Although legislators have been called back to Raleigh for a special session that may include modification of the descriptions of the six ballot referenda up for consideration by voters, the substance of the proposed constitutional amendments will not likely change.
Protect the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife
Session law 2018-96
• Primary sponsors: Sens. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, Norm Sanderson, R-Arapahoe, Tom McInnis, R-Rockingham
• Final votes: House 92-23, Senate 41-6
• Democrats voting in favor: House 19, Senate 8
• Republicans voting against: House 0, Senate 0
• Effective date: Upon passage
• What it says: “The right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife is a valued part of the State’s heritage and shall be forever preserved for the public good.”
Provide better protections and safeguards to victims of crime
Session law 2018-110
• Primary sponsors: Reps. Nelson Dollar, R-Cary, Rena Turner, R-Olin, Destin Hall, R-Lenoir, Beverly Earle, D-Charlotte
• Final votes: House 107-9, Senate 45-1
• Democrats voting in favor: House 34, Senate 12
• Republicans voting against: House 1, Senate 0
• Effective date: Aug. 31, 2019
• What it says: “Victims of crime or acts of delinquency shall be treated with dignity and respect by the criminal justice system.”
Establish a Bipartisan board of ethics and elections enforcement and clarify board appointments
Session law 2018-117
• Primary sponsor: Rep. David Lewis, R-Dunn
• Final votes: House 74-44, Senate 32-14
• Democrats voting in favor: House 0, Senate 0
• Republicans voting against: House 1, Senate 1
• Effective date: Parts upon passage, parts on March 1, 2019
• What it says: “The Bipartisan State Board of Ethics and Elections Enforcement shall consist of eight members, each serving a term of four years, who shall be qualified voters of this State.”
Judicial Vacancy Sunshine Amendment
Session law 2018-118
• Primary Sponsors: Sens. Warren Daniel, R-Morganton, Paul Newton, R-Mount Pleasant, Shirley Randleman, R-Wilkesboro
• Final votes: House 73-45, Senate 34-13
• Democrats voting in favor: House 0, Senate 1
• Republicans voting against: House 1, Senate 0
• Effective date: Upon passage
• What it says: “The General Assembly shall, by general law, provide for the establishment of local merit commissions for the nomination of judges of the Superior and District Court.”
Provide that the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed seven percent
Session law 2018—119
• Primary sponsors: Sens. Tommy Tucker, R-Union, Andrew Brock, R-Davie, Jerry Tillman, R-Archdale
• Final votes: House 73-45, Senate 34-13
• Democrats voting in favor: House 0, Senate 3
• Republicans voting against: House 1, Senate 2
• Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
• What it says: “The rate of tax on incomes shall not in any case exceed seven percent, and there shall be allowed personal exemptions and deductions so that only net incomes are taxed.”
Require photo identification to vote in person
Session law 2018-128
• Primary sponsors: Reps. Tim Moore, R-Kings Mountain, David Lewis, R-Dunn, Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, John Sauls, R-Sanford
• Final votes: House 74-43, Senate 33-12
• Democrats voting in favor: House 0, Senate 0
• Republicans voting against: House 0, Senate 0
• Effective date: Upon passage
• What it says: “Voters offering to vote in person shall present photographic identification before voting. The General Assembly shall enact general laws governing the requirements of such photographic identification, which may include exceptions.”