RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Latest on the North Carolina General Assembly’s efforts to submit proposed amendments to the state constitution to voters this fall (all times local):
5:05 p.m.
A proposed question for North Carolina voters to enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution has been recommended by the full Senate.
Senators voted 44-4 on Wednesday to put the question on statewide ballots in November. The House still must vote yes before a referendum would be held. The hunting and fishing amendment is one of several being considered by General Assembly members in the final days of this year’s work session.
Backers of the amendment say it would preserve traditions and block attempts pushed in other states to erode the ability to go hunting or fishing. But some senators questioned the necessity for constitutional language, saying there’s nothing going on that would jeopardize the right.
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12:50 p.m.
A proposed constitutional amendment to cut the maximum North Carolina income tax rate lawmakers can levy nearly in half has been recommended by a House committee.
Republican supporters of the proposal that’s already passed the Senate said Wednesday that lowering the cap from 10 percent to 5.5 percent would give individuals and business more certainty that their rates won’t go up. The corporate rate is currently 3 percent and the individual rate is a hair under 5.5 percent. Both are poised to fall in 2019.
Democrats and some interest groups are worried lawmakers will have fewer options in which to raise revenue during the next recession.
The measure is expected on the House floor early next week. If 72 of the 120 House members vote for the amendment, the question will be submitted to voters in November.
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11 a.m.
Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to hunt and fish in North Carolina say it’s all about preserving traditions for future generations and blocking any attempts to erode those pastimes.
A Senate committee voted Wednesday to put the amendment on ballots this November. The proposal still must clear the full Senate and House. The National Rifle Association and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation spoke for the idea. Supporters say similar language is enshrined in constitutions of over 20 states.
General Assembly members are considering whether to place several amendments on the fall ballot.
A House committee planned later Wednesday to consider an amendment to lower the state’s income tax rate cap from 10 percent to 5.5 percent. That same committee plans debate on a voter identification amendment Thursday.
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