More NC lawmakers consider voter input on HB2
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Senate Republicans could discuss a possible ballot referendum in the coming weeks that would let voters have a say over the repeal of HB2.
Senate Rules Chairman Tom Apodaca suggested the controversial idea Tuesday, telling reporters that staff attorneys are looking into it.
Read more: Top GOP senator says let the people decide HB2
"In my 14 years, I've never seen folks so ginned up on both sides of an issue like this, so in my opinion, the best way to settle it is to let the people decide," said Apodaca.
Senate majority leader, Sen. Harry Brown said caucus members have not yet discussed the idea.
He said it's too soon to know if the referendum would be on the November ballot or if it would include the new law in its entirety.
"You need to get input from the people because I think a lot of them probably don't feel they have their words being heard, so this is a way for people to respond to that," said Brown.
Rep. Duane Hall, co-sponsor of a new bill to repeal HB2, doesn't believe a referendum is the solution.
"This is just an attempt to deflect and delay," he said. "The North Carolina General Assembly is a representative democracy. It's our job to deliberate. I think that we should do our jobs."
Public Policy Polling surveyed 960 registered voters in North Carolina from April 22 to April 24 and found 45 percent of those polled oppose HB2 while 36 percent support the law.
The left-leaning group called HB2 "deeply unpopular".
"I think if Republicans put HB2 on the ballot, voters are going to call their bluff and reject it," said PPP director Tom Jensen.
