GA Update: Weekly Legislative Session Recap and Related News

What’s happening in the North Carolina General Assembly and around state government? Here’s a recap of activity and how your business will be impacted.
 
Important discussions began last week around House Bill 951, a major piece of legislation designed to modernize our energy infrastructure and ensure that North Carolina has clean, reliable, and affordable energy generation. House Bill 951: Modernizing Energy Generation, is sound energy policy that moves our community forward in a multitude of ways. The bill strengthens existing customer-facing solar programs like Green Source Advantage, which businesses look to support sustainability goals and help reduce the carbon footprint. The bill also supports balanced energy transition in North Carolina at a pace that ensures continued reliability and affordability that businesses depend on.
 
The bill is a product of a lengthy stakeholder group that has been occurring over the past several months. While there will certainly be numerous changes as the legislation moves through the legislative process, we are hopeful that discussions will continue, and the General Assembly will address this vital issue for the future of our economy. The economic development efforts of our region benefit when there is an “All of the Above” energy strategy in place. We will continue to update you as the legislation moves forward.
 
For the past few months, the North Carolina General Assembly has been working to update North Carolina Labor Laws. Senate Bill 208: Labor Law Changes would do all of the following:
 

1. Clarifies that the medical records obtained under G.S. 95-133(b)(13) must be kept separate from an investigative file and must not be released to an employer under investigation except as necessary to support the issuance of a citation in an OSHANC enforcement proceeding.
2. Repeals the article addressing regulation of job listing services.
3. Makes clarifying changes to statutes addressing youth employment certificates and payment to separated employees.
4. Requires employers to notify employees, in writing, at least one pay period prior to changes in wages, and (5) provides that the maximum penalty for employers who violate record keeping requirements must not exceed $2,000 per violation.

 
The bill passed the Senate and is now being debated in the House. We will monitor the legislation as it moves forward so business leaders are aware of any significant changes to North Carolina Labor Laws.
 
To learn more about our GA priorities, track legislative bills, or to read our blog posts, you can visit our webpage or follow us on Twitter @RcgaJ, @tierra_rcga, or @raleighchamber.