Serving Ashe and Watauga Counties
Raleigh, NC— Today the North Carolina House of Representatives has passed HB 264, the Emergency Powers Accountability Act. House Bill 264 would create a definition of "concurrence of the Council of State" under the North Carolina Emergency Management Act, which would clarify how the Governor is to seek such a concurrence when exercising certain authorities …
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Raleigh, NC – On Friday, October 15, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 761, Police Vehicle and Equipment Protection Act, into law. The legislation increases the penalties for breaking and entering law enforcement vehicles and for the theft of law enforcement equipment. Both offenses will now become felonies. According to House Republican lawmakers, the …
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Includes historic investments in infrastructure, capital projects, education, $2 billion in tax cuts, and more Raleigh, NC – The House budget passed its third and final reading in a bipartisan vote Thursday afternoon, shining a spotlight on infrastructure, growth, and innovative projects to propel the state forward. The House budget that was approved includes historic …
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Raleigh, NC – Fifty-five House Republicans sent a letter today to health system executives in response to their recent decision to require all hospital staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in the coming weeks in order to keep their jobs. “We continue to hear from countless constituents who work at your facilities that feel blindsided …
Raleigh, NC – Today the North Carolina House approved the North Carolina Farm Act to support agriculture communities across North Carolina. The North Carolina Farm Act of 2021-22 represents the crucial role of farming families, with various changes to laws applicable to agriculture, forestry, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Farm Act …
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Yesterday the House passed SB 173, the “Free the Smiles Act.” The bill gives local school boards the authority to determine masking policies for students in their district. The bill would also require school boards to define their masking policies by an August 1 deadline. If no policy has been adopted by the deadline, students …
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The Republican-led North Carolina House has approved several important bills this legislative session to defend the Constitution and protect the personal freedoms and liberties of North Carolinians. This includes legislation to rein in the Governor’s unilateral emergency authority, and oppose federal overreach over state election laws. Here is a full breakdown of the bills approved …
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Raleigh, NC – With dozens of veterans looking on in the House Gallery, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted 100-5 on Wednesday to approve bipartisan legislation to eliminate the state income tax on military retirement pay. House Bill 83 Eliminate Income Tax for Military Retirees is sponsored by Reps. John Szoka (R-Cumberland), John Bell …
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After the riots and looting that devastated many North Carolina downtowns last year, the Republican-led North Carolina House made it a priority this legislative session to uphold law and order and ensure public safety. From increasing penalties to strengthening laws, the state House has worked hard to crack down on rioting and defend the rule …
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Representative Ray Pickett 