A Step Closer: North Carolina’s Constitutional Amendment Proposals
In a significant move, a North Carolina Senate committee has advanced two key amendments that could soon be put to a public vote. If these amendments gain approval from the full House and Senate, they will appear on this November’s ballot, giving voters the opportunity to enshrine certain policies into the state constitution.
Embedding ‘Right to Work’ in the Constitution
The “right to work” amendment, if passed, would integrate language from North Carolina’s 1947 law into the state constitution. This law ensures that individuals cannot be denied employment based on their decision to join or not join a union or similar organization. Sen. Ted Alexander, R-Cleveland, one of the primary sponsors, emphasized the need for constitutional protection to solidify this policy against potential political shifts. Alexander remarked, “If the voters were to approve it, which we feel like most North Carolinians are in favor of right to work laws, basically it would provide us with an insurance policy that in the future, this will be enshrined in our law.”
Opposing views were also voiced during the committee meeting. Sen. Lisa Grafstein, D-Wake, argued against embedding such laws in the constitution, suggesting that future changes in public opinion should not be precluded. Braxton Winston, president of the North Carolina AFL-CIO, strongly opposed the amendment, stating, “Our constitution is a sacred document, not a political tool. The constitution need not be riddled with laws that have already been securely in place for decades.”
‘Right to Farm’ Amendment Discussion
The “Right to Farm” amendment, outlined in Senate Bill 1081, seeks to affirm the General Assembly’s authority over agricultural regulation. Sen. Lisa Barnes, R-Nash, presented this proposal, highlighting its role in safeguarding farming operations from legislative changes. “North Carolina has strong statutory protections in existence now, but statutes, as you know, can be changed. This bill would let the people decide whether that right should be protected more permanently for our children and grandchildren,” Barnes stated.
While some legislators questioned the necessity of the amendment, Barnes emphasized the symbolic importance of supporting the agricultural community. “It sends a strong message to our farmers and our ag community that we value what they do, the job that they do, the food they produce and we want to protect farming and have food security here in North Carolina,” she explained.
Additional Constitutional Amendments Under Consideration
Alongside these two amendments, the legislature is also evaluating three other proposals. These include reducing the state’s income tax cap from 7% to 3.5%, limiting property tax revenue increases by local governments, and introducing a new procedure for filling early vacancies in Council of State positions. These amendments are part of a broader legislative agenda shaped by recent budget agreements.
Governor Josh Stein is unable to veto constitutional amendments. However, they require approval from three-fifths of both legislative chambers before appearing on the ballot. Currently, Republicans hold a sufficient majority in the Senate but fall short in the House, making bipartisan cooperation essential for passage.
Should these amendments gain legislative approval, they will be presented to voters, marking a significant event in the state’s political landscape. Historically, North Carolina voters have faced multiple amendments in a single year, with the record being seven in 1982.
