The Raleigh Report by Representative Phil Shepard – March 8, 2013

Representative Phil Shepard

NC House of Representatives

300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 530

Raleigh, NC 27603

919-715-9644

Phil.Shepard@ncleg.net

Raleigh, NC – This week the North Carolina House of Representatives announced our plans to create a voter identification bill. At a press conference on Tuesday, Speaker Thom Tillis, along with House Elections Committee Chairman David Lewis and other House members, outlined a tentative schedule of multiple committee meetings, expert testimony, and a public hearing. These will all take place before a bill is filed.

The process began on Wednesday, when the House Elections Committee held an organizational meeting, its first of the session. They heard reports from the North Carolina Board of Elections on the topic of voter identification and other issues. Next Tuesday, March 12^th, a public hearing will be held in the Legislative Office Building to allow concerned citizens to give their opinions on the potential legislation. After the public hearing, the House Elections Committee will host two additional meetings, where expert testimony will be heard from individuals familiar with various aspects of the issue.

Polling continues to demonstrate that a convincing majority of North Carolinians support photo voter ID legislation. We have laid out a deliberative approach that brings various stakeholders to the table and will give citizens the opportunity to voice their opinions on this important issue. This open process will produce a bill that stands up in a court of law, addresses legitimate concerns, and protects the integrity of the ballot box.

The House voted unanimously Thursday in support of legislation that would make it a crime not to report a missing child in a timely manner. House Bill 149, or “Caylee’s Law”, was introduced by Representatives Kelly Hastings, Jacqueline Schaffer, Jonathan Jordan, and John Bell. Inspired by an incident in Florida five years ago, Caylee’s Law requires parents and caregivers to report a missing child within 24 hours. It also requires anyone who suspects a child is missing to report their suspicions to law enforcement. Under this law, people who mistakenly report a child as missing would be protected from any criminal or civil liability. House Bill 149 now goes to the Senate.

This week we also had the honor of having the fourth grades from Meadow View Elementary School visit the General Assembly on Tuesday, March 5^th. Wednesday night I attended the Department of Agriculture Flavors reception where I was introduced to the products North Carolina produces. I had a great time at the reception and truly enjoyed learning more about the great state that we live in. This week I was also able to attend the Methodist Children’s Home Breakfast and was able to hear their needs and concerns.

As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns that you might have. I enjoy hearing your input as I continue to make decisions to help all of the people of North Carolina. If you wish to stop receiving this newsletter email us back and let us know so that we can take you off of our mailing list.

God Bless,

Rep. Phil Shepard