Civitas Action

This amendment to HB 2 would create an exception to the statewide smoking ban to allow businesses to opt-out of the ban if they met certain conditions including conspicuously posting signs at all entrances that the business allows smoking. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow businesses the freedom to set their own smoking policy.

Roll Call Vote #71 (70-46)
4/1/2009

This vote would concur with the Senate version of HB 2, which would ban smoking in all public places except private clubs. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow businesses the freedom to set their own smoking policy.

Roll Call Vote #411 (62-56)
5/13/2009

This bill would set a minimum filing fee for local boards of education candidates at 1 percent of the annual salary or $25, whichever is greater. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow local communities to control the filing fees for local offices and that increasing the filing fee discourages candidates from running for office.

Roll Call Vote #140 (96-20)
4/14/2009

This amendment would require adequate time for parents to inspect materials used in the teachings of a schoolﾒs comprehensive sexual education program before parents decide whether to allow their child to enroll in the program. Civitas believes the conservative position is to give parents as much information and input as possible into the education of their children.

Roll Call Vote #172 (52-62)
4/16/2009

This vote would concur with the Senate version of HB 88, which would effectively end the stateﾒs longstanding teaching of abstinence until marriage as its sex education curriculum and replace it with a comprehensive sexual education curriculum. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support current abstinence until marriage education as the best way to instruct schoolchildren.

Roll Call Vote #851 (60-55)
6/25/2009

This bill would allow cities and towns to use taxpayer dollars to publicly finance municipal elections. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose attempts to expand public financing as it is not a good use of taxpayer dollars.

Roll Call Vote #201 (56-62)
4/21/2009

This bill would allow cities and towns to use taxpayer dollars to publicly finance municipal elections. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose attempts to expand public financing as it is not a good use of taxpayer dollars.

Roll Call Vote #202 (60-56)
4/21/2009

This vote was to suspend the rules in order to consider an amendment that would allow the use of funds provided in the tax increases included in HB 148 to be used for roads as well as public transit. The original version of the bills does not allow the use of funds for roads other than HOV lanes. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support proposals that will benefit the most people and as such, the roads benefit more taxpayers than public transportation.

Roll Call Vote #198 (54-64)
4/21/2009

This bill would authorize six metropolitan counties in the Triangle and Triad to hold referendums to increase the sales tax by ﾽ cent in order to fund public transportation. All other counties (except Mecklenburg) would be authorized to raise the sales tax by ﾼ cent through referendum to be used for public transportation. It would also increase the amount a county can charge in vehicle registration fees from $5 to $7 per year. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose tax and fee increases that are for a limited use and benefit a narrow portion of the population.

Roll Call Vote #199 (77-40)
4/21/2009

This bill would regulate the practice of hair braiding and implement a yearly licensing fee for the practice of the activity. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public. Licenses and regulations restrict free-market competition and are used only to raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #613 (78-34)
5/21/2009

This bill would add the coverage of lymphedema to the list of health care treatments mandated to be covered by health insurance and the state health plan. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose additional mandates to health insurance coverage as it increases the cost of health insurance for everyone.

Roll Call Vote #515 (107-9)
5/14/2009

This bill would mandate that all health insurance plans and the state health plan cover the cost of hearing aids. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose additional mandates to health insurance coverage as it increases the cost of health insurance for everyone.

Roll Call Vote #1073 (117-0)
7/22/2009

This bill would authorize the expenditure of $25 million to construct a fishing pier in Nags Head. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose wasteful government spending and government projects that compete with private industry.

Roll Call Vote #132 (111-0)
4/9/2009

This bill would expand regulation of professional counselors, their associates and supervisors and increase fees to engage in the profession. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public. Licenses and regulations restrict free-market competition and are used only to raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #630 (88-24)
5/26/2009

This bill would create a new licensing and regulation authority for the practice of polysomnography. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public. Licenses and regulations restrict free-market competition and are used only to raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #678 (111-3)
6/8/2009

This bill would extend the Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund to allow one additional company to be eligible to receive $10 million in cash over the next few years in order to retrofit their factory to produce a new product. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose corporate welfare programs.

Roll Call Vote #1362 (72-41)
8/10/2009

Department of Transportation Participation in Fixed Rail Projects (2R) ﾖ This bill would allow the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) to spend tax receipts on fixed-rail projects that do not receive federal funding. The bill provides a backup for the state to use money to assist constructing light-rail projects in Charlotte and the Triangle. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to make all taxpayers in North Carolina pay for inefficient light-rail programs that benefit only a few communities.

