Saying he is ‘not as optimistic,’ Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger told reporters this week he’s now unsure House and Senate negotiations on the handful of final sticking points between the two chambers can be worked out to meet the previously announced budget roll-out date of June 15.

Sen. Berger did add he’s still confident a budget will be done and voted on by the end of June, an opinion echoed by House Speaker Destin Hall.

A few items of general interest from this week:

• SB 889 that exempts residents of eight counties (Anson, Pamlico, Chowan, Pender, Bladen, Davidson, Onslow and Guilford) from property tax increases this year – Buncombe County is included in the bill but in an agreement sought by Rep. Lindsey Prather (D – Buncombe), Republican House leaders agreed to remove that Helene-impacted county from the freeze with language inserted into another unrelated bill.
• SB 401 that deals with a range of farming-related issues passed both the House and Senate overwhelmingly and is now on the Governor’s desk for his signature. Removed were two controversial provisions regarding herbicide litigation and the sale of raw milk that stalled the bill last year.
• A trio of bills (SB 1001, SB 1008, SB 1009) dealing with coastal management issues were heard in the Senate Agriculture, Energy and Environment Committee this week; the legislation attempts to facilitate efforts to reverse beach erosion that prompted 32 houses on the Outer Bank to fall into the ocean in recent years.
• IIANC member Sen. Jim Burgin presented legislation, SB 978, in the Senate Health Care Committee that provides protections for healthcare workers who report misconduct, restricts non-compete clauses in contracts healthcare systems have with medical professionals, and caps pay for non-profit hospital CEOs. Burgin agreed to remove a provision in the bill to provide greater oversight on hospital system mergers and acquisitions to avoid further complicating the Atrium – Wake Med discussions.

IIANC Legislative Agenda Items

HB 315 to prohibit third party litigation financing was passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate this week, and is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. IIANC was part of a coalition led by the NC Chamber on this effort, and getting this legislative passed meets a national Big “I” priority set for all state associations.

HB 1199 to expand the use of ignition interlock devices for DWI offenders, and speed-restriction for repeat high-speed offenders, passed out of the House Judiciary Committee; state funding is needed for the program, so release of the budget will reveal if the legislation advances further.

HB 356 which, as previously reported, contains certificate of insurance and replacement cost estimator enhancements that are on the IIANC Legislative Agenda, was approved by the Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee last week and is now awaiting a hearing in the Senate Finance and then Judiciary Committee next week.

Also this Week

Rep. Sarah Stevens, a Republican representing Surry and Wilkes County, announced her resignation effective next week – she indicated she’s departing her seat to focus on her run for state Supreme Court against Democratic incumbent Anita Earls.

Finally

Monday was the inaugural IIANC Chairman’s Cup Golf Tournament that supported the IIANC Action Fund, that provide resources the Governmental Affairs program uses to support advocacy efforts with polling and opinion research, public communication and message development.

There was beautiful weather for the more than 150 golfers and sponsor representatives at MacGregor Downs County Club in Cary course.

Mark your calendar now for next year’s event, set for June 7, 2027!