Pricey Harrison
Coverage of Pricey Harrison in the Nexus archive.
- NC House passes its controversial elections bill with only GOP votes
The North Carolina House passed House Bill 958, an elections bill criticized by Democrats for enabling ballot challenges, audits, and voter registration removals. The bill cleared the House in a party-line 66-47 vote and will now move to the Senate. Key provisions include granting the Republican auditor authority to conduct post-election audits and allowing the Board of Elections to hire private attorneys.
- NC House committee okays a sweeping election bill, but its sponsor says it needs more work.
The North Carolina House Election Law Committee advanced a sweeping elections bill with provisions expanding voter challenge windows, granting new powers to the state Auditor, and increasing secrecy in legal hiring by the elections board. Critics, including Democrats, argued the bill creates obstacles for eligible voters, while Republican sponsors claimed it aims to improve election integrity. The bill faces uncertainty in the Senate, where leaders have not yet reviewed its details.
- NC property tax moratorium bill nears the finish line
North Carolina's House passed Senate Bill 889 to block some local governments from using new property tax revaluations in 2026, with a largely party-line vote. The bill faces concerns over reduced funding for schools and public services in affected counties, and a companion bill (SB 474) remains pending. The legislation aims to address rising property taxes but has sparked debate over financial impacts on counties.
- NC bill could bar people under 21 from buying hemp-derived products
North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill to prohibit individuals under 21 from purchasing hemp-derived products, including smokable hemp and kratom, following a reported case of a 14-year-old emergency room patient. The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved a rewritten version of Senate Bill 59, which imposes fines on businesses that sell these products to minors. The bill includes amendments to cover kratom and will next proceed to the House Rules Committee.
- NC House advances bill to regulate data centers, require more nuclear power
The North Carolina House approved a bill to regulate data centers and promote nuclear power, aiming to address rising electricity costs and grid reliability. The legislation, titled the Ratepayer Protection Act, faced bipartisan discussion, with Democrats expressing concerns about over-reliance on nuclear energy and advocating for solar, wind, and battery storage as alternatives.
- NC House panel advances data center restrictions
North Carolina's House Energy and Public Utilities Committee advanced a bill to restrict data centers from shifting energy costs to consumers and require environmental impact assessments before new facilities are approved. The legislation, Senate Bill 730, mandates noise and water use studies, bans local tax incentives for data centers, and examines utility policies to address energy affordability concerns.