2011 Bill Descriptions

This bill amends the Racial Justice Act by beginning to restore the concept that justice is blind and that random statistics have no place in the courts. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure that justice is served in a fair and legal manner and is blind to the issue of race.

Roll Call Vote #1136
2011-06-16

This bill cuts back on state agencies' regulatory authority and adds transparency to the rulemaking process. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure transparency in government and avoid unnecessary regulations.

Roll Call Vote #1263
2011-07-25

This bill encourages the expansion of the energy industry in North Carolina and creates jobs. Civitas believes the conservative position is encourage energy exploration and production in North Carolina to generate new jobs and tax revenue.

Roll Call Vote #971
2011-06-14

This bill reforms unemployment benefit requirements and moves the Employment Security Commission to the Department of Commerce. Civitas believes the conservative position is to streamline governmental programs to make them as effective and efficient as possible.

Roll Call Vote #1274
2011-07-26

This bill offers an amendment to the state Constitution to declare that marriage between one man and one woman is the only legal domestic union recognized in the state. Civitas believes the conservative position is that the only marriage the state should recognize is between one man and one woman.

Roll Call Vote #1295
2011-09-12

This bill modifies some provider requirements for the state's Medicaid program and transfers the final decision on any appeals from the Department of Health and Human Services to an administration law judge. Civitas believes the conservative position is to streamline governmental programs to make them as effective and efficient as possible.

Roll Call Vote #1264
2011-07-25

This bill enables candidates for judicial races to declare their party affiliation and have that affiliation appear on the ballot. Civitas believes the conservative position is to let voters know what political party judicial candidates belong to so they can make more informed decisions at the polls.

Roll Call Vote #1165
2011-06-16

This bill caps non-economic (pain and suffering) awards in medical liability lawsuits to $500,000 and begins to curb medical malpractice lawsuits. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce the uncertainty involved in medical liability lawsuits and increase the availability of healthcare services, particularly high-risk areas such as obstetrics.

Roll Call Vote #1272
2011-07-25

This bill makes appropriations to the State Health Plan in conjunction with HB 578 and SB 323. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans and that the health market works best when there are clear indicators between price paid and services provided.

Roll Call Vote #450
2011-05-10

This bill requires that specified local pending involuntary annexations be subject to a petition to deny the annexation by property owners of at least 60 percent of the parcels located in the area. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect private property owners and allow citizens to determine whether or not they want to be part of a city.

Roll Call Vote #1185
2011-06-16

This bill makes appropriations to the State Health Plan in conjunction with HB 578 and SB 323. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans and that the health market works best when there are clear indicators between price paid and services provided.

Roll Call Vote #188
2011-03-31

This bill attempts to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce regulatory costs on business in order to increase productivity and promote job growth.

Roll Call Vote #93
2011-03-09

This bill attempted to help balance the budget when the state faced billions of dollars in budget deficits. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce irresponsible spending during an economic downturn and work to spur job growth through prudent fiscal and tax policies.

Roll Call Vote #21
2011-02-10

This bill encourages the reduction of General Fund expenditures for the 2010-2011 fiscal year and identifies funds in the non-General Funds account that can be transferred to the General Fund. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce unnecessary government spending and work towards a healthy, balanced budget.

Roll Call Vote #110
2011-03-15

This bill repeals the land transfer tax, which granted counties the option of levying a tax on the sale of real property. Civitas believes the conservative position is to not add another type of tax and the additional burden that would be placed on the sale and transfer of real property.

Roll Call Vote #82
2011-03-08

This bill requires women considering abortion to review the risks and alternatives, view an ultrasound of the child, and wait 24 hours before having the procedure. Civitas believes the conservative position is to provide patients as much information as possible prior to a procedure and to protect the sanctity of life that begins at conception.

Roll Call Vote #1273
2011-07-26

This bill reforms the NC involuntary annexation laws. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect private property owners and allow citizens to determine whether or not they want to be part of a city.

Roll Call Vote #488
2011-05-16

This bill establishes a non-partisan redistricting process with a five member, appointed advisory commission. Civitas believes the conservative position is to require our elected legislative officials to redistrict and hold them accountable for redistricting decisions rather than an appointed commission.

