reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 2 - Duty and Privilege of Members. › § 120-9 - Freedom of speech.

§ 120-9. Freedom of speech.
The members shall have freedom of speech and debate in the General Assembly, and shall not be liable to impeachment or question, in any court or place out of the General Assembly, for words therein spoken. (1787, c. 277, s. 3, P.R.; R.C., c. 52, s. 29; Code, s. 2849; Rev., s. 4404; C.S., 6093; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1037, s. 1; 2000-140, s. 28.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.1 - Contesting a seat.

§ 120-10.1. Contesting a seat.
Except as otherwise provided by rules of the house, a contest of the qualifications as a candidate or election of a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate under Article II, Section 20 of the Constitution shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Article. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.2 - Definitions.

§ 120-10.2. Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following terms mean:
(1) Clerk. – The Principal Clerk of the house in which the election of the seat is being contested.
(2) Committee. – The Committee on Rules of the appropriate house unless, by rule, the house has designated another committee to hear contests.
(3) Contest. – A challenge to the apparent election of a member of the General Assembly or a request to determine an undecided election to a seat of the General Assembly in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(4) Contestant. – An unsuccessful candidate in an election to which this Article applies who initiates a contest.
(5) Contestee. – A candidate in an election to which this Article applies who is not a contestant.
(6) Notice of intent. – The notice required to initiate a contest in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(7) Unsuccessful candidate. – A candidate for an elective office to which this Article applies who has not been issued a certificate of election. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.3 - Initiating a contest.

§ 120-10.3. Initiating a contest.
(a) Who May Initiate. – A contest may be initiated only by a contestant by the filing of a written notice of the intent to petition for a contest in accordance with this section.
(b) When May Initiate. – The notice of intent may be filed no earlier than the date provided in G.S. 163-182.5 for the canvass by the board of elections with jurisdiction for the office under G.S. 163-182.4. The notice of intent must be filed no later than the latter of: (i) 10 days after a certificate of election has been issued, or (ii) 10 days after the conclusion of the election protest procedure under Article 15A of Chapter 163 of the General Statutes, but in no event may a contestant initiate a contest later than 30 days after the convening of a regular or special session of the General Assembly next after the election.
(c) Content of Notice. – A notice of intent shall state the grounds for the contest. The grounds shall be either or both of the following:
(1) Objections to the eligibility or qualifications of the contestee as a candidate in the election based on specific allegations.
(2) Objections to the conduct or results of the election accompanied by specific allegations that if proven true would have a probable impact on the outcome of the election.
The notice of intent shall also state that a contestee shall file an answer to the notice of intent in accordance with G.S. 120-10.4. The notice of intent shall be signed by the contestant and shall be verified in accordance with Rule 11(b) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. (2005-3, s. 2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.4 - Answering a notice of intent.

§ 120-10.4. Answering a notice of intent.
Within 10 days after service of the notice of intent on a contestee, a contestee shall file a written answer with the clerk. The contestee's answer shall admit or deny the allegations on which the contestant relies, or state that the contestee has no knowledge or information concerning an allegation which shall be deemed denial, and state any other defenses, in law or fact, on which the contestee relies and any different or additional issues the contestee wants considered. The answer shall be signed by the contestee and shall be verified in accordance with Rule 11(b) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. The failure to file an answer shall be deemed to be a general denial of the allegations. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.5 - Filings and service.

§ 120-10.5. Filings and service.
The notice of intent to contest shall be filed by the contestant with the clerk and copies thereof served by the contestant on the contestee as provided under Rule 4(j)(1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Proof of service shall be filed with the clerk in accordance with G.S. 1-75.10. The answer, petition, and any reply and copies thereof shall be filed with the clerk, and copies shall be served on the opposing party or the opposing party's counsel, if any, in the manner prescribed by Rule 5 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.6 - Discovery.

