Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you well. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read our latest legislative newsletter. Whether you are a resident of our district or just someone interested in the issues that impact our state, this newsletter is a sound resource for informing constituents on current legislation and other recent developments that directly impact Eastern NC.

My goal is to ensure that you are always up-to-date on the issues that matter most. If there are ever any items that you would like me to address, or if you need assistance navigating state government bureaucracy, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My legislative assistant, Chamberlayne Cromwell, or myself would be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Your input and feedback are incredibly valuable to me, and I always welcome the opportunity to hear from my constituents. Thank you once again for your readership and support. I am humbled by the opportunity to represent and serve the people of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties.

At your service,

Chris Humphrey

State Representative

Happy Easter!

May this Easter season bring you joy and renewal as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I hope you had a blessed weekend surrounded by loved ones and took a moment to reflect on the significance of this holiday.

State Highway Patrol's Legislative Day

From Murphy to Manteo, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol keeps our roads safe in every corner of the state. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the SHP Legislative Day in Raleigh. We were pictured with the agency head, Colonel Freddy Johnson, and Lenoir County’s trooper, David Emory. I’m hoping Colonel Johnson will let me test drive one of these vintage patrol vehicles!

VETO OVERRIDE!

This month, we achieved our first successful override of Governor Cooper's veto since 2018. By a vote of 71-45, the House repealed the pistol purchase permit requirement and implemented a safe gun storage initiative under SB 41 - notwithstanding the objections of the Governor.

The Republican majority in the North Carolina House was elected by the people to safeguard individual freedom and uphold the rule of law. In alignment with the majority of states across the nation, North Carolina has now abolished the requirement for pistol purchase permits, with only two states still retaining this regulation.

This is a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to bolster and preserve our Second Amendment rights while also promoting safety and security throughout our Great State.

North Lenoir High School Games

What a great evening supporting North Lenoir High School at the Southwest Onslow soccer, baseball, and softball games — with my colleague from Onslow County, Rep. Phillip Shepard. I was glad to see Madison Small back on the field after the North Carolina High School Athletic Association decided to reverse their decision and allow scholar-athletes the chance to play this season. I’m thankful that NCHSAA rectified this wrong and sought to ensure fairness in the athletic eligibility process.

Celebrating National Agriculture Day

On March 21st we celebrated National Agriculture Day! As a representative of Eastern North Carolina, I'm proud to celebrate our hardworking farmers who play such a vital role in our community and our economy. Their dedication and resilience keep our shelves stocked and our families fed. Even though National Agriculture Day has passed, let's keep showing our appreciation for farmers every day by thanking them for their hard work and all that they do for us.

Eastern NC Local Justice System

It was a pleasure to meet with some incredible individuals who play an integral role in our local justice system. A huge shout-out to Holly Little, Greene County Clerk of Court; Mary Alphin, Lenoir County Clerk of Court; and Julie Whitfield, Wayne County Clerk of Court, for taking the time to visit with me in Raleigh. Your hard work and dedication to administering and enforcing our rule of law have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do for our community.

Rural Health Care Access

The passing of HB 76 marks a significant achievement in the healthcare journey of Eastern NC. This legislation expands options available to our residents, ensuring greater access to quality care.

Our rural hospitals have been struggling for far too long, and it's time we took action to ensure they remain open. As a conservative, I firmly believe in limited government intervention — I also believe in providing essential services to our communities.

Our legislation expands Medicaid coverage and provides federal funding to our rural and safety-net hospitals, allowing them to continue delivering critical care to our patients.

READ MORE:

"ENC lawmakers overjoyed following Medicaid expansion’s approval"

"Rep. Humphrey touts benefits of Medicaid Expansion"

NC House Budget Highlights

The NC House has passed a fiscally responsible State Budget that invests in key areas such as education, infrastructure, and tax relief. We're excited to share some highlights of the salaries and benefits package, which includes significant raises for state employees, teachers, and law enforcement.

10.2% teacher pay raise

11.2% raise for teachers in rural/underserved areas

11% Highway Patrol pay raise

7.5% state employee pay raise

2% state retiree COLA

$2 billion in water/sewer

$40 million for school safety

Cuts income tax rate to 4.5%

Prevents COVID vaccine mandates in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities

8.5% increase for correctional officers

Restores master’s degree pay for teachers

Upon passing 3rd reading in the House last week, the bill goes to the Senate for further debate and consideration.