Roll Call Vote #927
2011-06-09

This bill would give voters an opportunity to vote on an amendment to the state Constitution to prohibit condemnation of private property except for a valid public use. It also provides for just compensation with the right of a jury trial. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect private property rights by preventing government from taking property from one owner for the benefit of another owner under the guise of economic development.

Roll Call Vote #351
2011-04-28

This bill expands the excise tax on certain machinery and equipment used at port facilities and manufacturing and distribution facilities, provides tax breaks for one business and increases state debt with no vote of the people. Civitas believes the conservative position is to treat all busineses equally in taxing and that no debt should be incurred without a vote of the people as per the state Constitution.

Roll Call Vote #1232
2011-06-17

This bill requires school principals to have parents present a copy of a child's birth certificate and a copy of the child's immunization records when the child is first registered for school. Civitas believes the conservative position is to verify all students' legal status and to keep students safe by requiring they have the proper immunizations.

Roll Call Vote #828
2011-06-08

This bill shortens the current two and a half week early voting period by one week. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect the integrity of the outcome of NC elections by allowing local election boards to adequately complete their work of verifying last-minute voter registrations prior to the start of voting.

Roll Call Vote #519
2011-05-18

This bill presumes that a lawful occupant of a home, automobile, or workplace has reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to himself or another when using defensive or deadly force against someone who has unlawfully and forcibly entered the premise. It also amends several gun laws regarding the right to own, possess and carry a firearm. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and allow individuals to protect themselves, their families and their property from unlawful and dangerous intruders.

Roll Call Vote #798
2011-06-07

This bill allows a sheriff or designated deputy sheriff to investigate and obtain data, without a duly issued search warrant, on the use of controlled substances through a reporting system maintained by the Dept. of Health and Human Services. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect the privacy of citizens' medical prescription treatments and decisions in accordance with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Roll Call Vote #922
2011-06-09

This bill requires local boards of education to implement a high school course that includes the teaching of the Creator-endowed inalienable rights of the people, structure of government, election system, importance of private property rights, due process, and federalism. The legislation also requires a passing grade in the course to graduate from high school. Civitas believes the conservative position is to promote the teaching of founding principles of limited government, expanded individual freedom, personal responsibility and respect for the free market.

Roll Call Vote #848
2011-06-08

This bill transfers the State Health Plan to the State Treasurer and offers a premium-free basic plan for at least one year based on available cash reserves. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans. Healthcare services are most efficient and effective when patients understand and appreciate the direct cost associated with the healthcare services provided.

Roll Call Vote #528
2011-05-19

This bill requires certain public entities to provide financial information upon request or maintain financial information on their website. Civitas believes the conservative position is to encourage greater transparency and accountability among non-profit organizations that receive public money.

Roll Call Vote #542
2011-05-19

This bill creates a more favorable environment for job creation by lowering the cost to employ more workers. Civitas believes the conservative position is to promote a fairer, more certain legal climate to encourage job creation and lower the cost to hire employees.

Roll Call Vote #645
2011-06-01

This bill would repeal the statutory authority allowing state government to issue new state debt without voter approval - most notably through investment vehicles known as Certificates of Participation. Civitas believes the conservative position is that all government debt should be subject to voter approval.

Roll Call Vote #761
2011-06-07

This bill expands the list of felonies for which a DNA sample must be taken upon arrest and appropriates the funds to facilitate the expansion. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect our citizens from crime and repeat offenders.

Roll Call Vote #447
2011-05-09

This bill repeals public campaign financing for Council of State races and makes judicial elections partisan. It also eliminates the "instant runoff" voting for judicial offices, using election by plurality instead. Civitas believes the conservative position is to let voters know the political party of judicial candidates so they can make a more informed decision. The elimination of taxpayer campaign financing is in line with the First Amendment by not only encouraging more freedom of speech through voluntary contributions but stops compelled speech by taxpayers being forced to support candidates with which they disagree.

Roll Call Vote #779
2011-06-07

This bill requires counties, cities, and employers with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the legal work authorization status of new employees. Civitas believes the conservative position is to enforce the law and ensure only citizens and legal residents with work permits hold employment in North Carolina.

