Supreme court rejects NRA

	Raw Story (@RawStory)
12/7/15, 9:55 AM BREAKING: NRA defeated as Supreme Court rejects challenge to assault weapon ban ow.ly/VzBRA pic.twitter.com/8HXAEkV4mw

Finally a win for the people 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2015  CONTACT: John Stean—Media & Communications Coordinator, NC NAACP at  john.stean@naacpnc.org, or 919-682-4700 Ext. 230 Federal Judge Denies North Carolina Officials'  Motion to Dismiss Photo ID Claim in  Monster Voter Suppression Lawsuit   WINSTON-SALEM, NC – A federal judge today denied a request to dismiss a legal challenge to North Carolina's photo ID provision of the monster voter suppression law, H.B. 589. Presiding over the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Judge Thomas D. Schroeder today declined to affirm the state's position that the photo ID portion of the law was moot, stating there is declarative relief and remedies potentially available if the plaintiffs prove the law disproportionately and adversely impacts African American and Latino voters. The defendants unsuccessfully argued that their last minute maneuver to the law, passed on the eve of the July 2015 full trial on the merits of the case, made moot the claim against the requirement voters show strict photo ID in order to vote. In refusing to dismiss the state's motion, the photo ID provision of the law will now go to trial in January 2016. The challenge to H.B. 589 – including the photo ID provision – was brought by the national racial justice organization Advancement Project, the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, LLP and attorneys Irving Joyner and Adam Stein on behalf of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and individual plaintiffs. The groups released the following statement in response: "We are pleased with Judge Schroeder's decision to deny the state's motion to dismiss the photo ID provision of the law," said Attorney Irving Joyner. "We remain concerned about the abbreviated timetable to prepare for trial, a timetable that exists solely because of the gamesmenship of the North Carolina General Assembly who waited until the dawn of trial to slightly amend its discriminatory photo ID requirement. Even with the changes, and after nearly two years of telling voters they would need the narrowly prescribed photo ID to vote, North Carolina officials have yet to articulate their strategy for educating the public, poll workers and other state officials on what is needed to vote. As a result, the people of North Carolina are left in legislative-limbo by not knowing the rules for voting as well as the options available ahead of a March 2016 primary and the general election." "North Carolina's voter ID requirement remains an undue and unlawful burden on voters of color," said the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP. "Yet Gov. McCrory and the legislature continue striving to suppress the vote. Their desperate attempt to mask the discrimination embedded in this law by altering – yet not removing – the photo identification requirement on the eve of our trial shows that they knew it would not withstand the weight of constitutional review. They wanted the photo ID provision of the law dismissed because they don't want the court to focus on their discriminatory intent to deny and abridge African American & Latino voters' right to vote." "Any practice that results in African Americans and Latinos having less access to the vote than other members of the electorate is a violation of the Voting Rights Act," said Advancement Project Co-Director Penda D. Hair. "North Carolina's photo ID requirement does just that. Just as poll taxes and literacy tests are illegal under Section 2, photo ID requirements create unfair barriers to voters of color, who are less likely to have one of the narrowly prescribed and acceptable forms of ID." "Even with the much touted amendments to the law, voters of color will continue to be disproportionately burdened," said Attorney Daniel Donovan of Kirkland & Ellis, LLP. "This is a violation not only of the constitution, but also of commonly held values of fairness and freedom to participate fully in our nation's democracy. Elections should be free, fair and accessible to all, and we look forward to arguing these and other points during trial next year."  "We are gratified Judge Schroeder recognized the challenges inherent in the photo ID provision, and decided against dismissing the photo claim," said Advancement Project Senior Attorney Denise Lieberman. "As long as photo ID is on the books, it will have a chilling and discriminatory impact on African Americans and Latinos." While the trial on the other provisions of H.B. 589 was held in July 2015, a decision in that portion of the case is pending. North Carolina NAACP · PO Box 335, Durham, NC 27702, United States

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Chris Christie is About to Make Thousands of Chronically-Disabled People Homeless

Chris Christie is About to Make Thousands of Chronically-Disabled People Homeless

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Share this. This is just wrong. 

