NCPOL

A GOP-backed elections bill would eliminate a three-day grace period for counting properly postmarked mail-in ballots.

The GOP-controlled chamber voted 32-18 on Thursday for the two-year plan. Democrats say the Republican proposal misses a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address program and salary needs in K-12 schools and in health care.

North Carolina Senate Republicans have unveiled a two-year state budget proposal that sticks to earlier spending limits even with recent news of a massive revenue windfall. The Senate will vote on the spending plan this week. The measure revealed Monday sticks to spending caps agreed to with House counterparts.

A federal appeals court has ruled North Carolina’s ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy must remain unenforceable. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld a 2019 lower court decision striking down the prohibition.

The North Carolina legislature appears close to passing a bill that would see elections in three dozen municipalities this fall delayed until early 2022 due to redistricting delays.

The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's desk. He vetoed a broader gun bill containing the same idea a year ago, saying it threatened the safety of students and teachers.

GOP leaders in the two chambers said Tuesday their spending cap would be $25.7 billion. That's several hundred million less than what Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper wants to spend.

Two bills — one in the state House, the other in the Senate — would stiffen penalties for damaging property or injuring others during a riot. The bills come as North Carolinians continue to protest police violence toward Black individuals.

Party officials announced Monday that Trump will speak at the June 5 convention dinner in Greenville. Trump has expressed interest in running for president again in 2024 but has not yet announced a decision.

North Carolina’s long practice of county sheriffs granting permits to local residents before they can buy a handgun would end under legislation approved by the state House. The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association backed the pistol purchase permit repeal.