Roll Call Vote #592 (106-8)
5/14/2009

This bill would allow the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) to spend tax receipts on fixed-rail projects that do not receive federal funding. The bill provides a backup for the state to use money to assist constructing light-rail projects in Charlotte and the Triangle. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to make all taxpayers in North Carolina pay for inefficient light-rail programs that benefit only a few

Roll Call Vote #362 (75-42)
5/11/2009

This bill would increase the amount of personal assets a debtor can protect from creditors from $18,500 to $75,000. Civitas believes that the conservative position is to oppose efforts to make it easier for people to abdicate their commitment and obligation to pay debt.

Roll Call Vote #497 (62-55)
5/14/2009

This bill would increase the fees for individuals and businesses who sell seeds. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to increase fees as they restrict competition, are passed on to consumers in higher prices and only raise revenue for the government.

Roll Call Vote #638 (92-21)
5/27/2009

This bill would narrow the ability of spouses to sue a third party who interferes in a marriage and make divorce easier to obtain. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts that do not protect the sanctity of marriage.

Roll Call Vote #507 (75-42)
5/14/2009

This bill would allow for easier renewals of concealed carry permits and exempt certain law enforcement officers from the required handgun safety course before obtaining a concealed carry permit. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support efforts to enhance citizensﾒ Second Amendment rights.

Roll Call Vote #924 (110-0)
7/6/2009

This bill would allow for drivers who have been convicted of four or more DWIﾒs to have their driverﾒs license reinstated after 10 years. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to put habitual drunk drivers behind the wheel again.

Roll Call Vote #538 (79-39)
5/14/2009

This bill would allow 16 year olds to preregister to vote and then be automatically registered when they turn 18. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts that allow ineligible persons to register to vote.

Roll Call Vote #549 (102-14)
5/14/2009

This bill would require the licensing and registration of individuals employed as a public adjuster and implement fees for the licensing. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public. Licenses and regulations restrict free-market competition and are used only to raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #417 (117-0)
5/13/2009

This bill instructs the Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments to encourage retail establishments that have shopping carts available to customers to provide free sanitary wipes for the handles of the carts. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow the free market to decide which products and services stores offer to shoppers.

Roll Call Vote #572 (44-73)
5/14/2009

This bill would authorize the issuance of $347 million in new state debt using a loophole that allows previously approved debt capacity to be reissued. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose increasing the stateﾒs debt for non-critical projects.

Roll Call Vote #835 (106-9)
6/24/2009

This bill would extend the sunset on the JDIG program, another corporate welfare program, by six years. According to the General Assemblyﾒs Fiscal Research Division, the changes in the bill will cost taxpayers $1.08 billion over 17 years. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose the expansion or extension of corporate welfare programs. Taxes should be reduced for all businesses in the state, not a certain select few.

Roll Call Vote #894 (96-21)
6/30/2009

This vote was a motion to suspend the rules to consider Amendment 3, which would have stripped funding for the $25 million pier being constructed at Nags Head. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support efforts to eliminate wasteful spending.

Roll Call Vote #1202 (51-59)
8/3/2009

This bill would greatly expand the types of capital construction projects that county governments can fund using various debt instruments. It opens the door for more Randy Parton Theater-type projects to be funded using government debt. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to expand government debt without a popular vote.

Roll Call Vote #1203 (85-25)
8/3/2009

This bill would allow the gas-tax cap to expire and set the current rate as the minimum amount for the gas tax. Without this legislation, the gas tax would have decreased by 2 cents per gallon on July 1, 2009, saving taxpayers $50 million annually. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose tax increases.

Roll Call Vote #681 (64-52)
6/8/2009

This amendment to the House version of the budget itemizes the $860 million in tax increases, including an increase in income taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes and beginning to charge sales tax on certain services. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose tax increases.

Roll Call Vote #710 (64-52)
6/11/2009

This amendment to the House budget would limit golden parachutes, or severance packages, for state employees like Mary Easley. Civitas believes the conservative position is to eliminate golden parachutes government jobs.

Roll Call Vote #745 (68-45)
6/11/2009

This vote is on the House version of the budget that increases taxes by $860 million and spends $19.97 billion. Civitas believes the conservative position is to reduce government spending and not increase taxes when faced with budget shortfalls.

