Read this week's edition of Locke Notes...
Dear Friend,
The dawn of a new year often signifies more than just a change in the calendar; it also means the enactment of new laws ([link removed]) and regulations. Here in North Carolina, we have sixteen state laws that are now in full effect.
The new effective laws include subjects related to education, elections, and local government, among several others.
What's changing? Let's break down a few of the notable laws that impact North Carolinians:
Education:
High school graduation requirements ([link removed]) will now include courses in computer science and the foundational principles of the United States and the State of North Carolina. This mandate will become fully effective starting next academic year.
Elections:
Starting January 1st, key parts of the elections bill, S.B. 747, were implemented. This includes a regulation that sets Election Day as the final day for absentee ballots and mandates that convicted felons must complete their full sentence, including probation and any financial restitution before their voting rights are reinstated.
Additionally, from this date, election boards can no longer receive private funding for election administration. In an
article ([link removed]) published by Theresa Opeka of The Carolina Journal, Theresa notes the reason for the change, writing ([link removed]) :
"That provision was sparked by the uneven use of seven million dollars in "Zuck Bucks" donations from Mark Zuckerberg's Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) in 2020. During that election the private money primarily went to Democrat-leaning precincts in North Carolina to fund get-out-the-vote efforts."
It's important to note that last year, Governor Cooper vetoed this bill, drawing national attention mainly due to his claims of racial bias in the legislation.
However, despite Governor Cooper's veto ([link removed]) , the legislature successfully overturned it, which is now law.
Driver's License Modifications:
Mainly impacting teen drivers, the new law extends the learner's permit period to nine months for drivers aged sixteen to eighteen and revises passenger rules for those driving with a learner's permit.
Click here ([link removed]) for a complete list of all sixteen laws effective as of January 1st in North Carolina.
Friend, as 2024 unfolds, new laws taking effect statewide signal a dynamic year ahead. We all at Locke remain dedicated to championing legislation that empowers every North Carolinian to flourish and succeed.
Cheers to an impactful and meaningful 2024!
-Bethany
** Carolina Liberty Conference is Fast Approching!
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2024 is here, which means that we are just weeks away from the Carolina Liberty Conference! Tickets are going fast, so be sure to grab yours today ([link removed]) to secure your spot at North Carolina's largest center-right gathering!
See you there!
** More from Locke & Carolina Journal
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** Five New Year’s Resolutions To Consider For 2024
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Inflation, governmental overreach, and an apparent disregard for the authority of parents and the importance of personal autonomy have reached a breaking point for me. This year, I choose to stop being angry. Instead, I will focus on what is going right and work to encourage it.
Keep Reading ([link removed])
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** New Developments in the Trump Disqualification Saga
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In a recent opinion, the Colorado Supreme Court found that Donald Trump is disqualified from serving a second presidential term under Section Three of the 14th Amendment. The case is now headed for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Keep Reading ([link removed])
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** Plenty of Local Pork in North Carolina Education Budget
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A review of the 2023-24 budget documents reveals that General Fund spending increased at a healthy pace (about 9 percent over the previous year).
Keep Reading ([link removed])
** Defining Digit
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