to such treatment be grounds for denying adoption or foster placement. — Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi RULING LEAVES JEFFERSON GRIFFIN WITH A CHOICE TO MAKE After six months of legal battle, a federal judge handed down a ruling this week that could end the contest for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. In a 68-page ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers ordered state election officials to certify the election results as they were at the end of the canvass period, with Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs reclaiming her seat by 734 votes, Kyle Ingram reports. This comes after her challenger, Republican Jefferson Griffin, contested the results of the election and more than 65,000 ballots. But Myers' orders aren't final. He is giving Griffin seven days to appeal the decision. Griffin hasn't said yet if he'll do that. The News & Observer asked Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger on Tuesday afternoon if Griffin should concede the election to Riggs. 'I'm not going to call on him to make any particular decision. That's the decision that he and his team have to make,' Berger said of his fellow Republican. So where does this leave voters wondering if their ballots count? 'This means, absent a successful appeal, that all voters whose ballots were challenged by Mr. Griffin will remain in the count, without any requirement for further action by those voters,' the State Board of Elections said in a statement on Tuesday. — Caitlyn Yaede and Dawn Vaughan NO MEDICAL MARIJUANA FROM SENATE DURING CROSSOVER While the House is fast-tracking a flurry of bills this week through committees and floor votes before the Thursday crossover deadline, it's more methodical in the upper chamber. The Senate passed a series of noncontroversial bills Tuesday in a session lasting less than an hour. Senate leader Phil Berger said a bill impacting pharmacies known as the SCRIPT Act is a 'pretty big priority of ours,' and was expecting a floor vote for Senate Bill 479 on Wednesday. SCRIPT stands for Supporting Community Retail Pharmacies and Improving Transparency. 'Beyond that, I think we've probably taken care of most (legislative priorities) other than the things that will be incorporated into the budget — which, there's a pretty good idea of what they are, based on the budget that was sent to the House,' Berger said. But a previous big issue for the Senate, legalizing medical marijuana, isn't expected to go through the Senate this week, Berger said. That doesn't mean it's dead. Senate Rules Chair Bill Rabon likely has other plans for it. It has long been a Senate priority. Senate Democratic Whip Jay Chaudhuri, of Wake County, said that medical marijuana could show up in the final state budget, or may need to originate as a bill in the House. In previous sessions, it was House Republicans who blocked medical marijuana from passing. Chaudhuri also noted that the Senate's work was less controversial this week and all session — at least as of Tuesday — compared to the House. 'I think crossover, during my time in the Senate, has probably been slower and less chaotic than in sessions past. But as we all know, the longer we go into session, the more chaos that may ensue,' Chaudhuri said. — Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan NC ELECTIONS BOARD TO VOTE ON NEW DIRECTOR, FOLLOWING GOP TAKEOVER The State Board of Elections, which flipped to Republican control for the first time in nearly a decade last week, is expected to vote on an executive director on Wednesday. Karen Brinson Bell has led the agency since 2019, having been unanimously reappointed to a third two-year term in 2023. That term ends next week. Though the board could reappoint Brinson Bell to another term, they may be more likely to replace her with a new director given the change in the board's partisan majority. Republicans have criticized the State Board of Elections for years, with lawmakers sometimes hauling Brinson Bell into legislative hearings where they questioned her decision making. For over a decade, the governor has had the power to appoint members to the State Board of Elections, traditionally giving their own party a 3-2 majority. But last year, Republican lawmakers passed a bill stripping the governor of that power and transferring it to the state auditor, a position which had just been won by a Republican for the first time in 16 years. A panel of trial judges struck down those changes as unconstitutional last month, but the state Court of Appeals reversed that ruling just one day before the change was set to take effect. Using his new powers, State Auditor Dave Boliek appointed a Republican majority to the board last week. That board will meet for the first time Wednesday at 10 a.m., when members will be sworn in and will elect a chair and secretary among themselves, in addition to voting on an executive director. — Kyle Ingram TILLIS SPLITS FROM TRUMP ON ED MARTIN NOMINATION Sen. Thom Tillis opposed a nominee of President Donald Trump for the first time in his