Roll Call Vote #861
2011-06-08

This bill reduces the potential for election fraud by requiring a photo ID at the ballot box. It also provides a free ID to those who need one in order to vote. Civitas believes the conservative position is to preserve the integrity of our electoral process by ensuring only legal, registered voters participate in their proper electoral district.

Roll Call Vote #1278
2011-07-26

This amendment adds mental retardation as an element necessary to receive the tax credit. Civitas believes the conservative position is allow greater school choice for all students and not restrict access to the tax credit beyond what the current public school system regards as "disabled."

Roll Call Vote #794
2011-06-07

This amendment reduces the credit amount available to parents to send their children to private school, limiting their school choice options. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow greater school choice for all children.

Roll Call Vote #793
2011-06-07

This bill provides an individual income tax credit for children with disabilities who require special education and creates a fund for special education and related services. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow greater school choice for all children.

Roll Call Vote #796
2011-06-07

This bill prohibits public higher education institutions from using the accreditation status, or lack thereof, of a NC secondary school as a factor in determining student admissions, loans, scholarships, or other educational activity. Civitas believes the conservative position is to focus on the quality of the student applying by assessing factors such as grades, difficulty of courses, extracurricular activities and other relevant factors and to limit the influence of outside accreditation agencies on important higher education admissions determinations.

Roll Call Vote #737
2011-06-03

This bill forbids certain consulate and embassy documents, including the matricula consular, from being used as valid identification for North Carolina governmental and law enforcement purposes. Civitas believes the conservative position is to only accept identification from valid U.S and state agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of our communities.

Roll Call Vote #175
2011-03-30

This bill significantly reduces the number of signatures required for a new political party or an unaffiliated candidate to qualify for ballot access. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow voters more choice in candidates and parties on North Carolina ballots.

Roll Call Vote #754
2011-06-07

This bill rotates the order of candidates and political parties as they appear on the ballot. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure voters make an informed, conscientious decision on which candidates they select and by rotating the order, voters are more likely to actively and knowingly choose candidates.

Roll Call Vote #890
2011-06-08

This bill adds a good faith exception to the exclusionary rule and calls on the NC Supreme Court to overturn State v. Carter, 322 N.C. 709 (1988). Carter held the good faith exclusion did not apply under NC law. Civitas believes the conservative position is that evidence obtained by law enforcement officers acting in good faith under a search warrant should be admitted in a criminal trial, even if the search warrant has a technical defect. Criminal trials in NC courts should operate similarly to criminal trials in federal courts.

Roll Call Vote #20
2011-02-10

This bill creates criminal offenses for violent acts that cause the death or injury of an unborn child or that are committed against the pregnant mother. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect the life of the unborn child and enforce criminal offenses against unborn victims.

Roll Call Vote #293
2011-04-19

This amendment adds an element to any of the offenses listed that the defendant knew or should have known that the unborn victim's mother was pregnant. Civitas believes the conservative position is that a child is an unborn victim if the defendant harmed the child regardless of whether the defendant knew the woman was pregnant.

Roll Call Vote #146
2011-03-24

This amendment adds qualifications for the status of an unborn victim. Specifically, it states that all of the offenses listed in the legislation apply to an unborn child if the child is in utero for a minimum of 20 weeks and that some offenses will apply if the child is in utero for 12 weeks. Civitas believes the conservative position is that life begins from conception and that all children are deserving of the protection this bill would provide.

Roll Call Vote #145
2011-03-24

This bill is the first budget legislation that has ever been vetoed and overridden. It cuts unnecessary spending without raising taxes. Civitas believes the conservative position is to avoid unnecessary spending while ensuring the tax burden on individuals and businesses is minimized as much as possible.

Roll Call Vote #999
2011-06-15

This bill is the first budget legislation that has ever been vetoed and overridden. The clincher vote removes the possibility to reconsider the veto override vote. Civitas believes the conservative position is to avoid unnecessary spending while ensuring the tax burden on individuals and businesses is minimized as much as possible.