§ 120-10.6. Discovery.
(a) Depositions. – After service of the notice of intent, any party, after five days notice to the other party or parties may take depositions to sustain or invalidate the election. The contestant shall complete the taking of depositions to submit with the contestant's petition at any time within 20 days following the date of service of the notice of intent, and a contestee shall complete the taking of the contestee's depositions within 30 days following the date of service of the notice of intent on the contestee. By written stipulation of the parties, the testimony of any witness may be filed in the form of an affidavit by the witness within the same time limitations prescribed for the taking of depositions. Every deposition shall be taken before a person authorized by law to administer oaths, who shall certify and seal the deposition in the same manner as in judicial civil proceedings and file the same with the clerk.
(b) Witnesses. – Subpoenas for witnesses in a contest shall be issued upon the application of either party or upon motion of the committee under the same procedures as under Article 5A of this Chapter and shall be enforced as provided under G.S. 120-19.4. Witnesses shall be entitled to the same allowances and privileges, and be subject to the same penalties, as witnesses summoned to attend the courts. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.7 - Petitions.

§ 120-10.7. Petitions.
(a) Filing. – A written petition shall be filed by the contestant with the clerk within 40 days following the date of service of the notice of intent. The petition shall set forth the facts and arguments supporting the case of the contestant. A contestee may file a written reply to the petition within five days following its service on the contestee.
(b) Affidavits. – No affidavit may be made a part of, or filed in support of, a petition or reply thereto unless the affidavit has previously been filed with the clerk, pursuant to the written stipulation of the parties or their counsel, on or before the date established by G.S. 120-10.6 for the completion of the taking of depositions by the proponent of the affidavit. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.8 - Referral to committee.

§ 120-10.8. Referral to committee.
(a) Referral. – The clerk shall refer the notice, answer, petition, reply, depositions, and affidavits to the committee, which documents shall constitute part of the record in the contest. The committee shall hear the contest and conduct such investigation as has been directed by resolution of its house.
(b) Procedure. – The committee shall set a schedule for taking depositions and receiving affidavits. The committee may consider the contestant's and contestee's recommendations for the procedural schedule. The committee may hold hearings and may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in its inquiry in accordance with Article 5A of this Chapter. The committee may accept the filing of briefs. The committee may order the recount of the ballots in the election and may seek and obtain the assistance of the State Board of Elections in the interpretation and counting of ballots.
(c) Compel Discovery. – No witness in a contest shall be excused from discovering whether the witness voted in the election that is the subject of the contest or the witness's qualification to vote, except as to the witness's conviction for any offense which would disqualify the witness from voting. If the witness was not a qualified voter, the witness shall be compelled to discover for whom the witness voted; but any witness making such discovery shall not be subject to criminal or penal prosecution for having voted in the election.
(d) Report. – The committee shall report its findings as to the law and the facts and make recommendations to the house for its action. (2005-3, s. 2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.9 - Basis for decision.

§ 120-10.9. Basis for decision.
(a) Eligibility and Qualification. – If the contest is as to the eligibility or qualifications of the contestee, the house shall determine if the contestee is eligible and qualified. If it determines that the contestee is not eligible or not qualified, it shall order a new election.
(b) Conduct or Results of Election. – If the contest is as to the conduct or results of the election, the house shall determine which candidate received the highest number of votes. If it can determine which candidate received the highest number of votes, it shall seat that person as a member of the house. If it cannot determine which candidate received the highest number of votes, it may order a new election, or may order such other relief, as may be necessary and proper. If it determines that two or more candidates shall be equal and highest in votes, the provisions of G.S. 163-182.8 shall apply. (2005-3, s. 2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.10 - Jurisdiction.

§ 120-10.10. Jurisdiction.
A contest of any election held at the same time and place as members of the General Assembly are elected shall be considered by the newly elected house. Any other contest shall be heard by the house sitting at the time of the election. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.11 - Judicial proceedings abated.

§ 120-10.11. Judicial proceedings abated.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the initiation of a contest under this Article, any judicial proceedings involving either the contestant or the contestee encompassing the issues set forth in the notice of intent or an answer thereto concerning the election that is the subject of the contest shall abate. The clerk shall file a copy of the notice of intent and final determination with the court in any judicial proceeding pending prior to the filing of the notice of intent. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.12 - Determination of house not reviewable.