second term this week, speaking against Ed Martin's nomination to serve as the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin is currently serving in an interim capacity, but that expires at the end of the month. Senate confirmation is required for him to hold the role permanently. Tillis told reporters he disagrees with Martin over his support of defendants accused of raiding the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Tillis said he would support Martin's nomination if he were to serve in any district other than the one where the Jan. 6 attack occurred. But Tillis went on to say he doesn't believe Martin's nomination will even get a hearing. It was absent from the Senate Judiciary Committee's agenda this week. Danielle Battaglia has the full story. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PARKING CHANGES COMING TO DOWNTOWN RALEIGH The Council of State, made up of 10 elected officials including the governor, approved several changes to parking in downtown Raleigh, Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan reports. There will be rate increases for state workers — $5 per month — with no more reserved spots for the thousands of state employees who drive to work. Rates would be imposed for visitors who park in state government lots after hours or on the weekends. These lots are currently free during these hours. The state will open more lots downtown to the public. These changes come at the request of the Department of Administration, overseen by Gov. Josh Stein, which cited 'efficiency initiatives.' An audit revealed that spots reserved for state employees typically do not exceed 50% capacity on any given day. The last increase in these rates was in 1979. Republican Labor Commissioner Luke Farley was the only council member to vote in opposition to the monthly rate increase Tuesday. The new policies will go into effect July 1. WHAT ELSE WE'RE WORKING ON Some law enforcement personnel are lobbying for two companion bills — House Bill 50 and Senate Bill 320 — that would allow experienced officers to retain their badges and retirement benefits if they defer retirement. These measures seek to address a 'staffing crisis' of experienced officers, who currently forfeit retirement benefits for every year they do not retire. Virginia Bridges has the details. Homelessness is on the rise in Wake County — up 27% from last year, Anna Roman reports. A recent study found a homeless population of 1,258, with more than 150 children among those unhoused in the county. Today's newsletter was by Caitlyn Yaede, Kyle Ingram, Danielle Battaglia, Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Dawn Vaughan. Check your inbox tomorrow for more #ncpol. Not a subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
LGBTQ+ advocates rally for trans visibility, slam latest NC bill targeting their rights
Advocates for trans rights rallied outside the North Carolina Capitol Sunday afternoon after marching through downtown Raleigh to protest federal- and state-level aggression toward the transgender and LGBTQ+ community. At the crux is Senate Bill 516, introduced last Tuesday, which would ban trans people from using bathrooms and other single-sex facilities that align with their gender identity — similar to the state's 2016 'bathroom bill.' 'Less than four months into 2025, 42 anti-trans bills have passed in 18 different states,' Britt Bateman, a 22-year-old trans man and junior at North Carolina Central University, said during the rally that drew nearly 100 people. Bateman, along with dozens of supporters, including Triangle branches of the Socialist Alternative and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, gathered for the 'Trans Day of Visibility and Resistance'on the eve of International Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurs on March 31. SB 516 reignites a contentious debate over bathroom access that roiled the state in 2016 following the passage of House Bill 2, a similar law restricting transgender people from using the bathroom aligned to their gender, The News & Observer previously reported. The latest bill would also target people's ability to modify sex markers on legal documents, so trans people would no longer have the right to change their gender on their birth certificate or driver's license to align with their identity. 'Senate Bill 516 threatens us with increased discrimination, dehumanization and violence,' Bateman said. 'As it is, I already feel anxiety when I use public restrooms. I've already had my gender interrogated in public bathrooms. I've already been harassed. And this bill just encourages more threats like that.' Bateman said they believe that since President Donald Trump returned to office, hatred is being normalized. Flyers advertising the rally circulated downtown Raleigh and blamed the Trump administration for 'using trans people as scapegoats to distract from the billionaire capture of the government.' Trump has signed several executive orders limiting trans rights. Earlier this year, he banned trans women and girls from participating in female sports in federally funded schools and banned federal funding or support for youth gender-affirming care. He has also stated the federal government would only recognize two sexes and has promoted banning service members in the military who identify as transgender. 