Roll Call Vote #1000
2011-06-15

This amendment allocates $1.5 million to the Energy Centers of NC State University, NC A&T University, and Appalachian State University through the Dept. of Commerce. Civitas believes the conservative position is to not earmark funding to specific operating entities.

Roll Call Vote #422
2011-05-03

This amendment allows Planned Parenthood to receive federal funding. Civitas believes the conservative position is to not fund organizations that perform abortions with taxpayer funding.

Roll Call Vote #412
2011-05-03

This bill protects North Carolinians from some of the worst provisions of Obamacare. It also directs the Attorney General to join the Florida multistate lawsuit against Obamacare and its individual mandate provision. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow individuals to make their own healthcare decisions without the intrusion of the government.

Roll Call Vote #94
2011-03-09

This bill ensures that where there is competition between the private sector and government a framework is set up to not discourage private investment and job creation. It requires municipalities that want to operate their own cable systems to take steps to make them more transparent and to not operate them with taxpayer subsidies. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect jobs and promote investment by ensuring private enterprises are treated fairly within the market.

Roll Call Vote #438
2011-05-05

This amendment establishes a weighted lottery system to determine admission to charter schools. Civitas believes the conservative position is to provide children with the greatest choice in educational opportunities and a weighted lottery system would undermine equal opportunity to access to charter schools.

Roll Call Vote #24
2011-02-23

This amendment limits the number of charter schools to five per year in one local school administrative unit and no more than 150 charter schools statewide. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow greater school choice for all children.

Roll Call Vote #22
2011-02-23

This bill removes the cap on charter schools and gives the State Board of Education discretion in granting final approval of charter school applications. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow greater school choice for all children.

Roll Call Vote #29
2011-02-24

This bill cuts back on state agencies' regulatory authority and adds transparency to the rulemaking process. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure transparency in government and avoid unnecessary regulations.

Roll Call Vote #529
2011-06-09

This bill attempts to provide equal access to school employees and that schools should not favor nor endorse any specific education employee association. Civitas believes the conservative position is to give teachers fair access to all education entities and that schools should not provide favors to or exclusive relationships with a particular organization.

Roll Call Vote #502
2011-06-08

This bill encourages the expansion of the energy industry in North Carolina and creates jobs. Civitas believes the conservative position is encourage energy exploration and production in North Carolina to generate new jobs and tax revenue.

Roll Call Vote #896
2011-07-13

This bill reforms unemployment benefit requirements and moves the Employment Security Commission to the Department of Commerce. Civitas believes the conservative position is to streamline governmental programs to make them as effective and efficient as possible.

Roll Call Vote #897
2011-07-13

This bill offers an amendment to the state Constitution to declare that marriage between one man and one woman is the only legal domestic union recognized in the state. Civitas believes the conservative position is that the only marriage the state should recognize is between one man and one woman.

Roll Call Vote #933
2011-09-13

This bill modifies some provider requirements for the state's Medicaid program and transfers the final decision on any appeals from the Department of Health and Human Services to an administration law judge. Civitas believes the conservative position is to streamline governmental programs to make them as effective and efficient as possible.

Roll Call Vote #894
2011-07-13

This bill enables candidates for judicial races to declare their party affiliation and have that affiliation appear on the ballot. Civitas believes the conservative position is to let voters know what political party judicial candidates belong to so they can make more informed decisions at the polls.

Roll Call Vote #454
2011-06-08

This bill allows a candidate to list party affiliation or unaffiliated status on the ballot in all elections. Civitas believes the conservative position is to let voters know what party candidates belong to so voters can make a more informed decision at the polls.

Roll Call Vote #457
2011-06-08

This bill caps non-economic (pain and suffering) awards in medical liability lawsuits to $500,000 and begins to curb medical malpractice lawsuits. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce the uncertainty involved in medical liability lawsuits and increase the availability of healthcare services, particularly high-risk areas such as obstetrics.

Roll Call Vote #895
2011-07-13

This bill makes appropriations to the State Health Plan in conjunction with HB 578 and SB 323. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans and that the health market works best when there are clear indicators between price paid and services provided.

