Beason v. North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State

HUNTER, Robert C., Judge.

Respondent the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State appeals the trial court’s order reversing and setting aside the civil fine assessment imposed against petitioner Mark Beason. After careful review, we affirm the trial court’s order.

This case involves the lobbying efforts of petitioner to repeal or amend N.C. Gen. Stat. § 136-28.7 (2011), commonly known as the “Buy America” law, which prohibits the North Carolina Department of Transportation from purchasing or using foreign-made steel and iron in highway construction projects. Petitioner has been…