NC Senate

The North Carolina Senate has again put its support behind allowing coastal regulators to approve putting hardened structures at the edge of coastal inlets to protect development along North Carolina's barrier islands. Full story...

A Republican effort to change medical malpractice lawsuit rules and place a limit on certain monetary damages for patients in North Carolina has cleared a significant hurdle in the General Assembly. Full story...

North Carolina residents would be presumed to have properly used deadly force when an intruder breaks into their home, car or business under legislation getting preliminary approval in the Senate. Full story...

Following years of inaction by the former Democratic majority, the Senate tentatively passed SB 8 today with bipartisan support. In addition to removing the 15-year-old cap, it creates a North Carolina Public Charter Schools Commission to review applications for new schools, grant and revoke charters based on school performance, and provide general oversight for charter schools. Full story...

A key North Carolina Senate committee has declined to follow a recommendation from Gov. Beverly Perdue's budget proposal that would have generated an extra $80 million next year in estate taxes. Full story...

A rewrite of North Carolina's charter school law headed for a floor vote in the legislature incorporates a Republican promise during the campaign - ending the current 100-school cap. Full story...

A proposal to give North Carolina charter schools new freedom from the state's public school system is being delayed. Full story...

North Carolina lawmakers are starting what promises to be a long fight over medical malpractice laws as insurance and medical services companies square off against law firms. Full story...

The North Carolina Senate has unanimously approved a bill to outlaw small packets of herbal incense that pack the mind-altering effects of marijuana, but also carry health risks. Full story...

Democrats in the North Carolina Senate are asking why the state should spend anything in these grave financial times to join a court challenge of the federal health care overhaul. Full story...

For years the City of Wilmington has used forced annexation as a way to grow. The city has plans to annex more land outside its borders, but bills in the legislature may get in the way. Full story...

Three former state Senate Democrats are suing their successful opponents and the Republican Party over campaign ads. Full story...

Senate Republicans are demanding that Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue's administration turn in some money it uses to lure companies to build or expand in North Carolina so it can help close next year's budget. Full story...

A bill seeking elimination of North Carolina's 100-school limit on charter schools is getting its first debate in the General Assembly. Full story...

Thom Goolsby replaces Democrat Julia Boseman, who decided last year not to seek reelection. Full story...