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Abolishing Local Liberty Bills...Just Another Regressive Setback to the Progress Made in the Battle Against Discrimination

Abolishing Local Liberty Bills...Just Another Regressive Setback to the Progress Made in the Battle Against Discrimination Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II Click here to read the full remarks Senate Bill 279 was introduced in the late hours of Monday night. It is being considered in the Legislature today. Click here to call or send an email to Senate Leader Berger and Speaker Moore to let them know you oppose SB 279, "Restricting Municipalities from Protecting All People" September 29, 2015 Raleigh, NC Regression seems to be the only familiar ideal for this general assembly.  In the last 48 hours, this general assembly has engaged in three last minute sneak attacks against the people of the state of North Carolina:  HB 318, the anti-immigration bill; HB 539, the charter school funding bill, and the most recent SB 279 anti-LGBT bill. This last bill could prevent local governments from protecting individuals against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity in public accommodations and fair housing.  This bill could repeal nearly ALL local non-discrimination laws, protecting against discrimination in housing and public accommodations, including those prohibiting discrimination based on race and gender. This bill would repeal many city non-discrimination ordinances that we fought for and won in the 1960's to provide protections against racial discrimination. While federal law may continue to afford protections in this area, more analysis would need to be done to determine if any holes would be left by the elimination of these local laws. However, today there are no federal laws that protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and it is clear that the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community will suffer the most if this bill becomes law. The passing of this bill is a desecration to the martyrs of the civil rights movement who fought and won countless battles against discrimination, including those battles for equal protection in public accommodations and fair housing. In addition to being backwards and immoral, this bill sets North Carolina up to fail. It will put North Carolina out of step with the rest of the country and prohibit our cities from being able to compete for the best jobs and the best residents. While the country is moving toward greater acceptance of the LGBT community, passing this bill will set the state of North Carolina back to the end of the pack.  Nearly 80% of Americans, including 70% of Republicans and 77% of observant Christians, support workplace protections for LGBT people.  While eight states have considered this type of discriminatory legislation, only two have passed an Abolishing Local Liberty Bill. This would make North Carolina one of the most intolerant states in the country.  Economic research shows that sustainable urban growth is highly correlated with a city's LGBT inclusiveness, which is a major reason why cities choose to pass non-discrimination ordinances.  The passage of this bill is proof that certain members of this general assembly are owned by extreme special interest groups and not governed by the values of the people of this state. Let us stand together to call on Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger to oppose this mean-spirited and ill-advised bill.  It is not too late to stand on the right side of history. The struggle against this general assembly continues and we must fight back…Forward Together!!! North Carolina NAACP · PO Box 335, Durham, NC 27702, United States  You can also keep up with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II on Twitter or Facebook. Created with NationBuilder, the essential toolkit for leaders.

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#NCGA House Calendar Sept 29, 2015

The House Calendar has been posted to the NCGA website.

 

http://www.ncleg.net/Calendars/CurrentCalendars/CurrentHouseCalendar.pdf

 

HOUSE CALENDAR 134th Legislative Day Tuesday, September 29, 2015 House Convenes at 11:00 A.M.

 

Tim Moore, Speaker

 

PUBLIC FOR CONCURRENCE

 

THIRD READING - ROLL CALL

 

HB

943

Senate Committee Substitute - Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House CONNECT NC BOND ACT OF 2015.(Senate Committee Substitute) (Ruled Material) (6th Edition)

 

PUBLIC FOR CONCURRENCE

 

HB	8	Senate Committee Substitute - Jones, Iler, R. Brown and Jordan (Primary Sponsors) COURT OF APPEALS ELECTION MODIFICATIONS.(Senate Committee Substitute) (2nd Edition)
HB	318	Senate Committee Substitute - Cleveland, Millis, Whitmire and Conrad (Primary Sponsors) PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA WORKERS ACT. (Senate Committee Substitute) (6th Edition)
HB	482	Senate Committee Substitute - Pendleton, Blust, Szoka and Bishop (Primary Sponsors) EMPLOYEE MISCLASSIFICATION REFORM.(Senate Committee Substitute) (5th Edition)
HB	539	Senate Committee Substitute - Bradford, B. Brown and Szoka (Primary Sponsors) CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING.(Senate Committee Substitute) (3rd Edition)
HB	924	Senate Committee Substitute No. 2 - Burr, Hager and Goodman (Primary Sponsors) HIGHWAY SAFETY/OTHER CHANGES.(Senate Committee Substitute No. 2) (5th Edition)

 

CALENDAR

 

ADOPTION OF CONFERENCE REPORTS

 

HB	327	Conference Report - Dobson EMS PERSONNEL TECHNICAL CHANGES.(Conference Committee Substitute)
HB	765	Conference Report - McElraft REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2015.(Conference Committee Substitute)

 

ADOPTION OF CONFERENCE REPORTS

(continued)

 

SB	279	Conference Report - Barefoot AMEND QUALIFICATIONS/COUNSELING/LOCAL PREEMPTION.(Conference Committee Substitute)
SB	513	Conference Report - Brock and B. Jackson (Primary Sponsors) NORTH CAROLINA FARM ACT OF 2015.(Conference Committee Substitute)

 

PUBLIC BILLS

 

THIRD READING - NON - ROLL CALL

 

SB

670

Committee Substitute - Apodaca TERM LIMITS FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMBERS. (Amendments No. 1 and 2 Adopted 9/28/15) (Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House) (3rd Edition)

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

(Three digit rooms = Legislative Office Building - Four digit rooms = Legislative Building)

 

Tuesday, September 29	Room	Time
APPROPRIATIONS -- CORRECTED	643	8:30 am

	HB	15	Year-Round Funds for CC UGETC.
	HB	658	Funds for Educational Training Centers.
	SB	37	Waive Tuition/Fallen Officer Was Guardian.
	SB	456	Charter School Modifications.
	SB	561	Career- and College-Ready Graduates.

