Welcome
The Legislative Drafting Division of the North Carolina General Assembly provides assistance to legislators in the preparation of bill drafts and bill introductions. In addition to the Director, this Division is staffed by legal analysts (primarily attorneys) and clerical staff. The enrolling, proofreading, and bill typing sections are located administratively within the Legislative Drafting Division.
Please visit The Drafting Process to learn more about our Division. Visit the Staff Directory to see who works in our Division.
Also, you will find Links to websites that we find helpful in our Division.
09-09-2008
Bill Drafting Requests Up from Previous Biennial Sessions
The tables below compare total bill requests for the 2007-2008 biennial session and preceding biennial sessions. These figures do not include blank bill requests, the number of which dropped dramatically once the House rules banned them and the Senate limited each member to two of them. Staff workload is up 6% from 2005, up 61% from 2003, and up 67% from 2001.
Total drafting requests for each biennial session, excluding blank bills:
|
2007-2008 |
2005-2006 |
2003-2004 |
2001-2002 |
| Bill Drafting Division |
4986 |
4687 |
2920 |
3103 |
| Research Division |
707 |
680 |
613 |
298 |
| Total |
5693 |
5367 |
3533 |
3401 |
Percentage increase and decrease from one bienneial session to another:
|
2005 to 2007 |
2003 to 2007 |
2001 to 2007 |
| Bill Drafting Division |
+6.4% |
+70.8% |
+60.7% |
| Research Division |
+4.0% |
+15.3% |
+137.2% |
| Total |
+6.1% |
+61.1% |
+67.4% |
09-09-2008
Bill Drafting Requests Up 78% from 2002
The chart below compares bill drafting requests from the past four short sessions. While our workload was up 78% comparing 2008 with 2002 and up 35% comparing 2008 with 2004, it was off 30% from 2006, which was a welcome relief.
The table below compares end of short session total requests:
|
2008 |
2006 |
2004 |
2002 |
| Bill Drafting Division |
1274 |
1927 |
889 |
714 |
| Research Division |
273 |
269 |
258 |
154 |
| Total Draft Requests |
1547 |
2196 |
1147 |
868 |
The table below displays percentage increases and decreases from one session to another:
|
2006 to 2008 |
2004 to 2008 |
2002 to 2008 |
| Bill Drafting Division |
-33.9% |
+43.3% |
+78.4% |
| Research Division |
+1.5% |
+5.8% |
+77.3% |
| Total |
-29.6% |
+34.9% |
+78.2% |
08-28-2008
Veto of House Bill 2167 Overridden
By a 93-7 vote in the House and 39-0 in the Senate, Governor Easley's veto of House Bill 2167 was overridden yesterday.
In accordance with G.S. 120-29.1, the bill was certified as a law by Senate Principal Clerk Janet Pruitt. The relevant portion of 120-29.1(c) provides:
"When any such bill becomes law after reconsideration of the two houses, the principal clerk of the second house to act shall, below the objections of the Governor, sign the following certificate: "Became law notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, ________.m. this ________ day of ________, ________". The principal clerk of the second house to act shall fill in the time. The enrolling clerk shall deposit the measure with the Secretary of State."
This is the first gubernatorial veto ever overridden in North Carolina (see this). Veto power was first granted to the Governor by a constitutional amendment in 1996. While the Governor could veto bills in colonial times, such vetoes could not be overridden.
08-26-2008
General Assembly to Reconvene to Consider Veto of House Bill 2167
Governor Easley has called the General Assembly back into session to reconsider H2167 ("Towing of Recreational Boats/Exemption"), which the Governor vetoed. The session will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 27, 2008. The Governor's proclamation is available here.
The relevant sections of the North Carolina Constitution are Article III, Section 5(11) (regarding the Governor's duty to reconvene the General Assembly to reconsider a vetoed bill), Article II, Section 22(7), (regarding the consequences of a veto generally), and Article II, Section 22(1) (requiring three-fifths of members present and voting to override veto).
08-18-2008
Governor Easley Signs Final Four Bills
On Sunday, August 17, 2008, Governor Easley signed the final four bills on his desk:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-225 |
S1697 |
Toll Enforcement Authority Changes |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-226 |
H2623 |
Emergency Foreclosure Reduction Program |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-227 |
H2188 |
Earlier Notification of Mortgage Servicer Fee |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-228 |
H2463 |
Regulate Mortgage Servicers |
HTML |
PDF |
This concludes action on all bills from the 2007 Regular Session, other than the gubernatorial veto of House Bill 2167.
