History wouldn't stand still for Gov. Jim Hunt, as the first bill needing a governor's signature in North Carolina in more than two centuries made it to his desk despite his absence.The General Assembly on Friday sent Hunt a bill to sign into law or veto. State voters last fall approved a change to the North Carolina constitution allowing the governor veto power over most legislation for the first time since colonial days.
North Carolina was the last of the 50 states to approve veto power for its governor.
But Hunt wasn't on hand when the bill - which outlines veto procedures - was delivered to his office. He was in Arizona at an education conference.
Hunt spokesman Fred Hartman said the governor will sign the bill next week.
Before Friday, the last time lawmakers sent a bill to a governor for his approval was when North Carolina was a British colony.
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That bill was titled, ``A Bill To Prevent The Pernicious Practice Of Hunting With A Gun In The Night By The Firelight.' Colonial Gov. Josiah Martin signed it into law on March 24, 1774.
An angry Martin dissolved the legislature soon thereafter, after clashes with lawmakers.
