'Preempting' the Rights of North Carolina Cities to Govern Themselves

North Carolina boasts what may be the most conservative state legislature in the nation. Republicans in Raleigh have moved beyond the scope of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act–type bills passed by conservatives in some other states. Instead, some conservatives in the North Carolina legislature want to absorb for the state several powers enumerated to local municipal governments.

An amendment to a bill about licensing counselors, Senate Bill 279, would preclude city and county governments from passing laws and ordinances about affordable housing, minimum wage, and a variety of other subjects. If the bill is passed and signed by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, it will curtail the authority of local government, consolidating it instead for the state.