GOP leaders announced Wednesday night that the new legislation would be debated and voted on Thursday. Details about the replacement weren't immediately available. It's also unclear whether there were enough House and Senate votes to pass it. Cooper didn't immediately comment.
Republican lawmakers and Cooper have sought an agreement by this week because the NCAA was poised to deny championship events to the state unless changes were made to the law known as House Bill 2. HB2 has prompted some businesses to halt expansions and entertainers to cancel concerts in the state.
Leaders of national and state gay rights groups said they are opposed to any legislation that essentially doesn't repeal HB2 completely and nothing else.