Legislative Update from Rep. Iler — May 6, 2024
After almost a month back in our districts, the members of the North Carolina General Assembly got back to Raleigh on April 24th to start the 2024 “short” session. This session will deal with certain bills that carried over from 2023, as well as study bills, local bills, and some bills containing appropriations or fees. The 2023 – 2025 state budget will also be adjusted, based on the latest revenue projection for fiscal year 2024 – 2025.
During the interim between sessions we have been able to meet with citizens around the district, as well as meet in study committees. I was able to co-chair the House Select Committee on Homeowners’ Associations, and sponsor a bill to address some of the issues raised. Those include mediation, foreclosure limits, document transparency, and reporting of complaints by the N.C. Dept. of Justice/Attorney General’s office. This is House Bill 959 – Various Changes to Homeowners’ Assoc. Laws.
Prior to this session, several members were working on the issue of squatters in vacant homes. This is a concern due to the publicity from Florida, California, and other states, as well as the large number of second home owners on our coast, whose houses or condos can be vacant for months at a time. Some of us got together and introduced House Bill 984 – Removal of Squatters from Private Property. It provides for an expedited eviction process in these cases. I am one of the primary sponsors.
Also, during much of March and April I was able to meet with individuals and groups across the district. The subjects ranged from transportation, coastal issues, homeowners’ issues, a media update, and ribbon cuttings. Some municipal citizens are concerned about annexation/de-annexation and state authorization of a recall election. Some of these issues require changes to town charters.
An interesting ribbon cutting was in Ocean Isle Beach at Town Center Park on April 27th. Five years after Phase I was begun, land was acquired to complete the park, grants were obtained from the state, and Phase II was completed. We cut the ribbon on that Saturday, many citizens and their children enjoyed the day, and a new jewel on our coast was officially open for play. Many have already enjoyed Phase I, which includes the performing stage, lawn, and dance floor for Friday concerts and other events, as well as kids playing in the water feature. New unique features are in Phase II, such as the zipline, combination basketball/pickleball court, and 911 memorial.
We expect more bills to be filed this week, since the deadline for local bills is Tuesday. Committees will meet to begin approving bills to go the House and Senate chambers for votes. I expect to have at least one local bill filed Monday or Tuesday. On Friday, I have to be in Emerald Isle for the meeting of the N.C. Beach, Inlet, and Waterway Association (NCBIWA), where several of us are scheduled to appear on a legislative panel.