The major action in the North Carolina General Assembly this week was the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 36, 2020 COVID Relief Bill Modifications. See a summary of the bill here. The bill was ratified and sent to the Governor on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
The Senate voted 29-16 in favor of Senate Bill 37, In-Person Learning Choice for Families. See a bill summary here. This bill has been placed on the Senate calendar for final passage on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
The House passed House Bill 4, Extend ABC Permit Renewal Fee Deferral, 116-1 on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
Issue Insights
State and Legislative Issues
COVID-19
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, Governor Cooper unveiled his COVID relief budget.
Top state education leaders joined Governor Roy Cooper today to call on K-12 school districts across the state to allow in-person instruction for all students. The Governor joined North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis to thank educators for their extraordinary work during an unprecedented time, to highlight ongoing research that shows that with proper mitigation measures, in-person learning is safe, and to emphasize the critical importance of ensuring all students have an opportunity to learn in a classroom.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released new guidance for employers of frontline, essential workers on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Find that document here.
NC General Assembly
The North Carolina Senate backed a bill Thursday that would require schools to give some in-person instruction to the state’s K-12 public schools students (Raleigh News & Observer)
More NC parents could get $335 grants for remote learning during COVID-19 (Raleigh News & Observer)
NC Courts
Chief Justice Paul Newby has appointed Judge Jimmy L. Myers to serve as chief district court judge for Judicial District 22B (Davidson and Davie counties). The appointment, made January 29, 2021, became effective February 1, 2021.
The Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Services has announced that its members voted to re-appoint Eric Zogry as the juvenile defender and Robert E. Sharpe as the capital defender during the Commission’s quarterly meeting on January 22, 2021.
Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Marvin Pope retired February 1 after a 48-year legal career.
Appointments
President Biden’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (and North Carolina’s Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality), Michael Regan, had his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis introduced Regan to the committee. (Raleigh News & Observer)
Local Issues – Charlotte
Charlotte City Council Vacancy
Former District 4 City Councilman Greg Phipps was selected to fill the open At-Large seat on city council following the resignation of James Mitchell. Council voted on Monday for Phipps to fulfil the term expiring later this year.
Charlotte Mayor Breaks Tie To Put Former Member Back On City Council (WFAE)
News Roundup