Roll Call Vote #257
2011-04-28

This bill prohibits state agencies from adopting or enforcing a rule that regulate greenhouse gas emissions or limits human activity for the purpose of greenhouse gas emissions unless the rule is required by federal law or regulation or is more stringent than federal law or regulation. Civitas believes the conservative position is to limit any unnecessary and burdensome regulations that would increase costs and limit job creation.

Roll Call Vote #86
2011-03-16

This bill ensures resident alien or tourists do not have use of a valid driver's license once their Visa expires. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure only citizens and legal residents have access to federal and state documentation that may be used to obtain benefits and voting rights.

Roll Call Vote #456
2011-06-08

This bill requires that specified local pending involuntary annexations be subject to a petition to deny the annexation by property owners of at least 60 percent of the parcels located in the area. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect private property owners and allow citizens to determine whether or not they want to be part of a city.

Roll Call Vote #57
2011-03-07

This bill makes appropriations to the State Health Plan in conjunction with HB 578 and SB 323. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans and that the health market works best when there are clear indicators between price paid and services provided.

Roll Call Vote #152
2011-04-04

This bill attempts to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce regulatory costs on business in order to increase productivity and promote job growth.

Roll Call Vote #14
2011-02-09

This bill establishes documents required for individuals to qualify for federal and state benefits and requirement for reporting immigration violations. Establishes that only citizens and legal residents are eligible for taxpayer funded benefits. Civitas believes the conservative position is to ensure only citizens and legal residents have access to federal and state benefits.

Roll Call Vote #475
2011-06-08

This bill attempted to help balance the budget when the state faced billions of dollars in budget deficits. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce irresponsible spending during an economic downturn and work to spur job growth through prudent fiscal and tax policies.

Roll Call Vote #66
2011-03-09

This bill encourages the reduction of General Fund expenditures for the 2010-2011 fiscal year and identifies funds in the non-General Funds account that can be transferred to the General Fund. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce unnecessary government spending and work towards a balanced budget.

Roll Call Vote #49
2011-03-02

This bill repeals the land transfer tax, which granted counties the option of levying a tax on the sale of real property. Civitas believes the conservative position is to not add another type of tax and the additional burden that would be placed on the sale and transfer of real property.

Roll Call Vote #97
2011-03-21

This bill requires women considering abortion to review the risks and alternatives, view an ultrasound of the child, and wait 24 hours before having the procedure. Civitas believes the conservative position is to provide patients as much information as possible prior to a procedure and to protect the sanctity of life that begins at conception.

Roll Call Vote #733
2011-06-15

This bill reforms the NC involuntary annexation laws. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect private property owners and allow citizens to determine whether or not they want to be part of a city.

Roll Call Vote #680
2011-06-15

This bill expands the excise tax on certain machinery and equipment used at port facilities and manufacturing and distribution facilities, provides tax breaks for one business and increases state debt with no vote of the people. Civitas believes the conservative position is to treat all busineses equally in taxing and that no debt should be incurred without a vote of the people as per the state Constitution.

Roll Call Vote #823
2011-06-16

This bill requires school principals to have parents present a copy of the child's birth certificate and a copy of the child's immunization records when the child is first registered for school. Civitas believes the conservative position is to verify all students' legal status and to keep students safe by requiring they have the proper immunizations.

Roll Call Vote #702
2011-06-15

This bill presumes that a lawful occupant of a home, automobile, or workplace has reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to himself or another when using defensive or deadly force against someone who has unlawfully and forcibly entered the premise. It also amends several gun laws regarding the right to own, possess and carry a firearm. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and allow individuals to protect themselves, their families and their property from unlawful and dangerous intruders.

Roll Call Vote #659
2011-06-14

This bill requires local boards of education to implement a high school course that includes the teaching of the Creator-endowed inalienable rights of the people, structure of government, election system, importance of private property rights, due process, and federalism. The legislation also requires a passing grade in the course to graduate from high school. Civitas believes the conservative position is to promote the teaching of founding principles of limited government, individual freedom, personal responsibility and respect for the free market.

Roll Call Vote #701
2011-06-15

This bill transfers the State Health Plan to the State Treasurer and offers a premium-free basic plan for at least one year based on available cash reserves. Civitas believes the conservative position is to expect a minimal premium contribution from state employee participants to cover their health insurance plans. Healthcare services are most efficient and effective when patients understand and appreciate the direct cost associated with the healthcare services provided.

