From Staff Reports

Members of a House judiciary committee narrowly rejected Tuesday the Senate version of an anti-bullying bill, saying it does not go far enough to protect schoolchildren from abuse.

The party-line, 8-6 vote again reflected the debate about whether the legislation should specifically mention students who show homosexual or transgender characteristics as likely targets for bullies.

Republicans have opposed the House version of the anti-bullying bill for that reason, saying it would make them a protected class.

The Senate version had left out any mention of characteristics. Rep. Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat who wrote the House version, said they need to remain so teachers have clear guidance as to what constitutes bullying behavior. He said his bill does not create special protected classes.

House Minority Leader Paul Stam, an Apex Republican, then asked the committee to give the Senate version a favorable vote. His motion failed 8-6.

The full House will vote on rejecting the Senate version. If that happens, negotiators from both chambers will be appointed to work out a compromise.

Smoking could be banned in state cars

The Associated Press

A proposed ban on smoking inside all state government-operated vehicles has cleared a key House committee after members rejected a proposal to allow some exceptions.

A House judiciary panel approved Tuesday a measure that would ban smoking in all state-owned or state-leased vehicles. Democratic Sen. Bill Purcell of Scotland County said the proposal is a health issue for state employees.

The committee voted against an amendment by House Minority Leader Paul Stam of Wake County that would have allowed smoking inside older state cars -- provided the employee was assigned the car on a permanent basis. And other people inside the car would have to consent before the driver could smoke.

The bill now heads to the full House. The Senate already has approved a version of the bill.

Bill would close gaming loophole

The Associated Press

House members say a loophole in the state's ban on video poker needs to be closed.

A House judiciary panel on Tuesday approved legislation that would eliminate sweepstakes that let recipients play a game similar to a slot machine or poker machine to show whether they have won.

Democratic Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County said these kinds of games are showing up throughout the state and need to be stopped. The state banned video poker as of July 2007.