WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 237 this week. The bill originated as a way to increase penalties for people who commit crimes while wearing masks for face coverings.
While the bill passed the Senate last month, it stalled in the House because some lawmakers had concerns about the removal of an exception that allowed people to wear masks for health reasons.
The revised version of the bill passed by Republicans this week does allow for people to wear masks to prevent the spread of contagious disease, but does give law enforcement officers the power to ask people to remove their masks for identification.
The revised bill also includes an update to the state’s campaign finance laws. The change would allow certain federal political committees, many known as Super PACs, to donate funds to state political parties through accounts that do not have to abide by contribution limits.
“This is going to make it harder, at many levels, for us to know who is giving money, ultimately, that benefits candidates in North Carolina, and that goes for both parties,” said Ann Webb with Common Cause North Carolina.
Current state law says candidates cannot accept more than $6,400 from any individual donor, but Webb says if House Bill 237 becomes law, it could create a loophole.
“When it boils down to it, what we’re talking about is large amounts of cash, including from wealthy individuals, trickling its way down through these complex systems into our state elections,” Webb said.
Some Republican Lawmakers have said the bill will help to even the playing field ahead of this year’s elections. Local Republican lawmakers Michael Lee and Ted Davis were not available for comment as of Thursday evening.
The bill now goes to Governor Roy Cooper’s desk for his signature or veto. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly.
“This goes against the guidance of the State Board of Elections and political donations should be more transparent, not less,” said Cooper’s Deputy Communications Director Jordan Monaghan.
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