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Monday: Late Update
posted at 2007-05-21 23:55 | Last modified 2007-11-14 10:38
Dissension in the ranks?
Speaker Joe Hackney's call today for the resignation of New Hanover Dem Thomas Wright came as a surprise to many House Dems -- including the Legislative Black Caucus, apparently. Chairwoman Alma Adams had no comment earlier, but on the floor tonight, she called the LBC into emergency meeting after session.
After they adjourned, Adams confirmed she called the meeting to discuss the latest development in Wright's case, and that members had "some concerns" about the way it was handled by House leadership. Adams had no further comment tonight, but says the LBC will release a statement tomorrow.
Caps and Kumbaya
House lawmakers tonight approved a groundbreaking measure that would allow arbitration - with a $1M cap - in non-catastrophic malpractice cases. But it would be strictly voluntary - malpractice victims and doctors would have to agree to the arbitration. Agreeing to arbitration might mean a quicker settlement in many cases, but it would also mean waiving the right to appeal the arbitration judge's decision.
Sponsors and supporters say the bill has the blessing of attorneys AND doctors. Wake Dem Deborah Ross said it was a "real kumbaya moment" in J1, a committee not known for warm fuzzies on its best days.
There was a little kumbaya on the House floor, too, where the proposal passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. If the bill makes it through the Senate, NC would become the second state (after WA) with such a provision.
Easley emerges
The Gov has a double booking tomorrow. He'll be speaking at Hurricane Preparedness Media Day at 10:30 in Raleigh, then he's off to Matthews for a 2pm dedication of the Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology at Central Piedmont Community
College. Hurricanes and racing...overall, a good day for the Governor.
For you NASCAR-loving wonks who can't make Matthews tomorrow, fear not. Jimmie Johnson's expected in Raleigh Wednesday to be honored by the legislature.
Tuesday's hot tickets
Too bad cloning isn't legal. We reporters could use some help on days like Tuesday.
At 10AM, House J1 looks at a bunch of hot-button bills, including the bullying bill and a measure that would require officials to report who's contributing to their legal expense funds. Down the hall, House J2 takes up a proposal for a constitutional amendment limiting Eminent Domain.
At 10:30, the Gov speaks on hurricane awareness, while Lt. Gov Bev Perdue anchors a presser for NC Womens Advocacy Day.
At 11:00, Senate Commerce takes up a proposal to strip the Insurance Commissioner of his veto power over insurance rate hikes. House Education looks at banning spanking and raising the cap on charter schools.
At 12:30, House Rules does something (no one's sure what, yet) with the "Defense of Marriage" Amendment bill. Meantime, House Republicans are planning a parliamentary maneuver to force the bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.
And that's all before session. Fasten your seatbelts, folks....
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