§ 120-10.12. Determination of house not reviewable.
The decision of one of the houses of the General Assembly in determining a contest pursuant to this Article may not be reviewed by the General Court of Justice. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3 - Contests. › § 120-10.13 - Bad faith costs assessed.

§ 120-10.13. Bad faith costs assessed.
The prevailing party in any contest may recover that party's costs incurred in conjunction with the contest in a civil action, upon a showing that the other party filed, pursued, maintained, or defended the contest in bad faith and without substantial justification. (2005-3, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3A - Sessions; Electronic Voting. › § 120-11.1 - Time of meeting.

§ 120-11.1. Time of meeting.
The regular session of the Senate and House of Representatives shall be held biennially beginning at 12:00 noon on the second Wednesday in January next after their election, and on that day they shall meet solely to elect officers, adopt rules, and otherwise organize the session. When they adjourn that day, they stand adjourned until 12:00 noon on the third Wednesday after the second Monday in January next after their election. (1967, c. 1181; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1066, s. 21; 2012-194, s. 66.5(a); 2015-264, s. 68.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 3A - Sessions; Electronic Voting. › § 120-11.2 - Installation and use of electronic voting apparatus.

§ 120-11.2. Installation and use of electronic voting apparatus.
(a) The General Assembly of North Carolina shall, in accordance with rules adopted by each of the respective bodies, vote by use of electronic voting apparatus. The electronic voting apparatus shall be purchased by and installed under the direct supervision of the Legislative Services Commission as soon as is practicable, but in any event the apparatus shall be installed and fully operational as soon as possible after January 1, 1975.
(b) The rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall be amended so as to provide for the installation and use of electronic voting apparatus.
(c) Working plans for the installation of electronic voting equipment shall be submitted to the Legislative Services Commission for approval to the end that the architectural integrity of the building may be preserved. (1973, c. 488, ss. 1-3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 4 - Reports of Officers to General Assembly. › § 120-12 - Reports from State institutions and departments.

§ 120-12. Reports from State institutions and departments.
It shall be the duty of the chief officer of each department of the State and of the boards of directors of all institutions supported in whole or in part by appropriations from the State, to submit to the General Assembly, with their respective reports, bills providing for the support and management of their respective departments; these reports, with those of the other officers of the executive department, shall be submitted to the Governor, to be transmitted by him with his message to the General Assembly. (1800, c. 557, s. 2, P.R.; Code, s. 2865; Rev., s. 4410; C.S., s. 6099.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 4 - Reports of Officers to General Assembly. › § 120-12.1 - Reports on vacant positions in various departments.

§ 120-12.1. Reports on vacant positions in various departments.
The Judicial Department, the Department of Justice, the Department of Adult Correction, and the Department of Public Safety shall each report by February 1 of each year to the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on all positions within that department that have remained vacant for 12 months or more. The report shall include the original position vacancy dates, the dates of any postings or repostings of the positions, and an explanation for the length of the vacancies. (1998-212, s. 16.23; 2011-145, s. 19.1(g), (h); 2012-83, s. 42; 2013-410, s. 10; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmm).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-14 - Power of committees.

§ 120-14. Power of committees.
Any committee of investigation raised either by joint resolution or resolution of either house of the General Assembly has full power to send for persons and papers, and, if necessary, to compel attendance and production of papers by attachment or otherwise. (1869-70, c. 5, s. 1; Code, s. 2853; Rev., s. 4412; C.S., s. 6100.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-15 - Chairman may administer oaths.

§ 120-15. Chairman may administer oaths.
The chairman of any committee or any person in his presence, and under his direction, shall have power and authority to administer oaths. (1869-70, c. 5, s. 3; Code, s. 2856; Rev., s. 4413; C.S., s. 6101.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-16 - Pay of witnesses.

§ 120-16. Pay of witnesses.
Any witness appearing and giving testimony shall be entitled to receive from the person at whose instance he was summoned ten cents (10¢) for every mile traveling to and from his residence, and ferriage, to be recovered in the district court upon the certificate of the commissioner. (1800, c. 557, s. 2, P.R.; R.C., c. 52, s. 33; Code, s. 2860; Rev., s. 4414; C.S., s. 6102; 1973, c. 108, s. 69.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-17 - Appearance before committee.