Roll Call Vote #760 (64-54)
6/12/2009

This vote adopted the final compromise budget that raises taxes by $1.1 billion and when federal stimulus dollars are included, increases spending by several hundred million dollars over the previous year. Civitas believes the conservative position is to avoid irresponsible increases of taxes and spending during an economic downturn.

Roll Call Vote #1217 (65-52)
8/4/2009

This bill would grant additional grounds for appeal of a capital sentence on the basis that race was unduly applied in the sentencing. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support the right of juries to determine the sentence of convicted murderers.

Roll Call Vote #986 (61-55)
7/14/2009

This bill would reduce sentence lengths for criminals, mainly those with prior record points. For example, the sentence for a B1 felony (first-degree rape) with four prior record points would decrease by eight months. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to give violent criminals shorter prison sentences.

Roll Call Vote #1363 (61-52)
8/10/2009

This bill would restructure the prior record level point ranges to give criminals with prior record points lesser sentences. For example, a criminal that commits a B1 felony (first-degree rape) with one prior record point would see their sentence decrease by roughly three years. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose efforts to give violent criminals shorter prison sentences.

Roll Call Vote #1364 (61-53)
8/10/2009

This amendment would amend the bill to state than any school employee who did not report an incidence of bullying would receive a letter of reprimand in their permanent file. Civitas believes the conservative position is that all school employees should be held accountable for efforts to stop bullying.

Roll Call Vote #827 (54-61)
6/23/2009

This bill would enumerate certain traits that bullying would be defined as including, for the first time in North Carolina history, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation as a protected class in statute. Civitas believes the conservative position is that all bullying is wrong, no matter the reason. Specific reasons or characteristics do not need to be written into law to enforce such.

Roll Call Vote #817 (59-57)
6/22/2009

This bill would grant Apple Computer Corp. $45 million in tax breaks over the next 10 years for constructing a data center in North Carolina and employing 50 people. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose tax breaks for individual corporations and support tax relief for all North Carolina-based companies.

Roll Call Vote #643 (79-35)
5/27/2009

This bill would change the types of securities the state Treasurer can invest in to include more risky investments such as commodities and mortgage-backed securities. Civitas believes the conservative position is to make prudent investments with state employeesﾒ retirement benefits and not invest in risky propositions that could rapidly decrease in value.

Roll Call Vote #645 (65-49)
5/27/2009

This bill would further regulate the sanitarian examiner profession and increase licensing fees in order to engage in the practice. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public. Licenses and regulations restrict free-market competition and are used only to raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #1041 (98-20)
7/16/2009

This bill would extend the deadline for the Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change to issue its report until Oct. 1, 2010. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose extending the Climate Change Commission as it is a waste of taxpayer dollars and the commission can have no impact on climate change by recommending new laws that will only increase costs on residents and destroy jobs.

Roll Call Vote #946 (67-50)
7/8/2009

This bill would further regulate the marriage and family therapy industry and increase licensing fees for those in the industry. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose new licensing and regulations that do not directly impact the health and safety of the public as they are used to restrict competition and raise additional revenue for the state.

Roll Call Vote #1067 (91-26)
7/22/2009

This bill would increase the tax rebate for film and television production in North Carolina from 15 percent to 25 percent of expenses. Civitas believes that the conservative position is to oppose corporate welfare schemes, especially those which have proven to be ineffective.

Roll Call Vote #1334 (78-26)
8/6/2009

This bill would make it more difficult for school systems to terminate the contracts of non-tenured teachers by granting an additional hearing and other protections to the probationary teacher. Civitas believes the conservative position is to grant as much flexibility as possible to school systems to meet their staffing needs.

Roll Call Vote #937 (90-26)
7/7/2009

This bill would set up a trust to forcibly take private property from one specific company. Civitas believes the conservative position is to support the property rights of individuals and businesses.

Roll Call Vote #1328 (39-66)
8/6/2009

This bill would ban the use of plastic shopping bags at stores located on the Outer Banks. Civitas believes the conservative position is to allow retailers to set their own policy regarding the type of bags used.

Roll Call Vote #802 (78-41)
6/18/2009

This bill would exempt the sales of aircraft simulators from state sales tax. Civitas believes the conservative position is to oppose special tax breaks for specific industries in lieu of tax breaks for all.

Roll Call Vote #1271 (80-32)
8/6/2009