Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions
Advocacy FAQs
When is the General Assembly in session? –
The “Long Session” starts in early January of odd-numbered years and lasts until the legislators decide they’ve done enough damage, typically July. The “Short Session” starts in May of even-numbered years and also has no set end date, but July is a typical end point.
What does the term “crossover” mean? –
A bill that has “crossovered” has passed either the House or the Senate. The legislative rules say that most bills that have not “crossovered” (ie passed the House or Senate) by a certain date are dead and no longer eligible for consideration either in whatever remains of the Long Session or next year’s Short Session. There are important exceptions to this rule. Bills that deal with spending money or taxes/fees are not subject to crossover. Bills amending the NC constitution, redistricting, or ones that originate from certain committees (Rules, Appropriations, and Finance) are not subject to crossover. Additionally, sometimes legislators take bills that have made crossover, remove the original contents of the bill, and add new content that otherwise would not be eligible for consideration.
How can I help? –
Contact Sam McGee to serve as a Key Contact for a legislator in your area or to serve on the Legislative Committee. Contribute to the NCAJ PAC which helps elect legislators who will be more open to our issues.
Legal Affairs FAQs
What is Legal Affairs? –
Legal Affairs includes NCAJ’s amicus program, our moot court program for NCAJ members with an upcoming appellate argument, general appellate assistance, and the NCAJ Ethics Committee.
How do I request appellate assistance? –
Fill out the online appellate assistance request form.
How does NCAJ decide whether to do an amicus brief in a case? –
The NCAJ Legal Affairs Vice President decides after consulting with the NCAJ Legal Affairs Committee. The Legal Affairs Committee consists of volunteers from all practice areas and sections. Committee members also help with moot courts and other appellate assistance.
PAC FAQs
What is the PAC? –
The PAC is a political action committee that receives contributions from individual NCAJ members (not firms) and contributes that money to candidates for legislative or statewide office who are better on our issues.
How can I give to the PAC? –
The best way is through monthly donations on a credit or debit card. You can also give one-time via credit card or by sending a check to NCAJ PAC, P.O. Box 10918, Raleigh, NC 27608.
Who decides where the PAC money goes? –
The PAC is governed by a Board of Trustees. Some serve by virtue of their elected NCAJ position and the rest are chosen by the NCAJ Board of Governors or the PAC Trustees.
