Now that the first week of legislative action is over, and a total of 46 bills have already been filed by members in both chambers, it is a ripe time to pick the “Bad Bill” of the week. While there were several good options to consider, the one I had to choose was introduced by Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover); Senate Bill 9, “Amend Peeping Tom Law”. The title may sound innocuous however her impetus for introducing it is suspect.
Last year Boseman was involved in a number of semi-scandals, including allegations of campaign finance irregularities and the foreclosure on one of her houses. But the one that prompted this legislative action was a domestic dispute between Boseman and her former partner, which included a child-custody dispute. Her former partner alleged that Boseman violated the terms of their agreement, so in response she hired a private investigator to get proof that Boseman was in violation.
The Senator, obviously still upset over being caught in what appeared to be a violation of a child-custody agreement, used her first day back to file the bill in an effort to stop future private investigators from using surveillance as a tool. This is not a bill that the general public would storm the halls of the Legislature demanding action be taken; it is a bill to strike back at a profession in which she has suddenly taken an intense disliking.
With all of the troubles the state of North Carolina is facing: multi-billion dollar shortfalls in budgeting; high school drop-out rates through the roof; people dying in state mental hospitals, surely there is something more important she could find to concentrate on her first day back to work for the people of North Carolina?