Along with the state budget, they will consider bills that passed at least one chamber during the 2007 session as well as some new legislation.

Bills filed on the first day included legislation to repeal the counties' ability to hold referendums on raising their land transfer tax to 0.4 percent and limits on ski resorts' liability for injuries that typically occur in skiing.

Lawmakers can also expect another visit from Appalachian State University's football team, which won its third straight NCAA Division I championship in December. Resolutions filed in both chambers would honor the team's accomplishments, which include beating football powerhouse Michigan.

Other sights and sounds from the beginning of the session Tuesday:

Wright's replacement

House Speaker Joe Hackney announced that Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes, a Wilmington Democrat, had been appointed to replace disgraced Rep. Thomas E. Wright, who had been convicted of fraud in state court. Hughes is running for the seat and won last week's primary.

Wright, also a Wilmington Democrat, had represented the district for nearly eight terms. In March, he became the first House member to be expelled since 1880.

The House continues to have one vacancy. No replacement has been picked for Rep. Pete Cunningham, a Charlotte Democrat who retired at the end of last year. House Principal Clerk Denise Weeks said Democratic party officials in his district were expected to recommend a successor by May 28.

Recent addition

Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin, a Rockingham Democrat, was back at work 11 days after giving birth. And her son, Jackson, was back in Raleigh with her.

Jackson slept in a room nearby while his mother did legislative business.

Goodwin said Hackney allowed her to set up a room for the baby. A nanny she hired (and who is paid by the family) is with him while Goodwin works.

"You know, 20 years ago, this never would have happened," she said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to have him here. This enables me to come to work a whole lot faster."

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