On Wednesday, the legislature overrode six of Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes. This series of overrides is the latest rebuke from the General Assembly towards Governor Cooper’s agenda.
Representative Hall stated, “Governor Cooper's opposition to these bills is evidence of the radical left-wing policies that have overtaken the Democrat Party. This week, the state legislature stood firm in our commitment to upholding parental rights, safeguarding our athletes, and championing the well-being of our youth, which are all in steady alignment with the true sentiments of North Carolinians."
SENATE BILL 49: PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS
S.B. 49, titled the "Parents’ Bill of Rights," is designed to enhance parents' rights in their children's education, ensure age-suitable instruction in schools, and provide parents with updates on their children's well-being.
A recent Washington Post survey showed 77% of adults believe discussing trans identity in public, elementary schools is inappropriate.
One of the few positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased vigilance of parents towards the education of their children. This legislation is an answer to parent’s loud calls for reform in public schools.
HOUSE BILL 574: FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS ACT
H.B. 574 prohibits biological males from participating in women's sports. A Gallup poll found that 69% of Americans believe transgender athletes should only compete according to their birth gender.
Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Rep. Erin Pare, and Rep. Kristen Baker, MD championed this legislation in the House. The legislature is thankful for the many North Carolinians who came to the legislature this year to speak in support of this bill. In particular, Payton McNabb of Cherokee County, who was injured while competing against a transgender opponent, has made our state proud by her commitment to safeguarding others from similar injuries. H574’s override received bipartisan support in the State House.
HOUSE BILL 808: RESTRICTIONS ON GENDER TRANSITION FOR MINORS
H.B. 808 restricts minors from undergoing gender-reassignment surgery and receiving related treatments.
Rep. Ken Fontenot, stated “Statistically, we have seen from studies in Europe high numbers of people who regret having undergone gender-affirming care as minors, and many go through the detransition process.” He continued, “Sadly, even after people detransition, they cannot have children, and this is too serious and irreversible of a decision for minors to make before their brain is fully developed.”
Recently, a 25-year-old from North Carolina sued her medical team alleging they misled her into undergoing gender-reassignment procedures as a minor.
The override for H.B. 808 received bipartisan support in the State House.
HOUSE BILL 488: CODE COUNCIL REORG. AND VAR. CODE AMEND.
H.B. 488 was overridden in the House with a bipartisan, 78-40 vote. Notably, six Democrats in the House joined Republicans in support. This bill introduces a new Residential Code Council and seeks to significantly reduce construction costs for homebuilders.
HOUSE BILLS 219 AND 618: FOCUS ON CHARTER SCHOOLS
H.B. 219, the “Charter School Omnibus,” introduces modifications to charter school regulations. This bill will lift enrollment restrictions for certain charter schools.
H.B. 618 will delegate additional oversight of charter schools to the Charter Schools Review Board.
Charter schools have emerged as game-changers in the N.C. education landscape. By offering a diverse range of innovative and tailored educational approaches, these schools cater to unique student needs, thereby fostering individual growth and excellence. Their inherent flexibility has enabled swift adaptation to changing educational climates, often serving as incubators for new teaching methods. Charter schools in North Carolina are driving positive outcomes and paving the way for a brighter educational future for all students.