Sydney Batch
Coverage of Sydney Batch in the Nexus archive.
- Delayed by budget talks, NC legislature still has plenty to do
The North Carolina legislature has unfinished business after delayed budget discussions, with key issues including election law changes, hemp regulations, and constitutional amendments. They will return on July 27 to address bills like House Bill 958 on election reforms and House Bill 328 on hemp restrictions, which face differing views between the House and Senate.
- NC Senate celebrates America’s 250th in historic capitol chamber
The North Carolina Senate held a ceremonial session at the historic state capitol building to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Senators highlighted the state’s role in the Declaration of Independence, the Halifax Resolves, and contributions of North Carolinians, including women and people of color, to the American Revolution. The event acknowledged both historical achievements and ongoing challenges in achieving equality.
- NC Democrats highlight impacts on state workers’ pay due to years with no state budget
North Carolina Senate Democrats highlighted the impacts of a 1,000-day budget delay on state workers, including stagnant pay amid inflation and healthcare costs, staffing shortages in corrections, and proposed bills for wage increases, small business loans, and AI displacement assistance. They emphasized frustration with the legislature's failure to pass a budget.
- NC ban on ‘addictive’ social media for children under 14 one vote away from governor’s desk
North Carolina's Senate passed a bill banning children under 14 from creating accounts on social media platforms deemed 'addictive,' requiring parental consent for 14-15-year-olds and setting criteria for addiction based on user behavior and app features. The bill also mandates AI literacy standards in schools and prohibits the sale of child users' data, returning to the House for final approval.
- Top NC Democrats want more information about GOP threats over a campus voting site
North Carolina Democratic leaders Anderson Clayton and Robert Reives are demanding transparency after Jackson County GOP elections board members claimed they faced pressure and threats to oppose a campus early voting site at Western Carolina University. Republican board members Bill Thompson and Jay Pavey alleged they were instructed by Republicans in Raleigh to reject the site, with Pavey stating he was warned of removal if he did not comply. Despite the pressure, Pavey and another Republican supported the campus site, while Thompson opposed it.
- North Carolina youth social media ban clears additional hurdle as it heads toward Senate vote
North Carolina's Senate Judiciary committee advanced House Bill 301, which would ban users 13 and under from 'addictive' social media apps and require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. The bill defines 'addictive' platforms by features like infinite scrolling and algorithmic content, and includes amendments to prohibit data sales and algorithmic targeting for minors. Opponents argue it overreaches and could hinder educational resources.
- NC Senate considers tax on obscene materials, social media age limits, license plate readers
North Carolina lawmakers propose a 50% excise tax on 'prurient' or 'obscene' sexual materials illegal under state law to fund anti-human trafficking efforts. The bill also creates a Human Trafficking Commission and raises concerns about subjective tax assessments by the Department of Revenue.