08-18-2008
Governor Easley Vetoes House Bill 2167
Governor Easley vetoed H2167 ("Towing of Recreational Boats/Exemption") on August 17. The Governor's objections and veto message are available here. His veto signature is available here.
Other vetoes since 1997 are listed here.
Under Article II, Section 22 of the North Carolina Constitution, if a bill is vetoed, the Governor must reconvene the session to consider an override, unless a majority of the members of each house sign a statement that a reconvened session is not necessary. The session can be held at any time after the veto, but it must convene not later than Wednesday, August 27, 2008, the 40th day after adjournment.
Here are the applicable constitutional provisions:
Article II, Section 22(7) of the North Carolina Constitution states in pertinent part that if the Governor vetoes a bill after adjournment:
“When the General Assembly has adjourned sine die … Governor shall reconvene that session … for reconsideration of the bill, and if the Governor does not reconvene the session, the bill shall become law on the fortieth day after such adjournment. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if the Governor prior to reconvening the session receives written requests dated no earlier than 30 days after such adjournment, signed by a majority of the members of each house that a reconvened session to reconsider vetoed legislation is unnecessary, the Governor shall not reconvene the session for that purpose and any legislation vetoed in accordance with this section after adjournment shall not become law.”
Article III, Section 5(11) of the North Carolina Constitution states in pertinent part:
(11) Reconvened sessions … At such reconvened session, the General Assembly may only consider such bills as were returned by the Governor to that reconvened session for reconsideration. Such reconvened session shall begin on a date set by the Governor, but no later than 40 days after the General Assembly adjourned… sine die”
08-18-2008
Governor Signs 13 More Bills Since Monday, August 11
Governor Easley has signed 13 bills since Monday, August 11. The new laws are as follows.
Bill signed on Monday, August 11:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-212 |
S847 |
Prevent Agricultural Pesticide Exposure |
HTML |
PDF |
Bills signed on Friday, August 15:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-213 |
H2542 |
Clarify Ethics and Lobbying Laws |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-214 |
H274 |
Street Gang Prevention Act |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-215 |
S1875 |
Clarify Auditor Hotline Authority/Sec |
HTML |
PDF |
Bills signed on Saturday, August 16:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-216 |
H2340 |
Transporting Children in Open Bed of Vehicle |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-217 |
H2487 |
Change Format of Drivers Licenses/Under 21 |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-218
| S132 |
Protect Children From Sexual Predators Act |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-219 |
S1924 |
Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-220 |
S1736 |
Sex Offender/Register E-Mail Address |
HTML |
PDF |
Bills signed on Sunday, August 17:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-221 |
S1695 |
Vehicle Size and Weight Changes |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-222 |
S1339 |
Gasoline and Fuel Alcohol Blending |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-223 |
S942 |
Prohibit Restricting Newspaper Distribution |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-224 |
S1314 |
Amend Massage & Bodywork Therapy Act |
HTML |
PDF |
Under Article II, Section 22 of the North Carolina Constitution, the Governor has 30 days after adjournment to act on all pending bills, with July 19 being day one. The 30-day period concludes at midnight, Sunday, August 17, 2008. Any bills not acted on by the deadline become law on Monday, August 18, 2008. Bills sent to the Governor prior to adjournment where the 10-day limit had not run out at adjournment have a new 30-day clock.
2008 laws enacted are listed here in order of becoming law, and here in order of bill number. These links are normally updated within a few business hours of action being taken.
08-12-2008
Governor Signs 27 More Bills Since Thursday
Governor Easley has signed 27 bills since Thursday. The new laws are as follows.