§ 120-17. Appearance before committee.
Every person desiring to appear either in person or by attorney to introduce testimony, or to offer argument for or against the passage of an act or resolution, before any committee of either house of the General Assembly, shall first make application to such committee, stating in writing his object, the number and names of his witnesses, and the nature of their testimony. If the committee consider the information likely to be important, or the interest of the applicant to be great, they shall appoint a time and place for hearing the same, with such limitations as may be deemed necessary. (1868-9, c. 270, s. 10; Code, s. 2858; Rev., s. 4415; C.S., s. 6103.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-18 - Appeal from denial of right to be heard.

§ 120-18. Appeal from denial of right to be heard.
If any committee shall refuse to grant the request of any citizen to be heard before it in a matter touching his interests, he may appeal to the house of which the committee is a part; and if he shows good reason for his request the house shall order it to be granted. (1868-9, c. 270, s. 11; Code, s. 2859; Rev., s. 4416; C.S., s. 6104.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5 - Investigating Committees. › § 120-19 - State officers, etc., upon request, to furnish data and information to legislative committees or commissions.

§ 120-19. State officers, etc., upon request, to furnish data and information to legislative committees or commissions.
Except as provided in G.S. 105-259, all officers, agents, agencies and departments of the State are required to give to any committee of either house of the General Assembly, or any committee or commission whose funds are appropriated or transferred to the General Assembly or to the Legislative Services Commission for disbursement, upon request, all information and all data within their possession, or ascertainable from their records. This requirement is mandatory and shall include requests made by any individual member of the General Assembly, one of its standing committees or the chair of a standing committee, or any other legislative panel duly appointed by the President Pro Tempore and/or the Speaker of the House or an agent or employee of such a legislative panel. (Resolution 19, 1937, p. 927; 1993, c. 485, s. 37; 2001-491, s. 33.1; 2019-80, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.1 - Hearings; examination of witnesses; counsel.

§ 120-19.1. Hearings; examination of witnesses; counsel.
(a) Committees of either the House or Senate of the General Assembly of North Carolina may hold separate or joint hearings, call witnesses, and compel testimony relevant to any bill, resolution or other matter properly before the committee.
(b) Witnesses may be examined under oath.
(c) When any person is examined before a committee, any member wishing to ask a question must address it to the chairman or presiding officer, who repeats the question or directs the witness to answer the member's question. Staff members or counsel employed by the committee may propound questions to the chairman for a witness to answer.
(d) Objections to the propriety of a question are directed to the committee as a whole. The committee must determine whether the objection is to be sustained or overruled by majority vote of the committee.
(e) When any witness is examined under oath, the proceedings must be taken and transcribed verbatim. Upon request, a witness must be furnished a copy of the transcript of his appearance before the committee.
(f) Witnesses may be accompanied by their own counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their rights. (1973, c. 543.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.3 - Witness fees and expenses.

§ 120-19.3. Witness fees and expenses.
Witnesses subpoenaed to testify before a committee of either house of the General Assembly or a joint committee of the General Assembly shall be entitled to the same fees and expenses as are allowable for witnesses in criminal proceedings in the superior court division of the General Court of Justice. (1973, c. 543.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.4 - Failure to respond to subpoena or refusal to testify punishable as contempt.

§ 120-19.4. Failure to respond to subpoena or refusal to testify punishable as contempt.
(a) Any person who without good cause fails to obey a subpoena which was served upon him, or, fails or refuses to testify shall be deemed to be in contempt of the committee and shall be punished as in the case of a civil contempt under the procedures set out in subsection (b). Any person whose action in the immediate presence of the committee directly tends to disrupt its proceedings may also be punished as in the case of a civil contempt under the procedures set out in subsection (b).
(b) If by a majority vote the committee deems that any person is in contempt under the provisions of subsection (a) the committee shall file a complaint signed by the chairman in the General Court of Justice, superior court division, requesting that the court issue an order directing that the person appear within a reasonable time and show good cause why he should not be held in contempt of the committee or its processes. If the person does not establish good cause the court shall punish the person in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 5A-12 or G.S. 5A-21, whichever is applicable. (1973, c. 543; 1977, c. 344, s. 2; 1985, c. 790, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.4A - Requests to State Bureau of Investigation for background investigation of a person who must be confirmed by legislative action.

