(The Center Square) – Actions involving antisemitic legislation, immigration and illicit drugs, and pay raises for state employees and teachers are possible in the North Carolina General Assembly’s short session, says the outgoing speaker of the House.
Marijuana, casinos and Sunday liquor sales are possible, as are more tax breaks.
Rep. Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, shared insight this week on what’s expected. It mostly mirrored what sources told The Center Square last week after the primaries, that controversial legislation is unlikely in this election year and a primary effort will be the adjustment to the second year in the state budget.
Moore, whose five-term era as the House speaker is unparalleled, said lobbyists aplenty are in place on the issues of gaming and marijuana. Still, those may not move forward until 2025 at the earliest. Proposed laws on abortion are also not expected.
The favored congressional candidate in the 14th District said a bill filed by Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Currituck, or something close to it could begin to move as a means to protect people of Jewish faith. Defining Anti-Semitism in North Carolina was filed April 6 and referred to the Rules Committee four days later. It’s been there since. The war between Hamas and Israel began Oct. 7.
Moore visited the southern border in the fall. He plans to support any legislation that makes “sure North Carolina is not a haven in any way” for people who by illegal means have come into or are living in the country.
State employees got a 4% raise in the first year of the budget, are scheduled for 3% more in July, and could get even more if adjustments are made. Income tax rates are scheduled to drop from 4.5% to 4.25%, and Moore said that could increase.
