Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Public Policy Update: NCGA Special Session

The Asheville Area Chamber represents the voice of Western North Carolina business. The Chamber was on the ground monitoring legislation in Raleigh last week for the North Carolina General Assembly’s special session.

The special session convened Monday, September 12, 2011 and lasted three days. The three days of session saw Republicans passing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the recognition of same sex marriage in North Carolina. The legislation was hotly debated and passed the House first before being approved in the Senate.

Due to the legislation involving a change in the North Carolina Constitution, this legislation does not require the approval of the governor and will appear before the people of the state for approval in May's primary election.

Republican members also worked to pass a term limit on General Assembly leadership. However, agreement could not be achieved on the length of the limit between the House and Senate. Thus, the legislation is expected to be taken up when the NCGA returns for another special session November 7, 2011.

The Asheville Chamber will continue to keep you informed of the legislation that can affect you and your business. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber’s Manager of Public Policy Jeff Joyce with any questions or concerns at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

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