Updated05/22/2012 08:11 AM

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RALEIGH North Carolina lawmakers are set to tackle a proposal that would compensate victims of the state's former eugenics program. They're holding a public hearing Tuesday at the legislative building in downtown Raleigh.

The state House set aside its rules and allowed a eugenics compensation bill to be read. Now, it's up for debate and votes.

If approved, the bill would pay $50,000 to people who were sterilized against their will. Many lawmakers have already shown their support for the proposal.

I am very excited and this is an issue that I thought was appropriate for Democrats and Republicans to come together on, said Rep. Earline Parmon, a Forsyth County Democrat.

According to the North Carolina Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation, 132 victims have been identified, 118 of whom are still alive. The foundation expects more victims to come forward if the legislature approves the compensation bill.

The public hearing begins at 2 p.m.

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Lawmakers to debate compensation for victims of eugenics program