The North Carolina Legislative Building (Photo: Clayton Henkel)
Republicans in the North Carolina legislature moved swiftly Tuesday to reduce the authority of statewide offices that will be held by Democrats in the new year, fast-tracking a bill that makes major changes to state government’s structure and functions.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives Tuesday evening on a vote of 63-46 . Ten members were absent, and one member did not vote. Three of the “no” votes were Republicans. The Senate is expected to take up the measure on Wednesday.
Various sections of the 131-page proposal , which also includes a modest third round of funding to aid Hurricane Helene recovery, place new limits on the offices of governor and attorney general.
NC Newsline obtained a draft version of the legislation earlier Tuesday. The final bill, which contained only minor changes from the draft version, was not made public until about 5:30 p.m., after hours of on-and-off closed-door discussions.