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Lawmaker says bill would raise Gaston qualifying fees to $500 for mayor, $250 for council and school board
Summary
House Bill 89, discussed in committee, would raise qualifying fees for offices in Gaston to $500 for mayor and $250 for city council and school board and require documentation of indigency at 130% of the federal poverty level; committee gave the bill a favorable report.
A bill to raise qualifying fees for certain municipal offices in Gaston was given a favorable report by the House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee after a brief explanation and clarifying questions.
The sponsor told the committee that House Bill 89 is aimed at a class-four municipality (Gaston) and would set qualifying fees at $500 for mayor and $250 for city council and school board. The sponsor said an indigency waiver would require documentation showing an applicant’s household income at 130% or less of the federal poverty level; the speaker estimated that threshold would be roughly $20,000.
Committee members asked whether the bill applied statewide or only to Gaston; staff and the sponsor explained the bill is a “general bill of local application” and, as drafted, would apply specifically to Gaston. Members noted that Tuscaloosa — another class-four city — is carved out under separate law (Act 618) and would not be affected by this draft.
After questions about scope and statutory carve-outs, a motion for a favorable report was made and seconded; the committee voted by voice and the chair announced the bill had been given a favorable report.