RULES, CALENDAR, AND OPERATIONS OF THE HOUSE

1228/1327

11:15 am

	SB	119	GSC Technical Corrections 2015.
	SB	508	Amend Bail Bond Laws.
	SB	519	Amend Child Custody Laws.
	SB	694	Employee Misclassification Reform.

 

Eligible to file in 2015 but no deadlines:

 

1. Redistricting bills for House, Senate, Congress or local entities (H).
2. Ratification of amendments to the Constitution of the United States (H).
3. Bills introduced on the report of the House Committees on Appropriations, Finance, or Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. (H).
4. Resolution for consideration of a gubernatorial nomination or appointment that requires confirmation by the General Assembly or the Senate. (S).
5. Adjournment resolution (H & S).

 

*Revised per HR 481

4/02/2015

 

 

 

                                                        Denise G. Weeks

                                                        Principal Clerk

 

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#NCGA Senate Calendar Sept 29, 2015

The Senate Calendar has been posted on the N.C. General Assembly's website.

 

http://www.ncleg.net/Calendars/CurrentCalendars/CurrentSenateCalendar.pdf

 

NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2015 SESSION

 

SENATE CALENDAR

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

 

Senate Convenes - 9:30 a.m.	Legislative Day 136

 

CALL TO ORDER	Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore
PRAYER	The Reverend Peter Milner, Senate Chaplain

JOURNAL APPROVAL

RATIFICATION OF BILLS ORDERED ENROLLED

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

REPORTS OF SELECT COMMITTEES

INTRODUCTIONS

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

VETO MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SPECIAL ORDERS

GENERAL ORDERS

 

PUBLIC BILLS

 

FOR CONCURRENCE

 

SB 159			Tarte, Rucho	6th Ed.
TRANSFERRED PROPERTIES IN CORRECTED REVALS.				H Com Sub No. 2
	3-4-15	Rules
	3-9-15	W/D Rules; rerefer St. and Loc. Gov.; If Fav Finance
	3-24-15	Unfav bill; St. and Loc. Gov. Com SubAdopted; rerefer Finance
	4-21-15	Unfav Com Sub; Finance Com SubAdopted
	4-22-15	Tarte Amd. No. 1 Adopted; Passed 2nd Rdg
	4-23-15	Passed 3rd Rdg; Engrossed
CORRECTED REVAL./MINIMAL REFUNDS/PROP. TAXES.
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Rules Susp; Cal today; W/D Cal; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

SB 313			Bingham	3rd Ed.
LICENSE PLATE/RETIRED REGISTER OF DEEDS.				H Com Sub No. 2
	3-18-15	Rules
	3-24-15	W/D Rules; rerefer Transp.
	4-15-15	Fav
	4-16-15	Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs
INDUSTRIAL HEMP.
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

 

PUBLIC BILLS (continued)

 

FOR CONCURRENCE (continued)

 

SB 371			Hartsell	3rd Ed.
LME/MCO CLAIMS REPORTING.				H Com Sub
	3-24-15	Rules
	4-15-15	W/D Rules; rerefer Health Care
	4-21-15	Unfav bill; Health Care Com SubAdopted
	4-22-15	Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs
LME/MCO CLAIMS REPORTING/MENTAL HEALTH AMENDS.
	9-24-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Cal 9‑28‑15
	9-28-15	W/D Cal; rerefer Rules; W/D Rules; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

SB 524			Curtis, Soucek, Tillman	2nd Ed.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES/GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.				H Com Sub
	3-30-15	Ed/Higher Ed.
	4-28-15	Fav
	4-29-15	Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs
GRAD REQUIREMENTS/SPORTS PILOT.
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

SB 676			Apodaca, Krawiec	2nd Ed.
AUTISM HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE.				Com Sub
	3-30-15	Insurance
	4-20-15	W/D Insurance; rerefer Health Care; If Fav Insurance
	4-21-15	W/D Health Care; rerefer Insurance; If Fav Health Care
	4-23-15	Unfav bill; Insurance Com SubAdopted (Chgs title); rerefer Health Care; W/D Health Care; Cal 4‑28‑15
	4-28-15	Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Amd No. 1; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