§ 120-19.4A. Requests to State Bureau of Investigation for background investigation of a person who must be confirmed by legislative action.
The President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House may request that the State Bureau of Investigation perform a background investigation on a person who must be appointed or confirmed by the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House of Representatives. The person being investigated shall be given written notice by regular mail at least 10 days prior to the date that the State Bureau of Investigation is requested to perform the background investigation by the presiding officer of the body from which the request originated. There is a rebuttable presumption that the person being investigated received the notice if the presiding officer has a copy of the notice. The State Bureau of Investigation shall perform the requested background investigation and shall provide the information, including criminal records, to the presiding officer of the body from which the request originated. A copy of the information also shall be provided to the person being investigated. The term "background investigation" shall be limited to an investigation of a person's criminal record, educational background, employment record, records concerning the listing and payment of taxes, and credit record, and to a requirement that the person provide the information contained in the statements of economic interest required to be filed by persons subject to Chapter 138A of the General Statutes. (1987, c. 867, s. 2; 2008-213, s. 89; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.5 - Committee staff assistance.

§ 120-19.5. Committee staff assistance.
Upon a certificate of need from the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore of the Senate, or the Speaker pro tempore of the House and upon request of the committee chairman, the Legislative Services Officer is authorized to assign to any standing committee having interim research, drafting, or hearing assignment one or more members of his staff who shall function as research assistant and counsel to the committee when needed. (1973, c. 543.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.6 - Interim committee activity; rules.

§ 120-19.6. Interim committee activity; rules.
(a) Upon a general directive by resolution of the house in question or upon a specific authorization of either the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, any standing committee, select committee or subcommittee of either house of the General Assembly is authorized to meet in the interim period between sessions or during recesses of the General Assembly to consider specific bills or resolutions or other matters properly before the committee. No particular form of authority is needed, but this section is intended to promote better coordination by having a system of authorization for meetings of the committees of the General Assembly between sessions or during recesses. Meetings will be held in Raleigh, but with the approval of the Speaker or Speaker Pro Tempore, a House committee may meet elsewhere; and with the approval of the President or President Pro Tempore, a Senate committee may meet elsewhere. In addition, committees may meet at such places as authorized by specific resolution or action of either body of the General Assembly.
(a1) The Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may authorize, in writing, the creation of interim study committees to study and investigate governmental agencies and institutions and matters of public policy to assist that chamber in performing its duties in the most efficient and effective manner. The Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may appoint members of the relevant chamber, State officers and employees, and members of the public to the interim study committee. An interim study committee created under this subsection shall be deemed a committee of the relevant chamber for the purposes of this Article. Interim study committee members who are State officers and employees or members of the public shall receive subsistence and travel expenses as provided in G.S. 120-3.1, 138-5, or 138-6, as appropriate.
(b) In all other respects, committees shall function in the interim period between sessions or during recesses in the same manner and under the rules generally applicable to committees of the house in question of the General Assembly during the session of the General Assembly.
(c) Any committee during the interim period that meets upon specific authorization of the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, President Pro Tempore of the Senate or Speaker Pro Tempore of the House shall limit its activities to those matters contained in the authorization, and shall suspend its activities upon written directive of such officer. Any interim committee that meets upon a directive by resolution of the house in question of the General Assembly shall limit its activities to those matters contained in the authorization. (1973, c. 543; 2001-491, s. 33.2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.7 - Subcommittees.

§ 120-19.7. Subcommittees.
By consent and approval of a majority of any committee, the chairman may designate a subcommittee of not less than five persons to conduct hearings, call witnesses, and inquire into any matters properly before the committee. A duly constituted subcommittee shall have all of the powers of the full committee, but any subcommittee shall cease its activities upon majority vote of the full committee, or as provided in G.S. 120-19.6. (1973, c. 543.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.8 - Limitation by resolution of either house.

