Legislative roundup for the week of Feb. 11-14
Here is a look at some of the bills introduced in the N.C. House and Senate this week by local lawmakers.

Senate Bill 55 (Feb. 13) Continuing Education for General Contractors: N.C. Sen. Don Davis (D-Greene) and N.C. Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) are sponsors of this bill that would require residential and building contractors to complete eight hours continuing education requirements in order to renew their license each year. The stated purpose of the requirement, according to the bill, is to “enhanc[e] the professional competence and professional responsibility of those licensees.”

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. Read the bill here: https://webservices.ncleg.net/ViewBillDocument/2019/230/0/DRS15020-NDf-1

Senate Bill 43 (Feb. 12) Establish Standards for Surgical Technology: Davis and Perry also co-sponsored this bill to establish required levels of qualification for those employed by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to perform surgical technology roles. Read the bill here: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2019/S43

House Bill 74 (Feb. 13) 2019 School Safety Grants Program: N.C. Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) is a primary sponsor and N.C. Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir) co-sponsored this bill that would provide grants for “(i) services for students in crisis, (ii) school safety training, (iii) safety equipment in schools, and (iv) school mental health support personnel.” It was introduced Feb. 13 and has been referred to committee. Read the bill here: https://webservices.ncleg.net/ViewBillDocument/2019/241/0/DRH10033-MTza-3

House Bill 75 (Feb. 13) School Mental Health Screening Study: Bell filed this bill which provides for a study to consider the benefits and risks of conducting mental health screening on school-aged children in N.C. to identify those at risk of harming themselves or others. The proposed study would consider the mechanics of conducting the study, issues of privacy and parental consent, and the policy implications of such a study. The bill was introduced Feb. 13 and has been referred to committee. Read the bill here: https://webservices.ncleg.net/ViewBillDocument/2019/242/0/DRH10034-BCz-2

Check back next week for more updates on what is happening in Raleigh.