House, Senate now need to work out NC boards bill

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican-backed legislation to clear out more than 100 people currently on North Carolina state boards and commissions will now likely slow down because House and Senate leaders disagree on the details.

The House gave final approval Monday night to its version of a Senate bill that Democrats argue is a GOP power grab that will help special interests before regulatory panels. But bill supporters say political patronage jobs on certain boards will be reduced or replaced by those requiring certain skills and expertise.

The bill now returns to the Senate, where it's likely to be rejected, leading it to a committee to find a compromise.

The House version passed 71-43 after a GOP parliamentary maneuver killed a Democratic amendment that would have reduced salaries on three commissions.