Roll Call Vote #343
2011-05-18

This bill creates a more favorable environment for job creation by lowering the cost to employ more workers. Civitas believes the conservative position is to promote a fairer, more certain legal climate to encourage job creation and lower the cost to hire employees.

Roll Call Vote #682
2011-06-15

This bill requires counties, cities, and employers with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the legal work authorization status of new employees. Civitas believes the conservative position is to enforce the law and ensure only citizens and legal residents with work permits hold enmployment in North Carolina.

Roll Call Vote #635
2011-06-14

This bill reduces the potential for election fraud by requiring a photo ID at the ballot box. It also provides a free ID to those who need one in order to vote. Civitas believes the conservative position is to preserve the integrity of our electoral process by ensuring only legal, registered voters participate in their proper electoral district.

Roll Call Vote #718
2011-06-15

This bill provides an individual income tax credit for children with disabilities who require special education and creates a fund for special education and related services. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow greater school choice for all children.

Roll Call Vote #717
2011-06-15

This bill prohibits public higher education institutions from using the accreditation status, or lack thereof, of a NC secondary school as a factor in determining student admissions, loans, scholarships, or other educational activity. Civitas believes the conservative position is to focus on the quality of the student applying by assessing factors such as grades, difficulty of courses, extracurricular activities and other relevant factors and to limit the influence of outside accreditation agencies on important higher education admissions determinations.

Roll Call Vote #645
2011-06-14

This bill adds a good faith exception to the exclusionary rule and calls on the NC Supreme Court to overturn State v. Carter, 322 N.C. 709 (1988). Carter held the good faith exclusion did not apply under NC law. Civitas believes the conservative position is that evidence obtained by law enforcement officers acting in good faith under a search warrant should be admitted in a criminal trial, even if the search warrant has a technical defect. Criminal trials in NC courts should operate similarly to criminal trials in federal courts.

Roll Call Vote #59
2011-03-07

This amendment adds an element to any of the offenses listed that the defendant knew or should have known that the unborn victim's mother was pregnant. Civitas believes the conservative position is that a child is an unborn victim if the defendant harmed the child regardless of whether the defendant knew the woman was pregnant.

Roll Call Vote #184
2011-04-14

This amendment adds qualifications for the status of an unborn victim by stating that all of the offenses listed in the legislation apply to an unborn child only if the child is in utero for a minimum of 20 weeks. Civitas believes the conservative position is that life begins from conception.

Roll Call Vote #183
2011-04-14

This bill creates criminal offenses for violent acts that cause the death or injury of an unborn child or that are committed against the pregnant mother. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect the life of the unborn child and enforce criminal offenses against unborn victims.

Roll Call Vote #185
2011-04-14

This bill is the first budget legislation that has ever been vetoed and overridden. It cuts unnecessary spending without raising taxes. Civitas believes the conservative position is to avoid unnecessary spending while ensuring the tax burden on individuals and businesses is minimized as much as possible.

Roll Call Vote #677
2011-06-15

This amendment imposes a .75% sales tax increase and modifies privilege taxes. Civitas believes the conservative position is to minimize the amount of taxes and burden placed on businesses and individuals.

Roll Call Vote #382
2011-06-01

This amendment allows Planned Parenthood to receive federal funding. Civitas believes the conservative position is to not fund organizations that perform abortions with taxpayer funding.

Roll Call Vote #379
2011-06-01

This bill protects North Carolinians from some of the worst provisions of Obamacare. It also directs the Attorney General to join the Florida multistate lawsuit against Obamacare and its individual mandate provision. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow individuals to make their own healthcare decisions without the intrusion of the government.

Roll Call Vote #19
2011-02-16

This bill ensures that where there is competition between the private sector and government a framework is set up to not discourage private investment and job creation. It requires municipalities that want to operate their own cable systems to take steps to make them more transparent and to not operate them with taxpayer subsidies. Civitas believes the conservative position is to protect jobs and promote investment by ensuring private enterprises are treated fairly within the market.

Roll Call Vote #266
2011-05-03