[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6326845,"mediaKeyId","2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972","parentId",2323629,"title","Committee hears bill to convert lowest-level marijuana offenses to noncriminal citations","audioSeconds",1646,"startMs",668000,"endMs",2314000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972&start=668&end=2314","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972/thumbnail_668000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6326845/North-Carolina/Committee-hears-bill-to-convert-lowest-level-marijuana-offenses-to-noncriminal-citations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326845-42a87fa08f61493de7626a81befda677/orig.mp4?Expires=1771060049&Signature=aCd7e-aAJ26Zn3Rh5LfI0pr8-fOQQV2rwbqGmpOHH8zIo5hR2cm2NPrbMe8PEHiseSYqtO3sQtM2S9a3uXPLo~uhU5oDfkr98~lhB2BzhD4tYJSGjiRFk~hLNPgbaUmzCtvmlvQkQvVBl65cHN04ZkKa9II7~wLkL2G0fV98~ABYWRMwc08G29BVJbYc180f32m2eF3fRuDuLho9nHSvS39RQjcBVbSTVjtL~HW4E1mm3ghATfIEoEuorWtFhC6kp3~WujjDdjNTlKDJM7EHgrSrdUkojvdtz9S-26PrVNhkkFXQDAeW5CuLSxJtgRwmaKKtSmqW506PwCQ1m6LzRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Carolina State Legislature","date","2025-02-17T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Liz Conmey, sponsor of House Bill 1596, told the House Judiciary Committee that the bill responds to suggestions from state's attorneys and law enforcement around the state and would make the least serious marijuana possession offenses noncriminal citations for people 18 and older.

Conmey said the proposal aims to ease burdens on courts and prosecutors: \"HB 15 96 makes the least of these marijuana offenses a noncriminal citation so that it's still a deterrent, but it takes some of the burden off of our law enforcement officers, our state's attorneys, our indigent defense attorneys, and the courts and the judges.\" She gave statewide case counts from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024: 8,676 marijuana charges, 7,365 cases opened, 17,000 hearings and 2,357 cases with a public defender appointed.

The bill would lower the adult ingestion age to 18, convert very small possession amounts to noncriminal citations, reclassify intermediate possession ranges as infractions and retain current Class A misdemeanor thresholds for larger amounts. Conmey said the measure also includes a sealing provision that would allow sealing a first possession conviction if no further convictions occur within two years, and an adjudication process for citations modeled on traffic adjudication with a $150 statutory fee.

Jonathan Byers, representing the North Dakota State's Attorneys Association, said prosecutors support the bill but recommended a targeted amendment: remove the words \"up to\" before the fee so the statute specifies a set $150 statutory fee rather than a judicially variable amount. \"If part of the intent of this is to let somebody pay the statutory fee or forfeit bond, then it needs to be a set amount,\" Byers said.

Travis Fink, executive director of the North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigence, testified in support, saying indigent defense caseloads and recruitment problems make measures that reduce court processing \"common sense.\" He and Conmey also described amendments to keep juvenile offenses as infractions so juvenile court retains jurisdiction and records protections for minors.

Stephanie Ingebretsen, testifying for the Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota, opposed the bill in its current form and urged the committee to preserve ratcheting deterrence for repeat offenders. She noted that under current law an infraction can carry fines up to $1,000 and that repeated infractions may escalate to misdemeanor consequences; she said converting the lowest-level conduct to a $150 noncriminal citation without clear escalation could reduce deterrence against repeat offending.

Committee members asked whether the bill included provisions that escalate penalties for repeated noncriminal citations; Conmey and staff indicated amendments drafted by the sponsor would address subsequent-offense escalations and that the sponsor would provide those amendments to the committee. The committee closed the hearing and left the record open for amendments and further consideration.

