Every year, the General Assembly examines ways that the state can improve the way it does business.
Sometimes, that means creating an office with new responsibilities or realigning existing units of government. Other times we need to change laws to make it easier for people to do important work or to encourage progress.
This week, I thought I would share some of the highlights of the General Assembly’s work in improving state government. There are also a number of laws that I have shared with you before that strengthen ethics and transparency in all of government, but most of the changes discussed below concern mostly operational matters. Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Emergency Management
The state can now enter into mutual aid agreements with local governments. Previously, the law authorized only the governor to enter into mutual aid agreements with the federal government and with other states. The new law (S.L. 2009-194 — HB 379) allows the governor to work with local government, also, if the local governing board approves.
A new state law statutorily establishes the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. Previously the department had authority primarily granted through executive orders issued by the governor (S.L. 2009-397 — HB 378). The legislation was recommended by the Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Recovery.
The Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management now has expanded powers (S.L. 2009-193 — HB 381). Its function now includes: (1) administration of federal and state emergency management grants; (2) serving as the lead state agency for the coordination of information and resources for hazard risk management; and (3) using and maintaining technology that allows efficient communication and management of resources between different agencies and units of government.
The Division of Emergency Management now has authority to establish a Voluntary Emergency Management Certification Program. The law (S.L. 2009-192 — HB 377) is intended to strengthen and enhance the professional abilities of emergency management personnel by establishing educational and training standards for both state and local emergency management agencies.
Energy
The State Energy Office has been transferred from the Department of Administration to the Department of Commerce under a new state law (S.L. 2009-446 – H.B. 1481). The law also transfers the Residential Energy Conservation Assistance Program from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Energy Office of the Department of Commerce.
The state Department of Administration (DOA) must now consider fuel economy when purchasing state vehicles. The intent of the law (S.L. 2009-241 – H.B. 1079) is to reduce the state’s carbon footprint and reduce fuel costs. In addition, DOA will be directed to submit a report outlining the quantity and cost of fuel saved.
Building Codes
A new state law prohibits any state, county or local building code or regulation from banning the use of cisterns that are to be used for outdoor irrigation or toilets. The law (S.L. 2009-243 — HB 749) defines a cistern as a water storage tank that is watertight; has smooth interior surfaces and enclosed lids; is fabricated from nonreactive materials such as reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, or plastic; is designed to collect rainfall from a catchment area; may be installed indoors or outdoors; and is located underground, at ground level, or on elevated stands.
The plan review and inspection process for state buildings is streamlined under a new state law that transfers the authority for code enforcement in state buildings from the Department of Insurance to the Department of Administration (S.L. 2009-474 — SB 425). The act transfers four code enforcement positions from the Department of Insurance to the Department of Administration, and creates four code enforcement positions in the Department of Administration.
Miscellaneous
North Carolina has established a Financial Literacy Council to coordinate and expand the financial education available to all North Carolinians. The new law is meant to promote financial education in public schools and across the state (S.L. 2009-265 — HB 817).
The Office of State Personnel, Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Community Colleges, and the University of North Carolina are required to study the development of personalized employee benefits statements for state, public school, and community college employees under a new state law (S.L. 2009-63 — HB 1221). These benefits statements must include an employee’s total compensation, including all cash income, and the value of employee benefits, such as health coverage.
A new state law transfers the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to the Department of Transportation (S.L. 2009-343 – HB 1617). The change means the turnpike authority will now be under the direct supervision of the Secretary of Transportation. The intent of the legislation is to save money and improve efficiency. The General Assembly created the Turnpike Authority in 2002 in response to concerns about congestion and growth. The authority was granted permission to develop and operate up to nine projects.
State facilities that provide mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services will now be required to disclose certain information about death reports, facility police reports, and incident reports (S.L. 2009-299 – SB 799). The intent of the legislation is to improve transparency in our state’s mental health system.
Legislative drafting offices and state agencies must now use certain respectful references to people with disabilities in the preparation of legislation and rules under a new state law, known as “People First” (S.L. 2009-264 – SB 208).
Notes
West Corp. plans to hire more than 175 people for its call center in Rocky Mount. Applicants may apply online. The company will hire its employees from Edgecombe and Nash Counties, two areas that currently have high unemployment.
The Biltmore Estate will create up to 120 jobs with its new Antler Hill Village visitation site, which opens this spring. A job fair is planned for next week while work continues on the village, a 15-acre visitor site for estate guests that will open in late March, with a grand opening in May.
Northeast Foods Inc., a national contract baker for the commercial and fast-food industries, will open a new bakery operation in Johnston County. The company plans to invest $25.4 million and create 84 jobs during the next two years in Clayton. The new bakery operation is made possible in part by a $350,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Meetings/Events
I plan to attend the following meetings/events:
Please invite me to attend your county, city, community or civic, etc. meetings or events.
As I’ve said many times before, I hope you will continue to let me know how you feel about the issues that are being debated by the North Carolina Legislature and the challenges you and your family are facing each day.
By working together, we can make Northampton, Vance and Warren Counties and all regions of North Carolina a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Please remember that you can use the General Assembly’s website to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information. The site also contains detailed information about the state budget and legislative schedules.