WORKER RIGHTS: Civil rights groups urged state lawmakers Wednesday to approve a group of bills they said will improve workers' rights and reform the state's judicial system. One key issue is removing a collective bargaining ban for state and local employees that has been in place for almost 50 years. North Carolina and Virginia are the only states that forbid state and local governments from entering into collective bargaining agreements with their employees. The state's largest employers' association, however, opposes lifting the ban because members said doing so could damage North Carolina's business climate and pressure its tax base.

CHOOSE LIFE PLATES: The House Transportation Committee recommended a bill allowing automobile owners to buy a new license plate affixed with the anti-abortion phrase "Choose Life." A portion from the additional $25 required for each plate would go to a special fund to benefit crisis pregnancy centers. The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee, one of several special plate bills that the committee signed off on.

Quick hits

INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE:

* H2753, to allow the General Assembly to consider a plan that would provide automatic minimum wage increases. Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams, D-Guilford.

* H2758, to provide the retirement system board of trustees sole authority over investments. Various sponsors.

* H2776, to require the state treasurer to provide benchmark comparisons in retirement systems' annual reports. Sponsor: Rep. Pryor Gibson, D-Anson.

* H2772, to increase benefits provided by the teachers and state employees' retirement system and to provide cost-of-living increases for retirees. Sponsor: Reps. Larry Bell, D-Sampson, and Jim Harrell, D-Surry.

INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE:

* S2153, to allow the General Assembly to consider a bill that would clarify when people may use force to defend themselves or prevent another forcible felony. Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie.

* S2155, to allow the General Assembly to consider a bill that would allow a person who kills a pregnant woman to be found guilty of killing the fetus. Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie.

INTRODUCED IN BOTH HOUSES:

* H2786 and S2158, to establish the requirements for local governments to participate in the teacher and state employees health plan. Sponsors: Rep. Hugh Holliman, D-Davidson, and Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland.

On the agenda

THIS MORNING: House budget subcommittees are scheduled to unveil updated spending proposals for the second year of the two-year state budget that takes effect July 1. The subcommittee proposals then will be sent to the chief budget writers, who want a complete proposal on the House floor next week.

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