This report is a compilation of media and legislative reports as well as conventional interviews.
- A bill in the General Assembly would take away local authority to regulate developments like the Old Lake Road plan and those in southern Columbus County. Senate Bill 205 would transfer authority over planned urban developments to state agencies. Critics are warning the move would further politicize the regulatory process, and prevent affected property owners from having a say in what gets built in their communities.
- Another bill protects parents from legal action by children wanting sex change operations, and prevents parents from being prosecuted for refusing to allow hormone treatments or sex changes for children. Senate Bill 442 passed the Senate last week, and has been sent to the floor by the House Health committee.
The bill specifically states that parents are not guilty of a crime if the raise a child in a manner consistent with the gender assigned at birth. Parent will also not be forced by the courts to provide sex changes or hormone transition therapies for their children. Republicans on both sides of the house have expressed wholehearted support for the bill, while Democrat critics say it will endanger the lives of children who want gender therapy and transitioning assistance.
“In looking around the country, we have seen instances where parents, in fact, have lost custody of their child simply because they didn’t agree with the transitioning of a child with gender dysphoria,” said Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, who is one of the bill’s primary sponsors.
Galey emphasized that the bill is straightforward and aims to support healthier outcomes for children by allowing parents to act without fear of legal penalties.
“It’s not a complicated bill. It’s simple,” Galey said. “I think it leads to better mental health outcomes in the long run for children, because parents will not be chilled or be penalized if they seek out appropriate mental health treatment for their children. They don’t have to betray their own religious values.”
Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, also expressed her support, focusing on the primacy of parental rights.
“As long as a child is not being harmed, neglected, or abused, the parent has the authority to practice their religious beliefs and cultural norms within their home until the child becomes an adult at age 18,” she said.
- Legislators are considering a bill that would outlaw the sale of kratom, making it a Schedule Six illegal substance like marijuana. The same bill will strictly regulate the sale of CBD infused substances of any kind, and require buyers to be at least 21.
Kratom can produce euphoric effects similar to marijuana. It is generally dried and powdered for use in a tea, or smoked. Kratom sales have previously skirted a gray area in the law, but now will be treated like marijuana. Currently the product is sold over the counter in many vape and tobacco stores, with no restrictions.
The Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables (HDCs) Act will also make it illegal for public schools to allow possession and use of HDCs on school grounds, even for instructional and research purposes. Distribution of free HDC products such as gummies, or any other product is also prohibited in the bill. The bill heightens punishments for selling cannabinoids with more the .3 percent THC concentration.
The act also broadens the role of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents in enforcing CBD/THC laws.
- HB 860 will tighten rules designed to protect underage users from data harvesting through social media, video games and chat platforms. The bill defines such harvesting as an “unfair practice,” making the violator subject to fines and license revocation.
- HB975 will allow emergency workers to render first aid to injured police canines or search and rescue dogs at the scene of an emergency. Previously a veterinary medicine license was required by law to assist working dogs, although the law was often ignored in emergencies.
- Some material courtesy Carolinajournal.com.
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