Hearing scheduled on NC eugenics bill

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A large crowd is expected when legislators hold a public hearing in Raleigh about a bill that would pay $50,000 to people who were sterilized against their will.

Some victims are expected to attend the hearing, which will be held Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building. So far, the N.C. Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation has identified 132 victims, of whom 118 are still alive.

Foundation executive director Charmaine Cooper-Fuller says she expects more victims to come forward if the Legislature approves compensation.

The compensation bill was found last week in the House and Senate. Victims would receive a tax-free, lump-sum payment of $50,000 with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2015, to file a claim.

The state Industrial Commission would determine eligibility, and the state treasurer would issue payments.