Morning News Briefs: Wednesday, February 15th, 2017

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Cooper Offers Up HB2 Repeal Proposal

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is proposing what he calls a compromise to repeal the controversial House Bill 2.

His proposal does away with the law, which among other things, limits LGBT rights and determines what bathroom a transgender person must use.

He says the new bill would increase penalties for crimes in public bathrooms.

Republican leaders are responding to Cooper's proposed legislation. A spokeswoman for Senate leader Phil Berger said Tuesday that it does nothing to address privacy concerns of women and young girls who don't want to share restrooms and locker rooms with men.

And a gay rights group says the proposal contains unnecessary additions and blames Republicans for failing to repeal House Bill 2.

Judges: N.C. Senate Can Keep Confirmation Authority For Cabinet Posts

The Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature can keep for now its authority to confirm Cabinet secretaries of the new Democratic governor, a state judicial panel has ruled.

Three trial court judges rejected the request of Gov. Roy Cooper to extend a temporary block on the confirmation law the judges had issued last week.The law subjects Cooper's department heads to the "advice and consent" of a majority of senators.

Cooper sued last month, saying confirmation doesn't apply to his picks.

Improved Saving Routine Considered By North Carolina House

A deliberate effort to set money aside so North Carolina is prepared for natural disasters, revenue shortfalls and other state government emergencies is heading to the House floor.

The chamber scheduled debate Wednesday on legislation fashioned by a study committee that directs budget-writers to put money equal to 15 percent of predicted revenue growth into the state's saving reserve annually. The reserve fund target will be set by state economists.

Rally Held Outside Of Sen. Burr's Office In Support Of ACA

Protestors held a Valentine's Day rally outside of Senator Richard Burr's Winston-Salem office in support of Obamacare.

Activists called for lawmakers to “have a heart” by expanding Medicaid and strengthening the Affordable Care Act.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports thousands of individually signed valentines were delivered to the offices of Burr and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina's two Republican senators.

The Winston-Salem rally was part of a chain of events held across the state.

Speakers called on Burr to host a town hall meeting to address health care reform.

NAACP Wants Confederate Flag Ban In Orange County Schools

An Orange County chapter of the NAACP is asking the school board to enact a ban on the Confederate flag.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports Northern Orange County NAACP President Patricia Clayton sent a letter to Superintendent Todd Wirt asking for a ban on school grounds, citing other districts that prohibit it on school property, clothing and other materials.

Clayton said that having to demonstrate that the flag disrupts the learning environment is symptomatic of racial and cultural bias in the district.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.