Bob Brinson
Coverage of Bob Brinson in the Nexus archive.
- Senators okay repeal of NC’s hardened structure ban, dismiss buyouts for threatened coastal homes
North Carolina lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 1009 to repeal a decades-old ban on hardened coastal structures like jetties and seawalls. The bill aims to address increased coastal erosion and property threats, with the Coastal Resources Commission tasked with regulating future structures. Critics raised concerns about erosion trade-offs and the effectiveness of alternatives like beach nourishment.
- NC lawmakers seek $5 million to study psychedelic medicines
North Carolina lawmakers propose Senate Bill 1018 to allocate $5.4 million for researching psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and MDMA to treat PTSD and depression in veterans, first responders, and trauma-impacted populations. The bill has bipartisan support and aligns with a federal executive order to fast-track FDA review of psychedelic therapies.
- Coastal lawmakers signal it may be time to modify North Carolina’s decades-old ban on seawalls
North Carolina lawmakers are considering modifying a decades-old ban on seawalls due to increased coastal erosion causing home collapses. Senator Bob Brinson introduced two bills to allow hardened structures and pilot shoreline stabilization projects, while Senator Julie Mayfield warned of potential negative impacts from such structures.
- NC lawmakers advance foreign land ownership ban despite concerns about scope, funding
North Carolina lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 394, which aims to block adversarial foreign governments from purchasing or leasing agricultural land within 50 miles of military installations. Critics argue the bill's scope is too broad, citing potential economic impacts and suggesting a narrower radius and removal of leasing restrictions.