The legislature will consider whether to allow hunting and liquor sales on Sundays.

A bill, filed by Democratic Sen. Julia Boseman, would remove a prohibition set into law in the 19th century, presumably to keep the traditional Christian Sabbath holy. Another bill would allow alcohol sales.

As a Southern state within the Bible Belt, North Carolina has more than a few so-called blue laws that restrict activities on Sundays: 

ALCOHOL SALES: It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages before noon, and counties may further restrict rural sales until 7 a.m. Monday.

ABC STORES: No state-run alcohol store can be open on Sunday, New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas day.

COURT SUMMONS: Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement officers may not deliver court summons on Sundays.

SCHOOL: No public school classes can be held on Sunday.

LOCAL OPTION: With proper public notice, local government can regulate or prohibit other types of business on Sundays.

In addition, the N.C. Department of Correction is required to offer religious services to prisoners on Sundays "and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate."

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* Bowhunters excited to sling bows and arrows on Sunday, but not everyone is keen about allowing rifle hunting on the Sabbath. 

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What state bills have the most opposition?

Recent surveys by the Elon University Poll, the conservative Civitas Institute and the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling have shown broad agreement on a number of issues.

Below, the percentage in opposition and the corresponding bill:

H.B. 362: Access to Higher Education (75 percent, 74 percent, PPP)

H.B. 120: Public Municipal Campaigns (73 percent, Civitas)

S.B. 20: Voter-Owned Election for Treasurer (73 percent, Civitas)

H.B. 71: Four-Year Terms (59 percent, Civitas)

S.B. 7: Allow Hunting on Sunday (58 percent, Civitas)

H.B. 154/H.B. 155: Appoint State Superintendent (51 percent, Civitas; 65 percent PPP)

Update: A poll by the N.C. Center for Voter Education found support for publicly financed municipal campaigns. 

You can fish on Sundays.

As noted previously, the legislature is considering a bill that would allow Sunday hunting, while the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is may allow bowhunting on Sundays.

But a reader points out to Dome that there are no restrictions on fishing on the traditional Christian Sabbath — especially notable because of this history.

Archers may soon be allowed to hunt on Sundays.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is considering a rule change that would allow archers to practice their hobby during the traditional Christian Sabbath.

Currently, hunting with guns is prohibited by state law, but archery is handled at the regulatory level, so the change would not require the legislature to pass a bill.

Three rule changes are under consideration. One would allow bow hunting on private lands; a second, on public lands where hunting is allowed. A third would allow hunters who use falcons.

"Bow hunting on Sundays would increase opportunities, particularly for hunters who can only hunt on the weekends because of work obligations," the rules change reads.

The commission will vote on the change at its March 4 meeting.

Previously: Bill would end ban on Sunday hunting.

Eleven states limit Sunday hunting.

According to the National Rifle Association, a gun rights advocacy group, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut prohibit hunting on Sundays completely.

Four states have more limited bans.

Maryland allows it on two Sundays during deer season; South Carolina, on private land; North Carolina, on some federal installations; and West Virginia, in local counties that have approved it.

New York, Ohio and Michigan have overturned Sunday hunting bans in recent years.

A state study showed nearly two thirds of Tar Heels disapprove of hunting on Sundays.

The survey of North Carolina residents in 2006 found that 65 percent opposed legalizing hunting on Sundays, while only 25 percent approved of overturning the current ban.

Of opponents, 62 percent cited religious reasons for their objections.

Sunday hunting, which has been illegal since 1869, was also opposed by hunters themselves. The study found that 53 percent of hunters opposed legalizing it, while only 38 percent supported it. Of hunters who opposed it, 68 percent cited religious reasons.

Natural resource research firm Responsive Management and Virginia Tech did the poll as part of a study by the state Wildlife Resources Commission. Full results are here, a summary here.

The survey of 1,212 residents was done in June and July of 2006. The margin of error was plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

Previously: Bill would end ban on Sunday hunting; other blue laws; pro-gun blogger against lifting ban.

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Sen. John Snow has filed the first bill in his chamber.

The Murphy Democrat has filed S.B. 2, which would change the capital fund formula in the state lottery.

Details of the bill are not yet available, but Snow and other Western lawmakers have argued that their school districts have been shortchanged by the formula, part which is divvied up among areas with higher-than-average property taxes.

The bill is cosponsored by Sen. Martin Nesbitt, an Asheville Democrat.

He also filed S.B. 3, entitled "Smoky Mountains National Park Plate Changes" and S.B. 4, entitled "Clarify Emergency Judge Qualifications."

Two other early bills concerned hunting.

Sen. Richard Stevens filed S.B. 5, entitled "Continuing Crossbow Permit/Dealers and Manufacturers." Sen. Julia Boseman filed S.B. 7, which would allow hunting on Sundays.

Boseman also filed S.B. 6, entitled "Beach Plan and Insurance Rate and Deductible Stay."