'We gather here not just to be seen, but to send a message. We are here. We have always been here, and we are not going anywhere,' Zan Brigham, a 26-year-old trans man who lives in Durham, said into a megaphone. Brigham said state politicians are 'waging war' on trans people. 'Trans people have always been the dreamers, the storytellers, the ones who dare to imagine a world beyond binaries, beyond borders, beyond oppression,' Brigham said. Six individuals spoke over loudspeakers at Moore Square before the crowd began marching. As protesters moved toward the Capitol, they held signs that said 'Trans rights matter,' 'Trans rights are human rights,' and 'I am not an ideology, I am a human being.' They chanted for trans liberation to end transphobic violence. At the Capitol, the advocates opened the mic to attendees. There were no counter-protesters, though three State Capitol Police officers told the demonstrators that they did not have a permit to be there. Five individuals shared their own stories, including Rosa Gibson, a trans woman and member of the Party for Socialism. 'I am thankful that I am trans because it puts me in a lineage of fighters,' Gibson said.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How about ‘You're fired?' Trump's response to leaked military plans was deplorable
President Donald Trump's response to the Signal text leak was deplorable and outrageous. Failure to hold those responsible for using Signal, minimizing the consequences and attacking The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg is unacceptable leadership. What happened to 'You're Fired' from the Apprentice? Have we forgot President Harry Truman's leadership principle, 'The buck stops here?' The leak was not likely an error, mistake or act of omission. Most likely the leak resulted from acts of commission. Someone probably decided not to verify the identity of individuals on the thread. Moreover, someone used Signal instead of communications lines for high government officials. Could using Signal have been intentional? Was Signal used to go around the normal procedures where emails, chats and other communications are automatically recorded and archived? We deserve a thorough investigation and those responsible should be terminated and perhaps prosecuted. David Lipton, Raleigh United States Department of Agriculture cuts are bad for North Carolina, farmers and school kids. First, N.C. is a big agricultural state. When one of its best customers reduces their usual order, we lose money. Second, farmers and producers typically have epic years which create a surplus supply. Naturally, commodity prices drop, which can lead to bankruptcy. If Russia refuses to pay for chicken leg quarters, the USDA pays good, but not market prices, and buys the oversupply. That stabilizes prices, so farmers stay in business, school lunch purchases pay lower prices and children eat healthy, locally produced food. Once tariffs begin, market volatility is predicted. So why take away market stabilization devices like USDA purchasing? Unless the state economy, farmers' survival and child hunger mean nothing to the current administration. Chrystal Bartlett, Raleigh One in four North Carolina residents get health care through Medicaid. Yet, Congress is considering cuts to this vital program. People in nursing homes, those with disabilities, children will be affected. Rural hospitals will reduce care. As a person of faith, I am deeply troubled. Our Congress members have said little about these cuts. Why? Don't turn your back on citizens who need support. Don't cut Medicaid! Ann Ringland, Durham I am disappointed that state senators Vickie Sawyer and Brad Overcash, primary sponsors of SB 516, the Women's Safety and Protection Act, are once again hiding behind women's safety to advance a discriminatory agenda towards the transgender community — a community of people whose contributions enrich our state in every sector. If the senators really want to advocate for women's safety, they should consider bills that give women the right to make decisions about their own bodies. They should write bills that protect women against abusive partners and restrict access to guns, often used to kill women, instead of enacting laws to protect abusers. Write bills that protect women when pregnancies threatens their lives. Write bills that fund quality daycare. The bathroom bill 2.0 is another so-called solution in search of a problem that doesn't exist, which will cause as much economic damage to this state as the first bathroom bill. Rev. Dr. Nancy Petty, Raleigh Senator Thom Tillis knows that because of President Trump's tariffs imported cars will soon cost 25% more. That will boost sales of domestic cars, but how many cars are made in this country? How many cars are made from parts made in