Public Policy Update: Beer is Bipartisan

The week is flying by here in Raleigh at the General Assembly (I hope this is representative of my Chamber Challenge time…side note: Make sure to register and come out for the Chamber’s 5k Race this Friday, June 7).

There are several legislative items the Chamber has been keeping a close eye on. The first is Tax Modernization. There has been a lot of activity this week on the House’s attempt at modernizing North Carolina’s tax code. This occurred on Tuesday with HB 998 appearing in House Finance and receiving an amendment from Representative Howard. The approved amendment would remove the $25,000 cap on deductions for mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and local property taxes originally proposed in the bill.  

HB 998 was then scheduled to be debated in House Appropriations early Wednesday morning. However, the version that appeared in committee did not include Howard’s amendment from Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting. This led to Howard working with other Republican’s to block the bill. It is now unclear what will happen with the House’s version of tax reform, but the Chamber will make sure to keep you informed as information becomes available.

However, there were several bills that both parties were able to agree. Two bills of particular interest to Beer City USA are HB 610 and HB 829, which were both sent to the Governor for his signature on Wednesday. HB 610 would allow in-stand beer sales at venues in the state with more than 3,000 seats and HB 829 will allow for permitted retailers to fill and sell growlers. It appears that the way we get our local beer at Tourists’ Games and grocery stores is about to change.

I can’t wait to get back to WNC and enjoy a local beer!

As always, keep the Chamber informed of your legislative issues and concerns.