🌱 GA Recap: House Rules + Board of Ed Changes + Legal Happy Hours

Happy No Politics Day Raleigh!

Honestly I couldn't resist featuring that holiday on the day that I do my General Assembly recap. The irony was just too strong — or is it coincidence? I guess it probably would fit in Alanis Morissette's song, so it's probably just a coincidence. Regardless this issue is jam packed with what is happening in North Carolina politics, but let's not get too political about it, ok? Read all of that and more below, including:

• Gun legislation proposals
• Makers Monday
• Some holidays to celebrate ... tomorrow

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and mild. High: 67 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. A man was injured in a hit-and-run in downtown Raleigh on Saturday. According to the Raleigh Police Department, the driver fled the scene near the Super 8 Motel South following the incident around 8 p.m. The man was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. Police have no information on the motorist responsible. (CBS17, WRAL)
2. The General Assembly has discussed a variety of legislation this week, including:
   1. The Republican-controlled North Carolina House approved their rules for operating that will remain in place for the next two years. The temporary rules introduced last month notably omitted the previous rule requiring at least two days' notice before holding an override vote. The approved version states that an override vote may be taken on the same day that a veto message is received from Cooper or the Senate, or on "any other day it is printed" on the official agenda. (PRE, WFAE)
   2. The North Carolina House debated a bill that would shift State Board of Education positions to an elected role as opposed to a gubernatorial appointment. The legislation passed a committee on Tuesday. Supporters of the legislation maintain that the bill will give more power to North Carolinians, but it is also being criticized as one of the latest efforts to curb executive powers of the state governor. (WRAL)
   3. House Bill 86 was introduced last week that could also impact education, as the bill would give Boards of Education throughout the state the flexibility to create their own academic calendars. The bill is moving into an education committee to be discussed, but it seems to have bipartisan support. (abc13, The Carolina Journal)
   4. Republican lawmakers submitted new gun rights proposals that would make it easier to buy handguns and carry them concealed in more locations. One proposal in committee would remove pistol permits, allowing people to buy handguns without approval of their local sheriff. The move has faced considerable opposition, but Senate Republicans maintain that repealing the permit rules would not allow anyone who to obtain a gun that shouldn't be able to. Smaller proposals were brought up and combined that would encourage gun safety measures and suicide awareness, allow concealed carry at religious services held on school property and launch a firearm safe storage awareness initiative. (The Carolina Journal, WRAL, WUNC)
   5. House Bill 94 was introduced that would allow bars and restaurants to provide "happy hour" specials via a permit. The bill has bipartisan support but questions still remain around the opt-in permitting. (WECT6)
   6. This week the North Carolina House gave final approval to a Medicaid expansion bill with a 92-22 vote. North Carolina is one of 11 states that have not expanded Medicaid yet, although it has been debated for years. The House bill that was approved does not contain some policy provisions that Senate Republicans are seeking, so there may be negotiations between the House and Senate to come. (abc11, NC Policy Watch)
   7. The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee debated the legalization of medical marijuana in North Carolina on Wednesday. The committee debated the proposal that has similar framework compared to the measure that was passed last year. (abc11)

Today in Raleigh:

• Game On! at Moore Square (10:00am-6:00pm)
• Monday Mom Meetup at Little Doodles Glenwood (3:30pm-5:00pm)
• Maker Monday at Black Friday Market (6:00pm-8:00pm)
• Ballroom Basics at The Matthews House Cary (6:45pm-7:30pm)
• Trivia: West Street Dog (6:30pm-8:00pm), Nancy's Pizza (7:00pm-9:00pm)

Tuesday in Raleigh:

• Run Club at Seven Saturday's Tap Room (6:00pm-7:00pm)
• Trivia: Flying Saucer (7:00pm & 9:30pm), Raleigh Brewing Arboretum (7:00pm-9:00pm), Seven Saturday's Tap Room (7:00pm-9:00pm), House of Hops (7:00pm-9:00pm), The Hop Yard (7:00pm-9:00pm), Sammy's Tap & Grill (8:00pm-10:00pm)
• Music Bingo: Tin Roof (7:00pm-9:00pm), Big Easy (7:00pm-9:00pm), Compass Rose (7:00pm-10:00pm), with Karaoke at The London Bridge Pub (8:00pm)
• Fat Tuesday Celebration at Bond Brothers Eastside (8:00pm-10:00pm)

From my notebook:

• It's Clean out your Bookcase Day and it's the perfect time to celebrate as the Wake Up and Read campaign continues.
• It's National Cherry Pie Day but sadly the best local pie spot isn't open on Mondays. I still am not going to pass up the chance to tell you to go try Slice Pie Company.
• It's National Muffin Day and Daylight Donuts is more than just a donut shop. They sell a daily selection of muffins too! Sadly they are closed on Monday's but plan ahead for some Raspberry-White Chocolate Chip goodness tomorrow.

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com