§ 120-19.8. Limitation by resolution of either house.
The provisions of G.S. 120-19.5 pertaining to staff assistance and the provisions of G.S. 120-19.6 pertaining to interim committee activity shall not apply to the House if the House by rule or resolution shall adopt an alternate method of staff assistance or interim committee activity and shall not apply to the Senate if the Senate by rule or resolution shall adopt an alternate method of staff assistance or interim committee activity. Either house of the General Assembly shall have the right to determine any matter concerning the scope of its internal procedure by appropriate rule or resolution without the joinder of the other. (1973, c. 543.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 5A - Committee Activity. › § 120-19.9 - Local acts affecting State highway system to be considered by transportation committees.

§ 120-19.9. Local acts affecting State highway system to be considered by transportation committees.
Any local bill affecting the State highway system shall, prior to its passage, be referred to a committee of either the House or Senate charged with the responsibility of examining bills or issues related to transportation or to the State highway system. (1987, c. 747, s. 24.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-20 - When acts take effect.

§ 120-20. When acts take effect.
Acts of the General Assembly shall be in force only from and after 60 days after the adjournment of the session in which they shall have passed, unless the commencement of the operation thereof be expressly otherwise directed. (1799, c. 527, P.R.; R.C., c. 52, s. 35; 1868-9, c. 270, s. 1; Code, s. 2862; Rev., s. 4417; C.S., s. 6105; 1995, c. 20, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-20.1 - Coded bill drafting.

§ 120-20.1. Coded bill drafting.
(a) Whenever in any act:
(1) It is stated that:
a. A law "reads as rewritten:"; or
b. Laws "read as rewritten:"; and
(2) The law is set out showing material struck through or underlined, or both
the material struck through is being deleted from the existing law, and the material underlined is being added to the existing law.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, underlining in a column heading is existing law, and a double underline shows a column heading being added to existing law.
(b1) In any part of a law enacted in the format provided by this section, the material deleted from existing law and the material being added to existing law are the only changes made, the setting out of material not deleted or added is for illustration only, and the fact that two different acts amend the same law, when one or more of those is in the format provided by this section, does not in itself create a conflict.
(b2) In any act ratified on or after January 11, 1989, when a new section, subsection, or subdivision is added to the General Statutes, and that section, subsection, or subdivision is underlined, the underlining is not part of the law, but merely an illustration that the material in the bill which enacted the law is new.
(c) As used in this section "act" and "law" also includes joint and simple resolutions.
(d) This section applies to acts ratified on or after February 9, 1987. (1987, c. 138; c. 485, s. 4; 1989, c. 770, s. 40; 2001-487, s. 78.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-23 through 120-25 - Transferred to G.S147-43.1 to 147-43.3 by Session Laws 1943, c543.

§§ 120-23 through 120-25. Transferred to G.S. 147-43.1 to 147-43.3 by Session Laws 1943, c. 543.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-27 - Journals; preparation and filing by clerks of houses.

§ 120-27. Journals; preparation and filing by clerks of houses.
It shall be the duty of the principal clerks of the two houses of the General Assembly to hasten the preparation of their journals for the printer, so that in no case at any time shall the journal of either house of any one day's proceedings remain unprepared for the printer by the clerk for a longer period than six days after its approval, and such clerks shall, immediately after the preparation of any and every day's proceedings of their respective houses, send the same to the office of the Secretary of State. (1872-3, c. 45, ss. 2, 3; Code, ss. 3627, 3628; Rev., s. 5100; C.S., s. 7299.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-28 - Journals indexed by clerks.

§ 120-28. Journals indexed by clerks.
The principal clerks of the two houses of the General Assembly shall provide full and complete indexes for the journals of their respective houses. (1866-7, c. 71; 1881, c. 292; Code, s. 2868; Rev., s. 4421; C.S., s. 6112.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-29 - Journals deposited with Secretary of State.

