NC GOP

The Republican-controlled House and Senate on Thursday gave initial approval to changes for the second year of the current two-year budget law. Additional votes are required Friday before the measure can go to Cooper. He'll have to decide whether to veto it or let it become law.

The justices will consider whether state courts, finding violations of their state constitutions, can order changes to federal elections and the once-a-decade redrawing of congressional districts. The case probably will be argued in the fall.

The measure adjusts the second year of a two-year budget already in place and reflects expectations that state coffers will take in $6.2 billion more than anticipated. It's unclear whether Cooper will accept or veto the legislation.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is running an attack ad against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Cheri Beasley.

Some proposals would require background checks for all gun sales, prohibit people under 21 from owning assault-style weapons and create legal process for so-called “red-flag” orders. Republicans are expected again to bottle up bills.

Robinson is widely expected to seek the Republican nomination for Governor in 2024, and his speech at the Freedom House was part of his tour of North Carolina churches.

The "Parents' Bill of Rights” legislation includes a provision that would prevent instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school curriculum for kindergarten through third grade.

The measure would broaden the rights that parents already have in state and federal laws. Additional rights would include the ability to make health care decisions for their children and to be notified if a government agency suspects a crime has been committed against the child.

U.S. Senate hopeful Ted Budd is benefitting from President Donald Trump’s endorsement and a super PAC’s commitment to flood airwaves and mailboxes to help him as the May 17 Republican primary approaches. But rival and former Gov. Pat McCrory still has managed to stick close to Budd when it comes to head-to-head fundraising.

Last week, a panel of trial judges struck down a nearly 50-year-old state law that prevents someone convicted of a felony from having voting rights restored while they are still on probation, parole or post-release supervision.