County Departments of Social Services are responsible for administering public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or the “Program-Formerly-Known-As-Food-Stamps”). Department directors and staff members play an active role … Read more

When the General Assembly convened on January  26 and the Republican party held a majority in both chambers for the first time in over a century, everyone expected things to be different: new leadership, revamped procedures, and shifting legislative priorities. … Read more

This post is co-authored with Christine Wunsche, the Director of the School of Government’s Legislative Reporting Service and Editor of the Daily Bulletin As today marks the opening day of the 150th session of the General Assembly, we wanted to … Read more

It is the Sunday after the big football game. People came to town from all across the state to see the local team play. Unfortunately, it turns out that several of the area hotels have been overrun with bed bugs … Read more

During its last term, the U.S. Supreme Court held in U.S. v. Stevens (130 S. Ct. 1577 (April 20, 2010), that a federal animal cruelty statute (18 U.S.C. § 48) was unconstitutional. The law criminalizes the creation, sale, or possession … Read more

I am in the process of coordinating the Local Government Legislative Review Webinar scheduled for this Thursday, August 12 from 10-12 (it’s not too late to register!).  We have a fantastic and diverse lineup of presenters talking about everything from … Read more

The new smoking law, S.L. 2009-27, not only prohibits smoking in most bars and restaurants across the state but it also significantly expands local governments’ authority to regulate smoking. Beginning January  2, 2010, local governments may adopt and enforce ordinances, … Read more

I am often asked, what animal control services MUST local governments provide?  The question may come from local officials who are in the process of evaluating their options.  Perhaps money is tight and they are considering dropping some animal control … Read more

UPDATE September 2013: In 2013, the General Assembly enacted legislation to shift oversight for some of these sheltering requirements to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See related blog post here. State legislators and regulators have dedicated a … Read more

Shortly after the 2010 New Years’ celebrations have died down, smoking will be prohibited in most restaurants and bars across the state. In addition, local governments will have new authority to regulate smoking in many public places. The new law … Read more