The Senate gave the final nod to the latest extension of the continuing resolution, H.J.R. 1504, keeping governemnt up and running (at 84 percent capacity) while legislators continue to grapple with how much they’ll increase our taxes. The vote was 46-1 with Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie, voting no.
The House continued its debate on the Racial Justice Act, S.B. 461, with Rep. Leo Daughtry, R-Johnston, speaking in defense of the state’s district attorneys and the death penalty as a deterrent to murder. Questions were raised by Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, who talked about injustices in the criminal justice system. Abruptly, Rules Chairman Bill Owens, D-Pasquotank, called for an end to debate and a vote on the bill, which passed.
With no additonal debate, House Bill 1305, “Beach Plan Changes,” passed the House and will go to the Senate for consideration. The bill is expected to get prompt attention and a passing vote. Insurance commissioner Wayne Goodwin has asked for action on the Beach Plan before the General Assembly adjourns.
House Bill 1289, ‘No Lottery at check cashing sites and no ads at high schools,” (committee debate notes here) passed the Senate with no additional debate and will go back over to the House for final approval.
If it’s not a good idea to sell lottery tickets at cash checking outlets, maybe they should look at outlawing lottery ticket sales everywhere. It seems a little hypocritial to pick and choose where lottery ticket sales are “unseemly.”
