Senate approves towing bill despite veto threat

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Senate is backing a plan to ease restrictions on the towing of boats on the state's roadways, despite a lingering veto threat from Gov. Mike Easley. The Senate voted 43-0 on Wednesday to allow boats up to 10 feet wide to be towed without a permit any day of the week, and allow watercraft up to 9 1/2 feet wide to be pulled at night. Current state law allows boats up to 8 1/2 feet wide to be towed during daylight hours only on weekdays. Easley's chief lobbyist has said the governor is not likely to sign the bill into law, because he is concerned the changes are unsafe. The Senate vote sends the bill back to the House, which approved a less-restrictive version last month. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)