Legislative Update
July 19, 2010
From: Gene Causby

As is usually the case, the last few days of the session were long and hectic.  Lots of convening, recessing, re-convening, and quick committee meetings and conferee meetings.  They finally adjourned Saturday July 10 at 5:30 A. M.

There were no major changes in items directly affecting your interests.  Most of their time was taken up with negotiating a DNA requirement bill, eliminating video sweepstakes, and a new ethics bill.

Some items you may want to know:

*HB 1682    Ban corporal punishment for children with disabilities was ratified.

*HB 1707    State Health Plan Age-out Dependents; Tobacco Testing ...ratified.
                   Allows dependent child to remain on the Plan through the end of the
                   month following his/her 26th birthday under some circumstances. 
                   Also requires the Plan administrator to consult with Legislative
                   Committee before implementing a plan to verify tobacco use by a
                    member.
*HB 1777&
 SB 1152      Identical.  Study Child Nutrition Program...ratified.

*HB 1872      Legislative Task Committee on Childhood Obesity re-                     established...ratified.

HB1853 &
SB 1251        Identical.  State Health Plan Treat Teach Equitably...ratified.

HB 1864       No High School Graduation Project Required...ratified.

HB 593         Change School Starting Date...ratified.
                    Title changed to modify good cause waivers.  Provides for a
                     limited number of additional school systems to qualify for
                     waivers on school calendar requirements under specified
                     circumstances.

SB 1248        Early Identification and Intervention for At Risk Students...
                     ratified.

 Special Provision in the Budget: 

*Section 7.12 Drivers Education
                     Highway Safety Institute and UNC Chapel Hill shall work in
                     collaboration with DPI to create a standard curriculum for the
                     Drivers Education Program.  The curriculum shall be ready for
                     use in school year beginning in the fall of 2011 and shall be used
                     for all driver education programs funded with state funds.

The long session will convene of January 26, 2011 and we will start all over again.