NC House tries to stop some local government moves

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 14, 2013

RALEIGH (AP) — House Republicans want to prevent North Carolina city and county governments from collecting union dues from workers and requiring local employers to assume responsibilities related to pollution generated by their employees.
The bill was approved largely along party lines Monday night despite criticism by Democrats. The measure appears to mimic in part a law approved last year preventing the North Carolina Association of Educators and some other groups from having voluntary member dues deducted directly from teacher paychecks. A judge later struck down the law.
A legislator and environmental group say another part of the bill would appear to block ordinances like what Durham approved that would direct local employers to encourage employee car pools or transit use or face monetary penalties.
The bill now goes to the Senate.