RALEIGH -- North Carolina liquor stores have to meet performance standards or ultimately face closure and local ABC board members could face removal if they misbehave in legislation given the final OK by the General Assembly.
The proposal agreed to Thursday by both the House and Senate completes months of study on how to reform the state Alcoholic Beverage Control system and ABC package stores run by largely independent boards in towns and cities.
The measure now heads to Gov. Beverly Perdue, who sought ABC system changes. Momentum for reform grew following news reports about the high salaries of local board administrators and meals paid for by liquor companies to local ABC leaders.
Local boards would have up to 20 months to improve if they don't meet the standards.
Bill removes oil liability cap
RALEIGH -- North Carolina could receive unlimited damages from oil companies for a spill like the one in the Gulf of Mexico under a bill heading to Gov. Beverly Perdue's desk.
The Senate gave final approval Thursday by a vote of 46-2 to a bill that removes the current liability limit on damages the state of North Carolina could receive from a spill.
Sen. Margaret Dickson of Cumberland County said it's important North Carolina remove itself from the federal government's cap of all removal costs plus $75 million because the BP disaster shows it wouldn't be enough.
Sen. Bob Rucho of Mecklenburg County questioned whether lifting the cap might discourage future offshore energy exploration off the North Carolina coast.
New towing rules delineated
RALEIGH -- North Carolina's Legislature has passed new rules reining in abusive tow truck operators.
The state Senate voted 45-2 for consumer protection standards for most of the state's major urban areas and Dare, Richmond, and Robeson counties. The measure now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue for consideration.
The law requires parking lots that tow away unauthorized vehicles to post a 2-by-2 foot sign with the name and phone number of its towing company. Tow-truck operators couldn't haul cars more than 25 miles away.
Car owners could pay to collect their vehicle without giving up the right to contest the charges later and towing companies couldn't force car owners to sign away their right to go to court to get their vehicle.
School calendars get wiggle room
RALEIGH -- North Carolina senators are ready to give schools wiggle room to rework their calendars after snow days, while sticking within a schedule demanded by tourism interests.
The Senate voted unanimously Thursday for a bill to give school administrators more flexibility to move the required starting and ending dates for the traditional school year. The bill heads to the House.
A state law backed by the tourism industry requires schools open no earlier than Aug. 25 and close by June 10.
The bill lets a school district open earlier in August if severe weather forced the closing of at least one school for all or part of eight days annually over a span of several years.
Schools in the mountains sought the change after snow closings lengthened last school year.
