When it comes to bills that “crossed over,” passing either the House or the Senate last year, there simply are not many in that category affecting cities and towns that have any real political heft behind them. One that might move this session, and that involves a policy goal of cities, is HB 588 Heirs Property Study. The legislation seeks to explore ways to better resolve “tangled titles” that leave property owners vulnerable to fraud and some properties vacant and blighted. Pension retirement issues also are always ripe for discussion, and an ABC system reform bill is again in the mix for 2024. Local bills are not subject to the same limitations as other legislation, and this year marks a change that city officials will want to note: The submission deadline for these bills will precede the reconvening of the General Assembly, so you will want to be in discussions with your legislators regarding any needs for local legislation now. The deadline to submit these bills to legislative bill drafting is April 15 at 4 p.m. In recent years, legislators have used the state budget bill as a vehicle for state policy changes, and that is a trend that is likely to continue. But in a short session and major election year, budget writers will probably steer away from the most controversial policy provisions. Worth watching is whether the state Senate again pursues more comprehensive gambling legislation, in the wake of changes allowing sports betting and the establishment of the Catawba casino in Catawba County. Last year’s effort to create a handful of additional state-sanctioned gambling districts, which eventually failed, was largely responsible for delaying the passage of a state budget in 2023. As always, there will be twists and turns ahead that no one can anticipate. But NCLM’s very capable Government Affairs Team will be there to monitor it all, calling on its best tool—the municipal officials of the League membership—when it is most needed to gain the best outcome for North Carolina’s cities and towns. Legislative Update: The 2024 Legislative Session Rep. Tim Moore Rep. John Bell with Mayor Karen Alexander Rep. Tim Moore with Mayor Leonardo Williams NCLM.ORG 15
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