May 2, 2025

Greetings from BRCA 29605!
 
Legislative Activity to Follow
 
On the Immigration front:
House Bill 261: Longer prison sentences than normal for Illegal Immigrants that have been deported and reenter the US illegally and commit crimes.  The bill is designed to discourage criminal behavior.
 
House Bill 318: Unauthorized immigrants accused of certain felonies and misdemeanors related to domestic violence and are identified by ICE for potential deportation regardless of whether they are convicted.  The bill also includes impaired driving.  The bill also requires sheriffs to cooperate with ICE agents to deport people being housed in local jails and in sheriffs’ control.
 
House Bill 690: Concerns government benefits would require proof of citizenship to receive said benefits.  The bill is designed to protect taxpayer benefits to only go to American citizens.
 
Planning & Development

House Bill 765: Act to Reform Local Government Development Regulations. This bill has many implications and is worth reviewing.  There is a lot in this 22-page bill that will redefine Planning and Zoning and remove some of the local government authority in enforcing codes. 

Workforce Housing Subcommittee

The Planning Board has appointed a subcommittee to explore the topic of Workforce Housing for the Town of Blowing Rock.  They were appointed at the regular monthly Planning Board meeting on April 17th. BRCA Summer Concert Series @ Broyhill Park 
June 12: Harris Brothers
July 10: Smokin’ Joe Randolph
August 14: King Bees

On behalf of all of us at BRCA we sincerely appreciate your financial support and your ongoing engagement.  Thank you for following us.  We also want to welcome our new members and viewers; we welcome you to BRCA.  Have a great weekend.

Tom Barrett
Vice President
Executive Committee Member