SB 698			Hise	3rd Ed.
STATE IT/UTILITY-BASED CLOUD COMPUTING.				H Com Sub
	3-30-15	Rules
	4-20-15	W/D Rules; rerefer Information Technology
	4-22-15	Fav
	4-23-15	Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs
LEGACY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY/CON EXEMPT.
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

PUBLIC BILLS (continued)

 

CONFERENCE REPORT FOR ADOPTION

 

SB 513			Brock, B. Jackson
NORTH CAROLINA FARM ACT OF 2015.				Conf Com Sub
	3-26-15	Rules
	3-30-15	W/D Rules; rerefer Ag./Envir./Nat Res.; If Fav Transp.; If Fav Finance
	5-12-15	Unfav bill; Ag./Envir./Nat Res. Com SubAdopted (Chgs title); rerefer Transp.
	5-13-15	Fav; rerefer Finance
	5-14-15	Unfav Com Sub; Finance Com SubAdopted
	5-18-15	Brown Amd. No. 1 Adopted; Bryant Amd. No. 2 Adopted; Bryant Amd. No. 3 Failed; Passed 2nd Rdg
	5-19-15	Passed 3rd Rdg; Engrossed
	9-28-15	Rec'd for concurrence House Com Sub; Rules Susp; Cal today; Fails to concur H Com Sub; Senate & House Appt Conferees; Conf Rpt Submitted; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

HB 327			Dobson
STUDY EMS SAFETY.				Conf Com Sub
	4-21-15	Rules
	5-12-15	W/D Rules; rerefer Health Care
	6-11-15	Unfav bill; Sen Health Care Com SubAdopted (Chgs title)
STUDY EMS SAFETY/EMS PERSONNEL TECH CHANGES.
	6-15-15	Rabin Amd. No. 1 Adopted; Passed 2nd & 3rd Rdgs; Engrossed
	6-18-15	House Appts Conferees
	6-30-15	Senate Appts Conferees
	9-28-15	Conf Rpt Submitted; Cal 9‑29‑15

 

 

 

 

COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Tuesday, September 29

 

RULES AND OPERATIONS OF THE SENATE			10:00 a.m.	1027/1128 LB
	HB 647	Epi Pens in All Child-Serving Businesses
	HB 216	Great Leaders for Great Schools/Study
	HB 558	Reserve & Nat. Guard/Military Affairs Comm
	HB 735	Reinstatement of Driving Privileges
	HB 126	Mortgage Origination Support Registration

 

SARAH LANG Principal Clerk

 

 

 

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Fwd: TAKE ACTION! Tell Legislators to Reject Bills that Divert Funding from Public Schools, Hamper Teachers' Ability to Educate

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Begin forwarded message:

From: NC Justice Center <justice@ncjustice.org>
Date: September 22, 2015 at 4:01:07 PM EDT

Subject: TAKE ACTION! Tell Legislators to Reject Bills that Divert Funding from Public Schools, Hamper Teachers' Ability to Educate
Reply-To: julia@ncjustice.org

	September 22, 2015 TAKE ACTION! Tell Legislators to Reject Bills that Divert Funding from Public Schools, Hamper Teachers' Ability to Educate Two enormously destructive bills are moving very quickly through the legislature that could have devastating impacts on public education. House Bill 539 would divert millions of dollars of revenue from local public school districts to charter schools. This will allow charter schools to receive funding for services and costs borne exclusively by local public schools. These changes will deprive your local public school of funding at a time when they can least afford it. HB 539 would deprive local public schools of the following types of funding: Child nutrition indirect costs, even though charter schools are not required to provide Free or Reduced Price Lunch. Fees received for use of school property by outside groups. Includes after and before school programs run by the local school district Sales Tax Revenue, regardless of how it is distributed. Gifts and grants that are not restricted by the donor to be held in a specific fund for local schools. This will add to the administrative burden of understaffed central offices. Federal appropriations made directly to local schools. Supplemental property tax revenue, even if the charter school is located outside the taxing jurisdiction. Far from what the name implies, Achievement School Districts would harm schools, hamper teachers' ability to educate and undermine North Carolina's constitutional obligation to students. The North Carolina House is considering replacing Senate Bill 95 with a Proposed Committee Substitute that creates an "Achievement School District (ASD)" comprised of five schools chosen from the bottom 25% of schools across the state. These schools would either be closed entirely or turned over to charter school operators. North Carolina must a live up to the unfulfilled constitutional promise that students in these schools will have an opportunity to obtain a sound basic education. Parents, educators, and everyone in North Carolina who cares about education should be very concerned about both of these bills. Our state's future prosperity depends on making the right choices today. ACT NOW to protect our state's educational future against these bills, which are likely to move in the next 48 hours.
North Carolina Justice Center | 224 S. Dawson St., PO Box 28068, Raleigh, NC 27611 | www.ncjustice.org

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