North Carolina Lawmakers Adjourn Amid Concerns of Lame-Duck Session
The departure of state lawmakers from Raleigh has sparked concerns among Democrats regarding a potential lame-duck session if Republicans lose seats in the upcoming election. This pause in legislative activity comes as lawmakers shift their focus to campaigning efforts in their respective districts.
Legislative leaders have scheduled the next voting session for November 16, following the election period. Although brief sessions are slotted for September and October, no votes are anticipated unless unforeseen situations demand them.
Opposition to the schedule largely came from House Democrats, who voted against the resolution. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives expressed apprehension, suggesting that Republicans might push through significant legislation in November if they face a loss in their veto-proof majority by 2027.
Reives remarked, “I’m not a fan of lame duck sessions, and it’s not about who’s in power or who’s not in power, but to me, in November the electorate speaks, and so if you don’t like what the electorate’s saying, then coming in November and December and thwarting what they’re trying to do, I just don’t agree with. I don’t think that’s good government.”
He referenced a 2016 session where Republicans curtailed powers from the then-incoming Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein, indicating it was detrimental to good governance.
Conversely, House Speaker Destin Hall downplayed these apprehensions, stating, “Since I’ve been here, we’ve come back in November one way or the other, whether we’re going to maintain a supermajority after that January or not. Members of this body are elected for two years, and that runs through December, and so we’ll take advantage of that entire term.”
Republicans have indicated plans to utilize the November session for veto override votes, having lacked the necessary attendance to secure a three-fifths majority in recent weeks.
There are two outstanding vetoes on the House calendar. One pertains to repealing the state’s concealed carry handgun permit requirement, but opposition from within the GOP has stalled progress. The more recent veto by Governor Stein, which could see an override, involves a bill that bans homeless camping and sleeping in public areas unless local governments provide designated areas. Read more about the bill here.
The Senate also aims to address in November a vetoed bill that seeks to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in state government.
