Today's NC Political News briefs
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina agencies and state election officials issued updates in recent days involving school technology security, summer safety, campaign finance system modernization and worsening drought conditions across much of the state.
DOJ issues consumer alert after Canvas data breach
Attorney General Jeff Jackson is reminding North Carolinians to protect their personal information after a recent Canvas data breach affected students, parents and school staff.
The North Carolina Department of Justice said the breach affected 275 million users. The department said it is not clear that sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or financial account information was compromised, but residents should still take steps to protect their accounts.
Jackson’s office said North Carolina saw a record 2,349 data breaches last year affecting more than 9 million residents. The department advised residents to use strong passwords, set up multifactor authentication, monitor financial accounts and be cautious of suspicious emails or messages.
State seeks proposals for new campaign finance reporting system
The State Board of Elections and Office of the State Auditor are seeking vendor proposals for a new campaign finance reporting system.
The State Board said the new system is intended to be secure, cloud-based and easier to use for campaign treasurers, election administrators and members of the public searching campaign finance data. The current system was built for the Microsoft Windows operating system, is not compatible with Mac/Apple systems and lacks modern features, according to the State Board.
The request for proposals follows broader work by the Modernization of Election Data Systems Advisory Commission. The commission recently approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to provide sustained funding for a full replacement of the Statewide Elections Information Management System.
Senate convenes with routine calendar categories
The North Carolina Senate was scheduled to convene at 2 p.m. Tuesday with a routine calendar that included ratification of bills, committee reports, introductions, House messages, veto messages, unfinished business and general orders.
The calendar did not list a specific high-profile floor vote by title, but the session remains worth watching because veto messages and House-passed legislation can move quickly once received. The Senate schedule comes as lawmakers continue work during a period shaped by veto fights, budget discussions and policy bills moving between chambers.
DHHS urges summer safety around heat, water and food
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to take precautions around heat, water and food as warmer weather arrives.
DHHS said its summer safety guidance is aimed at preventing illness, injury and death. The department urged residents to watch for signs of heat-related illness, practice water safety around pools and natural bodies of water, and follow food safety practices during cookouts and outdoor gatherings.
The guidance comes as state and local officials prepare for summer public health risks, including heat exposure, drowning hazards and foodborne illness.
Drought intensifies in five North Carolina counties
Drought conditions have intensified in five western North Carolina counties, while extreme and severe drought continue across most of the state, according to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
DEQ said Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties are now classified in exceptional drought. The department said 66 counties are in extreme drought, 28 counties are in severe drought and one county is in moderate drought.
Klaus Albertin, chair of the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council, said stream levels were already at record lows in most areas, reservoirs are slowly declining and utility conservation levels are increasing.
For counties in exceptional or extreme drought, water systems are advised to follow their water shortage response plans and use reduction measures, according to DEQ. Residents are advised to check with local water systems for any restrictions.