Ending: The committee did not vote on HB 1596 at the hearing. The sponsor indicated she would supply the drafted amendments and the committee signaled it expects to take action on the bill later in the week.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Judiciary - Feb 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Liz Conmey, sponsor of House Bill 1596, told the House Judiciary Committee that the bill responds to suggestions from state's attorneys and law enforcement around the state and would make the least serious marijuana possession offenses noncriminal citations for people 18 and older.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature North Carolina, North Carolina","taxId",77692,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326834,"Committee hears constitutional amendment resolution on judicial immunity and nominating appointments",2455,7598000,10053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972&start=7598&end=10053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972/thumbnail_7598000.jpg","/articles/6326834/North-Carolina/Committee-hears-constitutional-amendment-resolution-on-judicial-immunity-and-nominating-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326834-3860fcd5b2b37593f929c01c14b152c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771060049&Signature=kr3~KiazMUvbGXdu7bTkbBJzT9cRUP9KSounoXoXj3rmaaxxiYPLKxTCs1KLu3aEvlrtW8hpujxyrniw7E1hPGT1gXGfpqY7u0MPtPkTmBMurL-nF~BTGxSuzIIENfE~6ON9iBCj5sLnHzU0eS1pOZUgnXMk~S0rvkvS2p41fFWp0KRj5Ia~s-cB6nBFeadM05jxekayM1XzXzWiRpBdtvipmw0VBrgfh6yXoA36K6rNBo-Pfrv2DBd1dEvsOGRpKvI9kFcgCxZgE-Pfsu-EgVd42rgMIbbO77g4ppofQi1PAbLtRaWyDQwFyjby6Cq0MeVLdJC99boBSoqA24e7KQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Laurie Van Winkle told the committee House Concurrent Resolution 3021 would amend the state constitution to remove civil judicial immunity in certain circumstances, render judgments that violate due process or the state or federal constitution void, and require vacancies on the Supreme Court or district court to be filled through a bipartisan appointment committee.

Van Winkle cited several U.S. Supreme Court decisions and recent state decisions as evidence that judges have sometimes overreached and that the judiciary should face stronger scrutiny and accountability. \"It is time we review the actions done by our judicial system,\" she said, arguing that judicial conduct and perceived politicization of rulings had eroded public confidence.

Opposition testimony came from Chris Joseph, legal counsel to the governor, who argued many of the concerns are already addressed by existing law and procedures. He noted appellate review can overturn judgments that violate constitutional or statutory requirements and pointed to NDCC provisions that permit suits against the state in certain circumstances. \"We already have some of this covered in law,\" Joseph said.

Kara Erickson, disciplinary counsel, explained the Judicial Conduct Commission: a seven-member body (four lay members appointed by the governor, two judges elected by the Judicial Conference and one lawyer elected by the Bar Association) that investigates complaints, issues reprimands, suspensions or, in severe cases, removal.

Tony Wyler, executive director of the State Bar Association, opposed the resolution's changes to the judicial nominating committee and said the existing judicial nominating committee (JNC) process provides a bipartisan, statutorily prescribed system of permanent and temporary members who vet candidates and forward two to seven names to the governor for appointment; Wyler said the existing process has functioned and is already bipartisan.

Committee members asked about impeachment and the existing judicial-discipline processes; Van Winkle and testifiers acknowledged impeachment remains a constitutional option but said enforcement and remedies have been inadequate in some contested cases. The committee closed the hearing without recording a vote.","Representative Laurie Van Winkle asked the House Judiciary Committee to consider a constitutional amendment resolution (HCR 3021) that would reduce judicial civil immunity in specified cases and change how judicial vacancies are filled.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326839,"Committee hears resolution urging U.S. Supreme Court to restore marriage as union of one man and one woman",2123,4842000,6965000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972&start=4842&end=6965","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972/thumbnail_4842000.jpg","/articles/6326839/North-Carolina/Committee-hears-resolution-urging-US-Supreme-Court-to-restore-marriage-as-union-of-one-man-and-one-woman","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326839-98fe6db00a1b822343c4fc85c42b1eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771060049&Signature=eGmjQNMaJPAcqN10ENN16i~XikpaMVRZG96dzMUohGPWhfjaURvZwbzBo1~f5HAAORmUPK6WfBIt55HjRxFHuWH-hA9ZoYV9HKiDcwDfXqweOOpZ65dqISdimmFlsqVCrLl-tdFOO5DkYqA~1tfaSoc~-RgKkazk1CAstFUpIe10WXK2AzOosQcGYk9sx--3x28sDzRZNQM8hiZKDui~8rNA0Mqpodf74r1q-reqYBw7vLB-1Ajq5oETIqblZWCMHpJLtvuGUDwVI-qmnMqVtXrwtYTqN1J29KZSDbua4VsLXEA1dxSeo0l0IkCDocLfUt2mcbRaWeT1Q8tvq3~jsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Bill Twythe (sponsor) told the committee HCR 3013 urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges and \"restore marriage to a union between one man and one woman.\" He framed the resolution as an attempt to return marriage definitions to states and to the people.

Testimony in support included Arthur Schomper, field director for Mass Resistance, who argued the Obergefell ruling overstepped the Constitution and predicted consequences for religious liberty and public health; David Tamasia of the North Dakota Catholic Conference and Mark Grama of North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action also supported the resolution, invoking religious teachings and traditional-family arguments.