§ 120-29. Journals deposited with Secretary of State.
The principal clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives, as soon as may be practicable after the close of each session, shall deposit in the office of the Secretary of State the journals of the General Assembly; and the Secretary of State shall make and certify copies of any part or entry of the journals, and may take for the copy of each entry made and certified the same fee as for the copy of a grant. (1819, c. 1020, P.R.; R.C., c. 52, s. 36; Code, s. 2867; Rev., s. 4420; C.S., s. 6113.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-29.1 - Approval of bills.

§ 120-29.1. Approval of bills.
(a) If the Governor approves a bill, the Governor shall write upon the same, below the signatures of the presiding officers of the two houses, the fact, date, and time of approval, as follows: "Approved ____.m. this ____ day of ____, ____" and shall sign the same as follows: "____ Governor". The Governor shall then return the approved bill to the enrolling clerk.
(b) If any bill becomes law because of the failure of the Governor to take any action, it shall be the duty of the Governor to return the measure to the enrolling clerk, who shall sign the following certificate on the measure and deposit it with the Secretary of State: "This bill having been presented to the Governor for signature on the ____ day of ____, ____ and the Governor having failed to approve it within the time prescribed by law, the same is hereby declared to have become a law.
This ____ day of ____, ____, ____ Enrolling Clerk".
(c) If the Governor returns any bill to the house of origin with objections, the Governor shall write such objections on the measure or cause the objections to be attached to the measure. When any such bill becomes law after reconsideration of the two houses, the principal clerk of the second house to act shall, below the objections of the Governor, sign the following certificate: "Became law notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, ____.m. this ____ day of ____, ____". The principal clerk of the second house to act shall fill in the time. The enrolling clerk shall deposit the measure with the Secretary of State.
(d) In calculating the period under Section 22(7) of Article II of the North Carolina Constitution, the day on which the bill is presented to the Governor shall be excluded and the entire last day of the period is included. (1995, c. 20, s. 2; 1997-1, s. 3; 2010-96, s. 15.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6 - Acts, Journals, and Reports to the General Assembly. › § 120-29.5 - State agency reports to the General Assembly.

§ 120-29.5. State agency reports to the General Assembly.
(a) Submission. – Whenever a report is directed by law or resolution to be made to the General Assembly, the State agency preparing the report shall deliver one copy of the report to each of the following officers: the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the House Principal Clerk, and the Senate Principal Clerk; and two copies of the report to the Legislative Library. The State agency is encouraged to inform members of the General Assembly that an electronic copy is available. This section does not affect any responsibilities for depositing documents with the State Library or the State Publications Clearinghouse under Chapter 125 of the General Statutes.
(b) Publication. – A State agency submitting a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or a report directed by law or resolution to be made to a committee or subcommittee of the General Assembly shall publish the report on a public Internet Web site maintained by the State agency. (2004-203, s. 49(b); 2019-250, s. 5.10(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9A - Purpose.

§ 120-30.9A. Purpose.
The purpose of this Article is to ensure compliance with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by designating certain officials who shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States any statute enacted by the General Assembly or action taken by any local government which affects any voting qualification, prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure with respect to voting different from that in force or effect on November 1, 1964, in any jurisdiction covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1997-456, s. 27.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9B - Statewide statutes; State Board of Elections.

§ 120-30.9B. Statewide statutes; State Board of Elections.
(a) The Executive Director of the State Board of Elections or, in the discretion of the Legislative Services Commission, a person designated by the Legislative Services Commission shall seek approval as required by 42 U.S.C. § 1973c for all of the following:
(1) Within 30 days of the time they become laws all acts of the General Assembly that amend, delete, add to, modify or repeal any provision of Chapter 163 of the General Statutes or any other statewide legislation, except relating to Chapter 7A of the General Statutes or as provided in subsection (b) of this section, which constitutes a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and
(2) Within 30 days all alterations of precinct boundaries under G.S. 163-132.2(c) in counties covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
(b) With respect to acts of the General Assembly that amend, delete, add to, modify, or repeal any provision relating to apportioning or redistricting of State legislative or congressional districts, the Attorney General of North Carolina shall seek approval of the plan as required by 42 U.S.C. § 1973c. If the Attorney General of North Carolina fails within 30 days of enactment of the plan to seek approval of the plan, then the Legislative Services Commission may authorize another appropriate person to seek approval of the plan as authorized by law. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1989, c. 440, s. 4; 1995, c. 20, s. 4; 2001-319, s. 11; 2003-434, 1st Ex. Sess., s. 12; 2011-145, s. 22.3; 2011-391, s. 48; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9C - The judicial system; Administrative Office of the Courts.

