KTS Strategies brings years of experience providing clients in a diverse range of industries with comprehensive policy and advocacy advice before federal, state, and local agencies. In North Carolina, we advise local municipalities, corporate transportation entities, nonprofit organizations, statewide associations, government vendors, and Fortune 500 companies before the North Carolina General Assembly and executive branch.
Below is an update on the activity at the NC General Assembly this week.
Sports Betting Bill Sent to Governor
This week, the House voted to concur with the Senate changes to H347, Sports Wagering/Horse Racing Wagering, giving the final legislative approval. The bill received bipartisan support and passed with a vote of 69-44 on Wednesday. This bill would authorize and regulate betting on horse racing and professional, college, and amateur sports in North Carolina. H347 has been sent to the Governor for consideration, and we anticipate he will sign the bill into law.
Budget Update
Legislators are continuing negotiations behind closed doors to reconcile their differences on a final version of the budget. Subcommittee chairs presented their area-specific budget items (Education, Health and Human Services, etc.) to the full appropriations chairs this week. Legislators are expected to continue meeting through the weekend. Some of the major items in disagreement include teacher and state employee salaries and tax cuts. Their goal is to have a budget completed before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
NC Farm Act
On Wednesday, the House passed S582, North Carolina Farm Act of 2023 with a vote of 77-38. The Senate voted to concur with the House changes on Thursday. This is the legislature’s annual bill that makes various changes to laws pertaining to agriculture, forestry, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This year’s bill includes provisions that would allow income from the sale of honey to be considered gross income, create a Class 3 misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an animal waste spill, prohibit the use of an unmanned aircraft near a forest fire, and clarify the definition of wetlands. S582 will be sent to the Governor for consideration. Governor Cooper has 10 days to either sign or veto the bill before it becomes law.
