Legislative briefs

SO FAR, SO GOOD: House Speaker Joe Hackney gave a good review to the session so far and said he hoped the cooperative attitude in the House carries over to negotiations on the budget. Hackney, D-Orange, and other Democratic leaders patted themselves on the back for a session that has been devoid of major controversy or inter-party fighting. The Senate's newly released budget proposal contains some significant differences from the House plan, but Hackney said it would be premature to voice opposition because the Senate still has to vote on a final version before the two chambers meet to work out their differences.

FORFEITING PENSIONS: Legislation that would make elected officials convicted of felonies forfeit their government pensions cleared its first House committee. The bill, already approved by the Senate, would force any elected person to give up the state-funded portion of a retirement fund if that person is convicted of felonies relating to public corruption or election laws fraud. The bill goes to another committee before the full House considers it.

DEFECTIVE-PRODUCT LAWSUITS: Pending legislation could make it easier to sue over defective products in North Carolina, home to the nation's strictest laws governing such lawsuits. Existing law sets a six-year limit, from the time of purchase of an allegedly defective product, on filing lawsuits seeking recovery of damages for injury, death, or property damage. The Senate is considering a bill to push North Carolina's limit to 15 years. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Janet Cowell, D-Wake, is awaiting committee action.

QUICK HITS

IN THE HOUSE:

* S1132, establishing a Program Evaluation Division of the General Assembly to review the performance of state departments, agencies and institutions. Approved 102-0, preliminary vote. Next: Final vote, Wednesday.

IN COMMITTEE:

* S34, to increase penalties for killing a police animal. Approved, House Judiciary I. Next: To the full House.

ON THE AGENDA

Wednesday: The N.C. Coastal Federation and other groups concerned with the shore environment lobby lawmakers with informational displays and a Stump Sound oyster roast on Halifax Mall, behind the Legislative Building. The groups are promoting the state's oyster resources, water qualities and fisheries.

OVERHEARD

"We have had, I would say, a centrist session so far. It hasn't been a right-wing session, it hasn't been a left-wing session. It's been in the middle of the road, where most of the people of North Carolina are, and that's where our agenda is as well."

-- Speaker Joe Hackney, assessing the House's progress