The two-year session of the NC General Assembly got underway Wednesday (Jan. 11th). Most of the first day business was organizational. Rep. Tim Moore, who has served 11 terms in the NC House representing Cleveland County, was again chosen as Speaker of the House. Sen. Phil Berger was again named the President-Pro Tem of the Senate.

Issues likely to come up this year include whether or not to expand Medicaid, possible legalization of medical marijuana and online sports gambling.

One controversy has already arisen. Republicans in the House, who unlike the Senate don't have a sufficient majority to overturn any gubernatoral veto, adopted a rule change that will allow calling for an override vote with no prior notice. Previously, a two-day notice was required. Overrides require a three-fifths vote by those present in each chamber. House Republicans are one seat short of a so-called super-majority in the 120-seat chamber.

But House Republicans signaled to narrow Cooper's room for error even further Wednesday when they pushed through temporary operating rules that omit a longstanding requirement that chamber leaders give at least two days' notice before conducting an override vote.

The change means that if even one Democrat is absent or must leave to take a phone call, the vote could produce an override.

Abortion will again be a hot issue. Republican leaders have vowed to tighten North Carolina's 20-week ban.