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The North CaroluZa League of Municipalities Page 15 of 16 Telecommunications Services-Municipal officials spoke loudly and legislators responded on HB 1587 -Local Governn:eut Fair Coz~:petition Act. The bill was designed to keep cities and' counties from providing telecommunications services, such as high-speed broadband service. As originally written, it would have placed significant barriers, including requiring referendum approval before a city could provide communications services such as cable, telephone, electronic voice, data or Internet access. The League dubbed it a "no competition" bill, and municipal officials kept up a steady stream of contacts with legislators. Despite backing and heavy lobbying by major telecommunications companies, the bill was turned into a study with a final report not due until the 2009 session. Although the bill was not enacted and no comprehensive study bill passed, the issue still could be studied by a standing legislative commission. Our thanks to all the municipal officials who responded to our action alerts on this bill. New Towns The General Assembly passed three incorporation bills this session. The incorporation of the Town of Butner in Granville County was effective July 27, 2007. The incorporation of the Town of Eastover in Cumberland County must first be approved under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by the US Department of Justice and, if so approved, is subject to a referendum to be held within 150 days of the approval. The incorporation of the Town of Hampstead in Pender County is subject to a referendum to be held on November 6, 2007. Studies The General Assembly adjourned without enacting a studies bill. Some studies were authorized in individual bills as reported above. The Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tem may choose to appoint select committees to study various issues, and some issues could be taken up by ongoing study commissions such as Revenue Laws and Environmental Review. The League will monitor these studies, provide information, and participate in shaping their recommendations as appropriate. Looking Ahead to 2008 The 2008 Session of the General Assembly (the "short" session) will convene at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. As is usually the case in short sessions, matters that maybe considered are limited. The adjournment resolution, SJR 1573 -Adjournzuent Resolution (Res. 2007-68), specifies that the following maybe considered in the 2008 Session: bills directly and primarily affecting the state budget; constitutional amendments; bills introduced in 2007 that passed one chamber and were received in the other in accordance with the rules; recommendations of study commissions and certain other named committees; certified non-controversial local bills submitted by the deadlines noted below; appointments to state boards and commissions; matters authorized by joint resolution passed by atwo-thirds majority of the members present and voting in each chamber; bills primarily affecting any state or local pension or retirement system; and bills to disapprove administrative rules. "Blank bills," those without substantive provisions, are prohibited from introduction in the House. Local bills must be submitted to Legislative Bill Drafting by May 21, 2008, and introduced in the House or filed for introduction in the Senate by May 28, 2008. "Certified non-controversial" means that no public hearing will be required or requested, and the entire legislative delegation representing the local government has approved the local bill for introduction. Final Thoughts The League staff expresses our appreciation to League President Robert Partin, Mayor of Scotland Neclc, for his leadership and assistance during this session. We also thank the other League officers and members of the Board, and the chairs and members of the standing legislative action and technical advisory committees. These municipal officials provided inspiring leadership and tools an active hand in the League's legislative efforts. The core principles they identified and the two-year advocacy agenda they developed are the foundation of the organization's success. And our very special thanks to all municipal officials across the state that supported the League's efforts during this session to obtain our main legislative goals and to defend the interests of municipalities. Once again you heeded our call for your active involvement and, as always, that made all the difference. Our Digest ofMuzzicipal Law will be in two parts again this year. We compiled summaries of important local government cases decided by the state and federal courts in the past year, arranged by subject matter topics. This Digest ofMuzzicipal Law, Part I.• Case Law will be sent to city attorneys, managers and others in August. http://www.nchn.org/LegaUBulletin/2007/08-24-07.htm 8/28/2007