Legislative Update from Rep. Iler — March 3, 2025
The last two weeks at the North Carolina General Assembly have been unusual, thanks to Mother Nature sending ice and snow to the Raleigh area on the week of February 17 – 20. However, we handled some business by email and telephone. Then we returned in person last week to double meetings, as well as bill drafting and bill introductions.
Back on the 18th, I was able to file House Bill 140 – Authorize Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail, which adds the areas on the western side of the Cape Fear River to the state trails system. Rep. Miller is also a primary sponsor, and we have 25 other co-sponsors. The Gullah Geechee culture was a slavery and post-slavery way of life of Africans brought forcibly to the southern Atlantic coast. There are many reminders in our Brunswick County area, including chapels and former rice plantations. Many local governments and non-profits in the area have put much work and local funds into this project, including restoration of the Reaves Chapel. This bill is a recognition of the designated 21-mile proposed trail, and possible access to future funding, although no funds are in this bill.
Last Monday, it was time to get back to Raleigh for budget meetings and other committees Tuesday – Thursday, as well as House and Senate voting sessions. In the House Tuesday, we passed the significant 4th installment of relief for western North Carolina. House Bill 47 – Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part I allocates $500 million in additional targeted funds, which brings total state relief for the west so far to over $1.5 billion from the state’s “Rainy Day Funds”. It passed unanimously 116 – 0 and went to the Senate. Other bills included improvements in unemployment benefits and several involving technical corrections, appointments to boards, and an invitation to the Governor to come for his State of the State address to the joint House and Senate.
Another highlight of the week was the local-state dinner Wednesday night, sponsored by the N.C. League of Municipalities. I was able to have dinner with officials from four of our district towns: Belville, Leland, Ocean Isle Beach, and Shallotte, and listen to a panel of our legislative leaders of both parties.
This week we expect to be busy with budget meetings and committees handling the many bills being filed. I have several more bills in drafting which could be filed this week.