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.

Legislative Schedule
It was another fairly quiet week at the NC General Assembly. The majority of legislation heard in committee and on the floor were local bills. Leadership anticipates finalizing a budget early next week and sharing the proposal with Governor Cooper before it is released. No details have been disclosed, but we anticipate the proposal to include tax reductions, additional salary changes, and funding for state construction projects. If negotiations remain on track, the budget could be released and voted on by the General Assembly the week of June 27. At this point, leadership remains committed to adjourning by July 1.

Sports Betting
Sports betting legislation is expected to be voted on before the conclusion of the short session. Last year, the Senate passed S688 to authorize mobile sports betting, but it was not considered by the House. A new proposal has been negotiated that would increase the tax rate on revenues to 14 percent (the Senate proposal was set at 8 percent), double the licensing fees to $1 million, and include additional regulation details for the North Carolina Lottery Commission. Complete details have not yet been made public. Governor Cooper is in support of sports betting legalization. Read more on the issue here.

Nominations
This week, the Senate Select Committee on Nominations approved the following four Governor nominees.

• Eddie Buffaloe, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety

• Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services

• Regina Adams, Board of Review

• Myra Griffin, Industrial Commission

Buffaloe has been the acting secretary of DPS since November of last year following the departure of Erik Hooks. Kinsley was appointed as Secretary of DHHS in January. The confirmations still need to be voted on by the full Senate.