In North Carolina, significant legislative discussions have been centered on issues such as gun access, parental rights, and the approach to handling illegal immigration. Republican legislators are making concerted efforts to push forward their priority bills as the session progresses, although many pieces of legislation will likely not see light until the next session in two years.
Different from previous years, which were marked by intense, late-night sessions filled with political strategy, this year’s activities leading up to the Thursday crossover deadline appeared much more orderly—a culmination that ended a day ahead of schedule. This change in pace has been attributed to the structured approach introduced by House Speaker Destin Hall. Furthermore, fewer controversial bills were on the agenda. However, some strategic parliamentary techniques can still be utilized to pass bills beyond the deadline with the approval of top leaders. Exceptions also exist for legislation involving spending, taxes, and constitutional amendments, among other areas.
“There are numerous ways to navigate the process,” remarked Senate leader Phil Berger.
Certain legislative initiatives managed to advance. Proposals aimed at simplifying the retention of concealed handgun permits were approved, as well as measures to ensure that undocumented immigrants are restricted from accessing specific state benefits. Additionally, lawmakers proposed requiring parental consent for minors before undergoing various medical treatments. Since these bills passed one chamber of the General Assembly, they satisfied the crossover deadline requirements.
**Focusing on Gun Access Issues**
In a sharply divided discussion, the Republican-led House endorsed legislation granting lifetime concealed handgun permits while also lessening training prerequisites for individuals renewing lapsed permits.
Democratic opposition, led by Rep. Marcia Morey, argued that renewals play a critical role in public protection, as lifetime permits do not account for personal changes such as addiction or mental health concerns. Nevertheless, Republicans contended that such permits—whether renewed or not—cannot curtail wrongful actions. Earlier in the session, Senate Republicans had already given their approval to legislation allowing concealed carry without the need for permits.
Moreover, both the House and Senate passed rival bills that, if approved by school leaders, would permit certain concealed carry permit holders, including teachers, to bear arms at private K-12 institutions.
**Implementing Trump’s Immigration Policies**
Amid former President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies, the House advanced a bill on Wednesday restricting state agencies from granting benefits to undocumented immigrants. This measure also obligates public universities to confirm applicants’ residency status for in-state tuition and financial aid eligibility.
Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate show strong support for Trump’s immigration agenda through previously passed legislation in the session.
**Enhancing Parental Rights**
A bill narrowly passed in the House on Tuesday limits minors’ ability to independently consent to most medical treatments, excluding pregnancy-related cases. Republican support for this measure was joined by a few Democrats in the House.
Currently, minors can independently seek medical treatments for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, substance use issues, and mental health. Under the newly proposed bill, while minors can still consult healthcare providers, parental involvement is emphasized as vital for deciding the best course of medical action, according to Republican Rep. Jennifer Balkcom.
Opposition Democrats argue that this could discourage teenagers from pursuing help for sensitive health issues due to parental interference.
The Senate, meanwhile, advanced legislation exempting parents from neglect charges if they raise a child according to the sex designated at birth.
**Proposals That Didn’t Survive the Crossover**
One House proposal that failed to make the cut involved extending capital punishment options to include electrocution and firing squads in addition to lethal injections. Despite clearing two committees, the bill aimed to designate electrocution as the standard execution method, while allowing offenders to opt for alternatives, contingent on their availability.
The firing squad garnered nationwide attention following South Carolina’s recent execution of a prisoner by this method, marking the first such execution in over a decade.
North Carolina has not conducted an execution since 2006, partly due to legal and racial challenges associated with lethal injections.
**Looking Forward**
House and Senate leaders will now deliberate on the fate of the outstanding bills from each chamber. Moreover, legislative attention will focus on finalizing the state budget. House Republicans are keen on passing their two-year financial plan by Memorial Day, following the approval of the Senate’s budget last month.
Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, is also weighing in with his perspectives on budgetary and other legislative matters. With Republicans missing a single seat for a veto-proof majority, veto threats from the Governor could play a pivotal role in negotiations. However, Republicans have managed to garner Democratic support for certain critical measures.