§ 120-30.9C. The judicial system; Administrative Office of the Courts.
The Administrative Officer of the Courts shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days of the time they become laws all acts of the General Assembly that amend, delete, add to, modify or repeal any provision of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes of North Carolina which constitutes a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1995, c. 20, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9D - Constitutional amendments; Secretary of State.

§ 120-30.9D. Constitutional amendments; Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days of ratification all acts of the General Assembly that amend the North Carolina Constitution and which constitute a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (1985, c. 579, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9E - Counties; County Attorney.

§ 120-30.9E. Counties; County Attorney.
The County Attorney of any county covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days:
(1) Of the time they become laws, any local acts of the General Assembly; and
(2) Of adoption actions of the county board of commissioners, or the county board of elections or any other county agency which constitutes a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in that county. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1995, c. 20, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9F - Municipalities; municipal attorney.

§ 120-30.9F. Municipalities; municipal attorney.
The municipal attorney of any municipality covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days:
(1) Of the time they become laws, any local acts of the General Assembly; and
(2) Of adoption actions of the municipal governing body or any other municipal agency or county board of elections which constitutes a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in that municipality; provided that, if required or allowed by regulations or practices of the United States Department of Justice, a municipal attorney may delay submission of any annexation ordinance or group of ordinances until all previously submitted annexation ordinances have been precleared or otherwise received final disposition. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1989, c. 598, s. 4; 1995, c. 20, s. 7; 2011-31, s. 12; 2012-194, s. 22(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9G - School Administrative Units; State Board of Education; Local Boards of Education Attorney.

§ 120-30.9G. School Administrative Units; State Board of Education; Local Boards of Education Attorney.
(a) The State Board of Education shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days any rules, policies, procedures, or actions taken pursuant to G.S. 115C-64.4 which could result in the appointment of a caretaker administrator or board to perform any of the powers and duties of a local board of education where that school administrative unit is covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
(b) The attorney for any local board of education where that school administrative unit is covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States within 30 days:
(1) Of the time they become laws, any local acts of the General Assembly; and
(2) Of adoption actions of the local boards of education which constitutes a "change affecting voting" under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in that school administrative unit. If the change affecting voting is a merger of two or more school administrative units, the change shall be submitted jointly by the attorneys of the school administrative units involved, or by one of them by agreement of the attorneys involved. (1985, c. 579, s. 1; 1991, c. 529, s. 2; 1995, c. 20, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9H - Decision letters of USAttorney General published in North Carolina Register.

§ 120-30.9H. Decision letters of U. S. Attorney General published in North Carolina Register.
All letters and other documents received by the authorities required by this Article to submit any "changes affecting voting" from the Attorney General of the United States in which a final decision is made concerning a submitted "change affecting voting" shall be filed with the Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Director shall publish the letters and other documents in the North Carolina Register. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1032, s. 11.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 120 - General Assembly › Article 6A - Submission of Acts. › § 120-30.9I - Alternate submission authority.

§ 120-30.9I. Alternate submission authority.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, in the event that the person or party responsible under G.S. 120-30.9E, 120-30.9F, or 120-30.9G for submitting any local act of the General Assembly shall delay, obstruct, or refuse to make a submittal to the Attorney General of the United States, the Attorney General of North Carolina may submit that local act. Any person or party responsible under this Article for making such a submission shall promptly provide any information and materials the Attorney General of North Carolina might request to facilitate making the submission and making any supplements to the submission. (1991, c. 761, s. 21.1.)