Supporters cited constitutional and historical arguments and said state-level action is appropriate. Representative Twythe framed the question in historical and religious terms and asked the committee for a \"do pass\" recommendation.

Opponents included Christina Sambor of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, who argued the resolution would harm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents and would remove legal protections and tangible benefits, such as tax and inheritance rights. Sambor also challenged reliance on centuries-old texts as a basis for current civil-rights policy.

The committee heard additional public testimony both for and against the resolution, including brief floor readings and in-person and online witnesses. No committee action or vote was recorded at the hearing.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing after a full panel of supporters and opponents presented written and oral testimony; members had no recorded votes at that time.","House Concurrent Resolution 3013 received extensive testimony both supporting and opposing a call for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges and restore a traditional definition of marriage; testimony reflected deeply held legal, religious and civil-rights views but the committee took no vote.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326842,"Committee hears resolution to study human-trafficking victim services and reentry programs",2444,2338000,4782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972&start=2338&end=4782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323629-d1a3d96b22d76b0919eabdbd5df7c972/thumbnail_2338000.jpg","/articles/6326842/North-Carolina/Committee-hears-resolution-to-study-human-trafficking-victim-services-and-reentry-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326842-c3945a6d0dd0888061296d3f792a914b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771060049&Signature=dE4Gps8t7QCAK2BUiLht0ZvfULimE02zDwFdVk8JPnU391iq3-3fnobf08uKA3CBAeBomzToaRa0WareEWvbYX-T-BBZaIK9yYxtdRG3HB7Vk4UrZOYHU~rt9i8sf-okrqBU~OEH7Y0j0CwMePirDVbSkGYHw3eKrw~TA~kv1YIk7aDg0tSCeN~dP1ZV1eoZTSEGsOQAHizuXZPD1BmMMfWm02VJ5E1wwAqn9s8saP13Gp1s5Zgv8VcKeyFggee0kTIeDFffYTnqt2SKwevJ8TDmv7wXB2ndm0x5kLddcB~E5jWaJQn6qbknlVZrKEa3t5Jcvkp2rGYDqOkOIPBBKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Steve Vetter opened testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 3028, saying the measure would direct legislative management to study human-trafficking victim services with a focus on reentry into the workforce and protections against coercion and reprisals from traffickers.

\"The main purpose... is for reentry and protection from the bad guys,\" Vetter said, describing his interest in identifying programs and service gaps that impede survivors' safe reintegration.

Policy and service providers testified in support. Jacob Thompson of North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action emphasized the severe mental-health and social harms trafficking victims face and endorsed a formal study to determine how the state can better support survivors' reintegration. David Tamasia of the North Dakota Catholic Conference and Stacy Schaffer, executive director of 31A Project, outlined service gaps including inconsistent definitions and data, lack of funding and workforce capacity, unclear standards for residential treatment lengths, and the need for survivor-centered, trauma-informed models.

Schaffer described 31A Project's programs — a demand-reduction diversion program for solicitation offenders, statewide education and a survivor mentorship program — and provided service metrics: 166 trainings in 2024 (a 40% increase from 2023), and growth from 10 survivors served in the first year of the mentorship program to 62 in 2024, with 85% trafficked in North Dakota.

A survivor, Leah Isaac, provided extended testimony about her multi-year experience of trafficking, homelessness, shelter interactions and barriers to documents, housing and stable services. Isaac urged that survivors be given a role in shaping services and that studies and funding prioritize wraparound support: \"When we address only one aspect of well-being, we risk leaving individuals with incomplete support.\" Her testimony stressed anonymity, transportation safety, and long-term mentoring.

Committee members asked about overlaps with prior interim studies; Vetter said his proposal focuses more narrowly on reentry and survivor protection than prior efforts. The committee closed the hearing after taking public and written testimony and did not vote on the resolution at that time.

Ending: Supporters asked that the study include survivor perspectives and practical recommendations on funding, shelter safety and coordinated reentry supports; 31A Project offered to assist with the review if the resolution is approved.","House Concurrent Resolution 3028 would direct legislative management to study victim services and reentry programs for human-trafficking survivors; sponsors and service providers described gaps in data, funding and shelter/transportation safety and urged inclusion of survivor voices in any study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill to convert lowest-level marijuana offenses to noncriminal citations

Committee hears constitutional amendment resolution on judicial immunity and nominating appointments

Committee hears resolution urging U.S. Supreme Court to restore marriage as union of one man and one woman

Committee hears resolution to study human-trafficking victim services and reentry programs