Bills signed on Thursday, August 7:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-185 |
S1541 |
Interstate Compact/Educ. of Military Children |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-186 |
H2785 |
State Take Cape Fear Locks/DAMS 1,2, and 3 |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-187 |
S1632 |
2008 Technical Corrections Act |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-188 |
S1627 |
Certified Retirement Community Program |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-189 |
S1214 |
Amend Interstate Compact/Adult Offenders.-AB |
HTML |
PDF |
Bills signed on Friday, August 8:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-190 |
S1787 |
Vehicle Registration/Inspection Changes.-AB |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-191 |
S1860 |
Amend Child Abuse/Child Fatality Task Force |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-192 |
S2015 |
School of Arts/Name Change |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-193 |
S2056 |
Court Fee Exemption |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-194 |
H545 |
Clarify and Amend Various Provisions |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-195 |
H2498 |
Underground Storage Tank Pgrm Amends-2008 |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-196 |
S1652 |
Prog. Eval. Div./Technical Amendments |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-197 |
S685 |
UP Penalties Cross Burn/Illeg. to Hang Noose |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-198 |
S845 |
Amend Env. Laws/Env. Tech. Corrections 2008 |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-199 |
S1955 |
Limited Release from Prison for Deportation |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-200 |
S1766 |
Liability Protection for Private Entities |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-201 |
S1797 |
State Tire Contract |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-202 |
S1799 |
DMV Record Checks and License Changes |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-203 |
S1946 |
Codify Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-204 |
S1925 |
UNC Nonapp. Cap. Projects/Airport Authority |
HTML |
PDF |
Bills signed on Saturday, August 9:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-205 |
H2768 |
Orange/Hunting on Private Property |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-206 |
H2558 |
Home Inspector Privilege License |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-207 |
H2530 |
Solid Waste Tax Changes/Unsalable OTP Refund |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-208 |
H819 |
Electronic Recycling Amends/Add TVs |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-209 |
H15 |
Some Personal Leave Time/No Penalty |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-210 |
S2081 |
NICS Reporting/Restoration |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-211 |
S1967 |
Improve Coastal Stormwater Management |
HTML |
PDF |
18 bills remain pending on the Governor's desk as of Monday morning, August 11, 2008. The list is available here.
08-07-2008
45 Bills Remain Pending on the Governor's Desk
At the close of business yesterday, there were 45 bills pending on the Governor's desk. These bills are:
| Bill # |
Short Title |
Pres. to Gov. |
| H15 |
Some Personal Leave Time/No Penalty |
07/14/2008 |
| H274 |
Street Gang Prevention Act |
07/16/2008 |
| H545 (=S613) |
Clarify and Amend Various Provisions |
07/14/2008 |
| H819 (=S844) |
Electronic Recycling Amends/Add TVs |
07/17/2008 |
| H2167 |
Towing of Recreational Boats/Exemption |
07/17/2008 |
| H2188 |
Earlier Notification of Mortgage Servicer Fee |
07/10/2008 |
| H2340 |
Transporting Children in Open Bed of Vehicle |
07/18/2008 |
| H2463 |
Regulate Mortgage Servicers |
07/09/2008 |
| H2487 (=S1891) |
Change Format of Drivers Licenses/Under 21 |
07/09/2008 |
| H2498 (=S1936) |
Underground Storage Tank Pgrm Amends-2008 |
07/17/2008 |
| H2530 |
Solid Waste Tax Changes/Unsalable OTP Refund |
07/17/2008 |
| H2542 (=S1874) |
Clarify Ethics and Lobbying Laws |
07/18/2008 |
| H2558 |
Home Inspector Privilege License |
07/18/2008 |
| H2623 |
Emergency Foreclosure Reduction Program |
07/17/2008 |
| H2768 |
Orange/Hunting on Private Property |
07/15/2008 |
| H2785 (=S2157) |
State Take Cape Fear Locks/DAMS 1, 2, and 3 |
07/16/2008 |
| S132 |
Protect Children From Sexual Predators Act |
07/18/2008 |
| S685 =(H690) |
UP Penalties Cross Burn/Illeg. to Hang Noose |
07/18/2008 |
| S845 (=H820) |
Amend Env. Laws/Env. Tech. Corrections 2008 |
07/18/2008 |
| S847 (=H822) |
Prevent Agricultural Pesticide Exposure |
