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RALEIGH The state Senate has pushed back until next week a vote on a bill that would sharply increase fines for employers that violate child labor laws.
The chamber had been expected to consider the bill Wednesday. But it was one of roughly two dozen bills deferred until July 8.
North Carolina has some of the weakest penalties for child labor law violations, according to research by the National Consumers League.
The bill calls for fines up to $14,000 for any serious workplace safety violation that injures a worker younger than 18 – twice the current maximum.
The state House already has approved the bill, which if enacted would go into effect Dec. 1. -- April Bethea
Meck briefs
Charlotte has a new group home for adults with traumatic brain injuries.
The new facility on Rowan Way in the Paw Creek community replaces a home that has been operating on Robinhood Road in Cotswold since 1994. Autism Services of Mecklenburg County bought the south Charlotte house in 1998.
The autism group held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new building Wednesday. -- Michael Gordon
Police digest
Mecklenburg County
Charlotte
A UNC Charlotte administrator who helps oversee the university's sororities and fraternities has been arrested on embezzlement charges.
Ashley Postell, 27, assistant dean of students for Greek life, was arrested Tuesday by campus police. She was released on bond after being charged with three counts each of embezzlement by a public officer and embezzlement of state property.
Buffie Stephens, a UNCC spokeswoman, would not say how much money was involved, or whether the money belonged to the university or to the student organizations.
She said the investigation prevents school officials from saying how the allegations came to light, although she said that happened Monday.
Postell, who came to UNCC in July 2006 from Dallas, could not be reached. She has been suspended with pay, pending the results of an internal and criminal investigation.
Postell earns $38,213 in her position, which includes overseeing the campus activities of sororities and fraternities. -- Steve Lyttle
