If you feel like you have watched everything on Netflix and Amazon Prime that is watchable, the North Carolina state House has something that may interest you.

Beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at noon, the NC state House will begin broadcasting its sessions live. The live stream will be broadcast on the NC General Assembly’s YouTube channel and can be accessed through the legislature’s website at www.ncleg.gov.

Opening day will also be broadcast on UNC-TV.

The new video system will use seven overhead cameras and, according to the press release, “It will provide viewers with unprecedented access to House legislative sessions.”

In the past, it was possible to listen to the legislative sessions, but it was difficult to figure out exactly what was happening.

These video broadcasts will include onscreen graphics to identify members and the bills under consideration. Vote totals will also be displayed.

Links will also be provided to the legislature’s “Dashboard” so viewers can review bills, amendments and resolutions.

As a warm-up the state House has been live-streaming the remote meetings of the COVID-19 task force and committees.

In 2019, the state House voted 115-1 to approve the House bill to facilitate broadcasting state House sessions live.

State House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and the sponsors of the bill, Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) and Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus), issued this joint statement: “A lot of hard work from our technology team, facilities staff, and House clerks has gone into an unprecedented live-stream production that will bring North Carolina’s legislature to life for citizens across our state.

“We encourage students, activists, and North Carolinians from all walks of life to watch their representatives at work and take part in state government as we return for session this week.”

A word to the wise: Most of what legislative bodies do is routine and not very exciting to watch. However, there are also some great moments.

The onscreen graphics coupled with the “Dashboard” should make the legislative process much more accessible than being in the gallery.

 

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