07/10/2008 |
| S942 |
Prohibit Restricting Newspaper Distribution |
07/16/2008 |
| S1214 |
Amend Interstate Compact/Adult Offenders.-AB |
07/17/2008 |
| S1314 (=H1426) |
Amend Massage & Bodywork Therapy Act |
07/15/2008 |
| S1339 |
Gasoline and Fuel Alcohol Blending |
07/14/2008 |
| S1541 |
Interstate Compact/Educ. of Military Children |
07/10/2008 |
| S1627 (=H2269) |
Certified Retirement Community Program |
07/18/2008 |
| S1632 (=H2177) |
2008 Technical Corrections Act |
07/18/2008 |
| S1652 (=H2100) |
Prog. Eval. Div./Technical Amendments |
07/17/2008 |
| S1695 (=H2408) |
Vehicle Size and Weight Changes |
07/17/2008 |
| S1697 |
Toll Enforcement Authority Changes |
07/18/2008 |
| S1736 (=H2341) |
Sex Offender/Register E-Mail Address |
07/15/2008 |
| S1766 (=H2407) |
Liability Protection for Private Entities |
07/14/2008 |
| S1787 (=H2310) |
Vehicle Registration/Inspection Changes.-AB |
07/15/2008 |
| S1797 (=H2309) |
State Tire Contract |
07/18/2008 |
| S1799 (=H2319) |
DMV Record Checks and License Changes |
07/17/2008 |
| S1860 (=H2339) |
Amend Child Abuse/Child Fatality Task Force |
07/15/2008 |
| S1875 (=H2544) |
Clarify Auditor Hotline Authority/Sec. |
07/18/2008 |
| S1924 (=H2471) |
Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors |
07/14/2008 |
| S1925 |
UNC Nonapp. Cap. Projects/Airport Authority |
07/18/2008 |
| S1946 (=H2532) |
Codify Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings |
07/14/2008 |
| S1955 |
Limited Release from Prison for Deportation |
07/09/2008 |
| S1967 (=H2138) |
Improve Coastal Stormwater Management |
07/15/2008 |
| S2015 (=H2721) |
School of Arts/Name Change |
07/14/2008 |
| S2056 |
Court Fee Exemption |
07/17/2008 |
| S2081 (=H2747) |
NICS Reporting/Restoration |
07/18/2008 |
08-07-2008
Day 19 of 30: One Bill Signed
Governor Easley signed one bill into law on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008, day 19 of 30 for gubernatorial action. This leaves 45 bills pending on the Governors' desk.
The new law is:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-184 |
S1796 |
Special Assistance/Income Disregard |
HTML |
PDF |
Under Article II, Section 22 of the North Carolina Constitution, the Governor has 30 days after adjournment to act on all pending bills, with July 19 being day one. The 30-day period concludes at midnight, Sunday, August 17, 2008. Any bills not acted on by the deadline become law on Monday, August 18, 2008. Bills sent to the Governor prior to adjournment where the 10-day limit had not run out at adjournment have a new 30-day clock.
2008 laws enacted are listed here in order of becoming law, and here in order of bill number. These links are normally updated within a few business hours of action being taken.
08-06-2008
Governor Easley Signs 16 More Bills
Governor Easley signed 16 more bills into law Monday, August 5, 2008, leaving 46 pending.
The 16 new laws are:
| S.L. # |
Bill # |
Short Title |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-168 |
H2443 |
State Health Plan |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-169 |
H2492 |
Amend Release of Juvenile Escape Info |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-170 |
H1113 |
State Tort Claims/Public Duty Doctrine |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-171 |
H1889 |
Wildlife Land Property Tax Changes |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-172 |
H2265 |
School Bus Exempt from Duplicate Inspection |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-173 |
H2105 |
Compensation for Erroenously Convicted |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-174 |
H2306 |
Children W/ Disab. in Resid. Tratemtn Prog. |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-175 |
H2308 |
CDL/Federal Compliance.-AB |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-176 |
H2313 |
Permitting and Building Code Changes |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-177 |
H2353 |
Irrigation Contractors Licensure/Fees |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-178 |
H2341 |
Child Passenger Safety Technician Liability |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-179 |
H2338 |
Hospital Report Child Injuries |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-180 |
H2314 |
Voluntary County Participation/DOT.-AB |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-181 |
H2431 |
Studies Act of 2008 |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-182 |
H2391 |
No Auto. Revoke/Driv. Lic./Incompetent Person |
HTML |
PDF |
| 2008-183 |
H2397 |
Nurs. Home Admin Crim. Hist. |
HTML |
PDF |
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