Bill Filed In Hope Of HB2 Repeal Faces Obstacles

Three Democratic Senators filed a bill on Wednesday in hopes to repeal House Bill 2, also known as “the bathroom bill.” But it seems the bill's not likely to go anywhere.

Senate Bill 25 will show up on the chamber's calendar Thursday, but there won't be a vote. Leaders will hand the legislation to a few committees for more discussion.

Then, it's up to the Republican chairs on those committees. They are the only ones who have the option to schedule a vote. If they don't, the bill dies before it even hits the senate floor.

The measure was filed by Senator Angela R. Bryant of Nash County, Jeff Jackson of Mecklenburg County and Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. of Durham County. According to The News & Observer, it kills HB2, and allows local governments to pass their own nondiscrimination ordinances.

Democrats maintain that repealing the controversial law is one of their top priorities. But without support from Republican Senate leader Phil Berger, who doesn't believe the votes for a repeal are possible, it's going to be an uphill battle for Senate Democrats.