Eagle Scout Ceremony

I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony for seven new Eagle Scouts of Troop 41, sponsored by Gordon Street Christian Church. As a proud Eagle Scout myself, it is always an honor to witness young men achieve this esteemed rank.

Eagle Scouts are more than just proficient in outdoor skills and leadership. They are young men who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their community, developing lifelong values, and taking responsibility for their actions. The Eagle Scout rank is not an easy feat to accomplish, as it requires years of dedication, hard work, and determination.

I am particularly touched by this achievement because it is the same church and troop that my father joined as a young boy. It is heartwarming to see the tradition and commitment to scouting continue to flourish over the years.

Congratulations to all the new Eagle Scouts, and thank you to Troop 41 and Gordon Street Christian Church for their tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of leaders.

BREAKING: NC GOP Secures Supermajority

The Republican Party has always been a big tent, and I’m proud to welcome my friend and colleague Rep. Tricia Cotham to the NCGOP — which officially grants us a supermajority in both legislative chambers. I’m looking forward to working together to advance common-sense policies that will drive our state forward and maintain our ranking as the #1 strongest economy in the nation.

Greene County Veterans Service Office

As I stood alongside several veterans and community members, my heart swelled with pride as we honored Greene County's sole Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Sergeant Ray E. Eubanks. His selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our nation, fellow soldiers, and the cause of freedom is an inspiration to us all.

It was a humbling moment as Greene County dedicated their Veterans Service Office to Eubanks, a place where our heroes can find the support, camaraderie, and resources they deserve. With only 34 North Carolina residents having received the Medal of Honor, we must remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and honor their legacy by serving our country and community with dedication and honor.

Let us take Sergeant Eubanks' example of service and carry it forward with selfless service and patriotism.

Legislative Update

To date, there have been 590 bills filed in the House and 683 in the Senate. Over the last month, I have signed-on to sponsor the following bills:

HB 246: Revise Pharmacy Benefits Manager Provisions

Prohibits PBMs from imposing certain practices that have been said to have had a negative impact on pharmacies and pharmacists.

It also establishes quarterly reporting requirements on PBMs and makes the information confidential and not subject to subpoena.

Makes changes to the Pharmacy of Choice statute, clarifying that terms of a health benefit must not impose more costly or restrictive conditions for purchasing pharmacy services than those imposed by mail-order services.

Includes other provisions relating to healthcare, including amending health insurance statutes and repealing certain provisions relating to 340B covered entities.

HB 303: Reduce Early One-Stop Voting Days

The amendment changes the period for one-stop voting in GS 163-227.2, shifting it from the third Thursday to the second Saturday before an election.

The voting period now ends at 3:00 pm on the last Saturday before the election.

HB 402: Motor Vehicle Insurance Reform

The bill amends the Motor Vehicle Safety and Responsibility Act of 1953 by increasing the minimum motor vehicle insurance coverage amounts for bodily injury or death to one person due to an accident.

The bill amends the definition of an uninsured motor vehicle and specifies the manner of service in civil lawsuits involving an insured against an uninsured motorist.

It changes the benchmark for determining when a vehicle is considered underinsured for underinsured motorist claims and specifies that the amount of underinsured motorist coverage applicable to any claim for benefits will not be reduced by setoff or credit against any coverage, except for workers' compensation coverage to the extent provided for in GS 20-279.21(e).

The bill also increases the deposit amounts required as proof of financial responsibility from $85,000 to $125,000.

HB 304: Election Day Integrity Act

Absentee ballots would be required to be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on the day of the statewide primary or general election or county bond election.

The amended provisions eliminate the provision that would allow for absentee ballots not received by that specified time to be accepted.

The changes also require absentee ballots to be kept securely at the county board of elections offices and limit the ballots counted to those returned in a properly executed container-return envelope and received by the county board.

The modified law also establishes new reporting requirements and sets the time period for challenging an absentee ballot received by the county board between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on election day.

HB 327: Clarify Animal Welfare Statutes

Makes changes to the definition of "dangerous dog" to include dogs trained or owned for dog fighting and deemed unsuitable for adoption by an animal shelter.

The bill also amends GS 19A-70(d) to require animal shelters to determine if forfeited animals are suitable for adoption and if adoption can be arranged.

The second change requires local government programs for controlling dangerous dogs to be consistent with Article 1A of Chapter 67 of the General Statutes.

These changes would be effective from October 1, 2023.

As always, our office in Raleigh is here to serve as a resource to all of my constituents in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. I’m here to take your feedback, answer your questions, and help you to cut through the bureaucracy of state government. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can ever be of service to you.