NCYCA Legislative Affairs

Legislative Affairs and Alliances Committee

Committee Chair: Henry DeHart, henry.dehart@seagull-seafarer.org

Members that have public policy issues that they would like the Association to address should contact Hnery or Jane Murray (jane@nccamps.org).  The Association will be deciding on its priorities in the coming months.

North Carolina Legislature and Public Lands

• New Business:
  • H 63- Fire Arms Bill - Spread the word about this potentially threatening bill that could put someone elses firearms in your camp.
  • H 94-School Calendar Bill -A new school calendar bill has gone to commitee in the NC General Assembly.
  • NCYCA Hires Ken Melton as lobbyist -NCYCA will have Ken Melton to help spread the word about NCYCA in Raleigh.
    • Read more about Ken Melton
  • Sales and Use Tax: Based on a 2008 tax law change and interpretation, Camps should be charged occupancy tax for rental groups based on a 2008 Sales and Use Tax Update. See links below for the changes. We will keep you posted. Let us know if you have any information.
    • 2008 Initial Notice in regards to Hotel and Occupancy Rules
    • 2010 Bulletin regarding other Changes
• Old Business:
  • Chimney Rock State Park "draft" master plan: Public comment closes on December 13th. Please comment on this plan. Most of it is in regards to access including climbing, equestrian, mountain biking, hiking, and other use issues.
    • Master Plan Link
    • Access Fund Position Statement regarding climbing access and the plan.
    • North Carolina Horse Council Position
    School Calendar Bill -No changes since last 2010 changes.
  • Building and Health Codes

Issues at the Federal Level

• New Business:
• Old Business:
  • UPDATE Nantahala River Permit:
    • December 2010 The NCYCA has submitted a proposal for a full commercial permit on the river. It would serve all members.
    • Public comments ended for the temporary permit potential on September 17th. We will continue to keep you up to date as the Association works with the Forest Service on this issue. It does not look like it will be granted at this point.
  • ACTION ALERT: On December 17, 2009 the Senate Commerce and Transportation Committee passed S. 554: Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2009. It now is set to go to the full Senate. All outdoor programs should be aware of this bill and its potential impact on your program.
  • NEW: National Forests in North Carolina: Residential and Day Camp, Incidental Use Fee Policy