Monday, February 18, 2013

Legislative Update for the Week of February 11


Budget Update

Joint Appropriations subcommittees met this week to give an overview of the budget process and background for new members. The HHS subcommittee meetings were the most eventful, with Secretary Wos presenting on Wednesday, and State Auditor Beth Wood presenting on Thursday on the Medicaid audit.  Handouts are online.  The committees were given a calendar that projects a Governor's budget by March 18; Senate budget consideration from April 15 - 30, with votes the week of May 6; House budget consideration from May 13-24, with votes the week of May 27; and a final budget passed by June 13 after conference consideration the first two weeks of June.  The subcommittees will meet next week to hear reports on non-profits funded through the state budget.

Bill Updates

HB 4 (Howard, Warren, Starnes, Setzer), Unemployment Insurance Fund Solvency and Program Changes.  HB 4 modifies the state's Unemployment Insurance program to reduce the amount of benefits and length of time that benefits are available to the state's unemployed; and to remove a number of good cause qualifications for benefits, including provisions that allow for benefits when an individual must leave employment because of disability or other health concern; disability or health concern of a minor child, aged or disabled parent, or disabled immediate family member; or inability to accept work during a particular shift because of concerns related to child care, elder care, or care of a disabled family member. HB 4 cleared the legislature this week and has been sent to the Governor for his signature.

HB 74 (Murry, Moffitt, Samuelson, Bryan), Periodic Review and Expiration of Rules will provide for automatic expiration for all rules unless re-adopted within ten years after effective dates. The bill proposes expiration dates per title of the Administrative Code during 2016-2019 for existing rules. HB 74 was discussed but not voted upon in the House Regulatory Reform committee last week.  Reps. Murry and Samuelson presented the bill, stating that the bill was intentionally broad but they are taking suggestions and are open to ways to improve the bill.  One suggestion was to allow members of the public to flag rules for review, with the intent of narrowing the number of rules to be reviewed upfront.

SB 4, No NC Exchange/No Medicaid Expansion (Apodaca, Brown, Rucho).  SB 4 seeks to prohibit Medicaid expansion and a state-federal partnership health benefit exchange.  SB 4 was approved by the House Health and Human Services committee and the full House last week.  Rep. Lewis (R-Harnett) joined a unanimous group of House Democrats in voting against the bill.  The bill now returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote due to minor changes in the language, and then will be on to the Governor for his signature.

New Legislation Filed This Week

HB 99, Caregiver Relief Act (Adams, Hall).  The Caregiver Relief Act would extend protections and leave under the Family Medical and Leave Act to eligible employees to care for a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, or parent‑in‑law.  It has been referred to the House HHS committee, Judiciary and then Appropriations.

HB 100, Healthy Family & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days (Adams, Hall).  This legislation would provide for paid sick days for all employees.  It has been referred to the House Commerce committee, and then to Judiciary.

HB 102, Online Voter Registration (Alexander).  HB 102 would add a fillable online form for voter registration in NC.  It has been referred to the House Elections committee, and then Appropriations.

SB 91, Prohibit Expunction Inquiry (Daniel, Goolsby, Kinnaird).  SB 91 would prohibit an employer or educational institution from requiring an applicant for employment or admission to disclose information concerning any arrest, criminal charge, or criminal conviction of the applicant that has been expunged. It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary II committee.




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