In the News
N.C. House passes bill changing local election processes in Caswell, Randolph counties
By Amy Diaz — March 26, 2025
“The North Carolina legislature approved a bill on Wednesday that will make major changes to elections in Caswell and Randolph counties, among others. House Bill 58 started out as one page, only affecting local government term limits for the small town of Kittrell. But since going to the Senate a few weeks ago, a number of additions have been made, changing election processes for five counties — in some cases, despite the wishes of the local officials who live there.
“Rep. Renee Price spoke out against one section altering how Caswell County commissioners fill vacancies.
“‘I spoke with the commissioners during this past week and on the weekend; none of them have requested this change,’ Price said. ‘None of them were even consulted about this change.’ …
Read more at wfdd.org.
Protect NC's schools, churches, hospitals from immigration raids — Opinion
By Rep. Deb Butler and Rep. Renée Price — March 9, 2025
“As members of the North Carolina House of Representatives and founding members of the newly formed Progress Now NC Caucus of the North Carolina General Assembly, we have drafted and filed companion bills number H78 and H80, along with our fellow Progress Now NC members Representatives Harrison, Cervania and Morey. These vital pieces of legislation would prohibit law enforcement agencies from participating in federal immigration enforcement at farms, construction sites, places of worship, hospitals and schools.
“America is a nation of immigrants, and these measures would help ensure that immigrants who have committed no crime can live peaceably with basic human dignity. These bills are a step toward justice and are an essential safeguard for our state’s economy and the well-being of all residents. …”
Read more at The Fayetteville Observer.
NC Rep. Renée Price serves House District 50 in Orange and Caswell counties. Rep. Deb Butler serves House District 18 in New Hanover County.
NC Democratic lawmakers introduce bills to protect immigrants in sensitive locales
By Ahmed Jallow — February 25, 2025
“North Carolina Democratic lawmakers have introduced two bills to restrict local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in schools, hospitals, workplaces and religious places.
“House Bill 78, sponsored by Rep. Renee Price (D-Caswell, Orange), would prohibit law enforcement from participating in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in places of worship, schools and hospitals. A companion bill, House Bill 80 from Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover), would extend those restrictions to farms and construction sites.…”
Read more at ncnewsline.com.
Rep. Renée Price (D-Caswell, Orange) speaks about HB 78 at a Legislative Building press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 25. (Photo by Ahmed Jallow/NC Newsline)
Projects seek to ban involvement with ICE officers on farms, construction sites and sensitive sites in NC
By Claudia Rivera Cotto — February 10, 2025
“Two bills in North Carolina seek to limit officers' involvement in law enforcement. immigration laws on agricultural land, construction sites, and sensitive locations. These legislative proposals, introduced by Democratic representatives, aim to protect both migrant workers and the most vulnerable communities from federal immigration actions.
“House Bill 78 would prohibit law enforcement agencies from assisting ICE in the capture or arrest of persons suspected of violations of immigration at the following locations:
Places of religious worship: Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other religious spaces.
Public and private schools that provide instruction to children and adolescents.
Hospitals, as defined in state law.
“The measure was sponsored by Rep. Renée Price of Caswell-Orange and is supported by Democratic Reps. Deb Butler, Pricey Harrison, Kanika Brown, Marcia Morey and Maria Cervania.…”
Read more at Enlace Latino NC.
NC Reps. Renée Price and Maria Cervania at the North Carolina General Assembly. (Photo by Walter Gómez, ELNC)