The word is circulating on Jones Street that Governor Bev Perdue would veto any voter ID bill passed by Republicans. So the leadership at the legislature is changing gears and getting ready to offer a tougher version that would require a photo ID for every voter at the polls. It should surface next week and would be based on the stricter Georgia model.
Could ashtrays start reappearing in bars? Republican Senator Don East, a smoker, is proposing in SB469 to exempt certain bars and restaurants from the smoking ban. It would apply to only those places that prohibit entry to anyone under the age of 18. The establishment would have to be ventilated and “structurally separated” from any area where smoking was prohibited.
Home builders could see a boost from SB476 offered by Republican Senator Tom Apodaca. The proposal would give a tax credit to those who buy or build a new home up to $10,000. The credit could be taken on only one residence and would be spread out in increments over five years.
Democratic Senator Josh Stein wants to add another group of people to the list of those protected against discrimination by the State Personnel Act. Under his SB452 state agencies could not consider the “sexual orientation, gender identity” of anyone applying for a state job. Currently the list includes: race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age and disability.
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