this country? Americans will pay more for cars and will avoid buying them, allowing the coming Trump-created recession to accelerate. That the president would create such problems in a world beset with problems seems beyond comprehension. The only explanation is he has no understanding of what he is doing or concern for the outcome. The one thing Tillis has in common with Trump is political party. When this is over, what does Tillis want history to say about that party and his role in it? Debra Ann Burdick, Durham Every student deserves opportunity, resources and support to reach their potential no matter where they live, their race or how much their family earns. Public schools and the Department of Education exist because students, with and without disabilities, have the right to an education that imparts lessons, life skills and a love of learning. Cynthia Lodestro, Chapel Hill
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Did the IEDC make mistakes with the LEAP district? Senate passes bill increasing transparency
The Indiana Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill that would increase transparency from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation after public criticism of the agency's handling of the LEAP project in Boone County during the Holcomb administration. The bill also aligns the quasi-government agency with new Gov. Mike Braun's goals to refocus its efforts on small businesses. Braun has signaled he wants to restructure the IEDC and spread economic development benefits across the state. It's a different direction from former Gov. Eric Holcomb, under whom the organization worked on drawing large corporate business investments to Indiana. "We're creating an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation focused on Main Street entrepreneurs backed by their family, friends, and communities — not just businesses backed by venture capital," Braun said during the State of the State address in January. Senate Bill 516, authored by Lebanon Republican Sen. Brian Buchanan would require mandatory notices to municipalities before it purchases 100 acres or more and annual reports on the financial status of Innovation Development Districts, like the LEAP project, a large tech park. SB 516 also would create that new entrepreneurship and innovation office focused on small business growth at a cost of nearly $2 million each year for the first two years, according to a fiscal analysis. It would add another administrative role of IEDC president, who would report to the secretary of commerce, with an estimated annual salary and benefits cost between $287,000 and $370,000. Braun appointed David J. Adams as secretary of commerce, and Adams currently serves as both president and CEO of the IEDC. Buchanan, whose Senate district includes the LEAP district, said in early February he worked on the legislation with the IEDC, Braun's office and Adams "to give people clarity and answer some questions" about the state's economic development efforts. Subscribe to our politics newsletter For years now, the IEDC has been the subject of scrutiny from local municipalities and state lawmakers regarding how it has handled growth of the LEAP development district from property annexations to plans to pipe water to the area from the Wabash River. The quasi-governmental agency, which received more than $1 billion from Indiana lawmakers in the last state budget, has also been criticized for a lack of accountability on the massive incentives it provides businesses to locate in Indiana. Buchanan filed a bill in 2024 that would have put two members of the Indiana General Assembly on the IEDC's board and included the 30-day land purchase notification. That 2024 proposal passed the Senate but died in the House. Braun on the campaign trail was critical of the IEDC and LEAP, saying the controversies surrounding the project reflected 'poor communication and lack of collaboration' from state officials. SB 516 now heads to the House. Lawmakers filed other IEDC-related bills this year stemming from controversies regarding the LEAP project. One of the priorities for Senate Republicans is Senate Bill 4, which establishes requirements for construction, sale and purchase of long-haul water pipelines. Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, in January told reporters that the LEAP district is an example of what lawmakers are trying to work on to plan for water and electricity needs for future economic development projects. The bill passed the Senate in early February. 'This isn't about LEAP,' said Koch, who authored the bill. 'It's about the next LEAP and it's about being proactive.' Other bills from both the House and Senate, including efforts to give state lawmakers spots on the IEDC's board and attempts to limit work with foreign adversaries, died after not passing out of a legislative committee before the deadline this week. IndyStar reporter Hayleigh Colombo contributed to this story. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Senate approves IEDC transparency bill after LEAP concerns
