Legislative briefing

LOCAL CONTROLS: Local governments are unhappy with a bill heard in the House Public Utilities Committee they say would make it harder for them to offer high-speed Internet to their residents. The bill -- backed by the cable television industry and some small phone companies -- would require cities and counties that want to provide communications services to hold public hearings, create a business plan and hold a referendum before they could provide the service. Supporters say the measure would ensure that municipalities provide quality Internet services and stop governments from subsidizing the prices for what they offer. Andy Romanet of the N.C. League of Municipalities told the panel that the bill would result in less competition for customers. A vote was delayed until at least next week.

Quick hits

IN THE HOUSE:

* S34, to increase penalties for anyone who kills a police or assistance animal. Approved 117-0. Next: Back to the Senate to approve changes made in the House.

Noteworthy

* Shellfish lovers and coast environmental advocates communed over oysters on the Halifax Mall, in an event sponsored by the N.C. Coastal Federation. The organization -- joined by other groups interested in shellfish farming, research and habitat -- served up information on their concerns along with plates of hush puppies and steamed Stump Sound oysters to lawmakers and others.

* NC GO!, a coalition of local governments and road-building trade groups that want more money set aside for transportation, unveiled a resolution at a breakfast for General Assembly members. The resolution called on elected leaders to take action to address a potential $65 billion in transportation needs over the next 25 years.

On the agenda

Thursday: A proposed two-year moratorium on executions gets a hearing before the House Judiciary I Committee. The bill says the suspension would allow lawmakers time to study whether the death penalty is fairly implemented in North Carolina and consider possible legislative reforms. The panel is also due to consider a bill meant to improve the process by which prosecutors decide whether to pursue the death penalty in a first-degree murder case.