NC Sheriffs Association

Thousands of people currently cycling in and out of jails and prisons are among the roughly 600,000 who would get health coverage under Medicaid expansion, potentially transforming North Carolina’s justice system. Dorel Clayton became unmoored after his mother died of ovarian cancer, in 2001.

County sheriffs and jailers could challenge violations uncovered during jail inspections conducted by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, according to a provision in the proposed state budget. Bill opponents say the measure undermines the state’s ability to regulate county jails and to enforce safety standards by allowing local authorities to immediately appeal the results of investigations. That could delay remedies for the violations while the appeal wends through the court system.

Sheriffs and advocates remain opposed, but the party of Donald Trump is no longer a roadblock Video gambling is a long-time target of laws and law enforcement in North Carolina. State legislators are now considering a bill that would make video lottery games legal and use some of the gamblers’ money for community college student loans.

By a 27-20 party line vote, the North Carolina Senate passed a bill (HB 398) Wednesday that would repeal the state's pistol purchase permit requirement. The measure had passed the House in May after a heated debate, as Policy Watch previously reported.