HB 1042 updates North Carolina's property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations that provide housing for low- or moderate-income individuals. The bill clarifies that land held by nonprofits for future affordable housing projects can remain tax-exempt for up to five years, with unpaid taxes deferred until the project is completed or the land is no longer used for this purpose. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new specific exemption for affordable rental housing, defining it as developments where more than half the units are rented to tenants earning at or below 80% of the area median income. These changes aim to provide clearer tax incentives for nonprofits developing and operating affordable rental properties.
SB 55 creates a fast-track court process for property owners or their authorized representatives (like real estate brokers) to remove people occupying residential property without legal right, such as squatters. To qualify, the owner must prove the occupant has no lease, hasn't paid rent, and wasn't invited, while excluding tenants who stayed past their lease term. The process requires a hearing within 48 hours of filing, with removal ordered within 4 hours of the court decision. An appeal requires a $10,000 bond and allows a full trial in district court.
This bill, officially titled "An Act to Establish Exemptions from Certain Floodplain Requirements for the Replacement or Reconstruction of Structures Damaged by Historic Flood Events," corrects the misstated title "Power Bill Reduction Act." It directly affects property owners seeking to rebuild or replace structures damaged by a "historic flood event" (defined as a flood meeting or exceeding a 200-year flood standard) within the base floodplain. The key provision allows rebuilding to the same or lesser size/volume as before the flood, without adhering to newer state or local flood regulations, but prohibits increases in size/volume unless hydrologic analysis proves it won’t raise flood elevations. This exemption applies to structures lawfully established before the flood event.
HB 737 eliminates mandatory 20-hour training courses for insurance producers (agents/brokers) seeking licensure in North Carolina, replacing this requirement with a competency-based assessment. The bill also clarifies rules on insurance referral fees, updates capital calculation standards for the Department of Insurance, and restricts residential leases from requiring renters insurance. Additional provisions include adjustments to Medicare supplement licensing, continuous coverage rules for drivers with surcharges, and streamlined processes for multi-dealer registration. These changes directly affect insurance professionals, insurers, and consumers through modified licensing, coverage, and fee structures.
HB 762 modernizes North Carolina's mortgage licensing rules under the S.A.F.E. Act and adjusts fee limits for second or junior lien loans. It directly affects mortgage lenders offering these second mortgages by requiring their fees to align with federal qualified mortgage standards. The bill modifies maximum permissible fees to better match federal requirements, aiming to reduce consumer costs and improve compliance. This change applies specifically to loans secured by a second or junior lien on residential properties. The bill focuses on policy adjustments without altering licensing processes or consumer protections beyond fee structures.
HB 251 prohibits North Carolina state agencies from denying disaster recovery assistance (like grants) based on a person's political affiliation or political speech. It applies to all applicants for state disaster aid, including U.S. citizens, nationals, and qualified aliens, and sets penalties of a Class I felony for violations. The bill also defines "temporary housing" (such as trailers or tents) and adds criminal penalties for stealing such housing during declared emergencies. These changes aim to ensure state disaster aid is distributed fairly and protect emergency housing resources.
HB 94 allows disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses to prequalify for the disabled veteran property tax homestead exclusion. This means individuals can apply to determine their eligibility for the tax benefit before they purchase a permanent residence. Applicants submit a prequalification form with their disability certification, and the county assessor must notify them of their eligibility within 30 days. The bill aims to help taxpayers and lenders account for this tax relief when making home purchase decisions. After prequalification, a separate application for the exclusion is still required once a permanent residence is acquired.
HB 913 aims to hold local governments accountable for development decisions by allowing or mandating the recovery of attorneys' fees and, in some cases, punitive damages for parties who successfully sue them. It directly affects local governments and individuals or entities involved in development projects. The bill mandates attorneys' fees if a local government intentionally violates development laws, intentionally delays approvals, or acts deceptively to provoke legal action. Additionally, punitive damages, up to ten times the proven harm, can be awarded if a local government acts in a flagrantly unfair or deceptive manner with the intent to cause legal action. However, local governments are protected from these awards if they acted in reasonable reliance on court orders or Attorney General opinions.
HB 223 authorizes the Town of Mooresville to transfer its owned land to developers or nonprofits for building housing specifically for low- and moderate-income residents, veterans, and emergency responders. The bill requires that any transferred property include deed restrictions ensuring it remains housing for these groups, with the land reverting to the town if misused before the agreed period. Conveyances must be approved via a public board resolution posted online 10 days in advance. This policy change directly enables the town to expand targeted housing options without requiring payment for the land.
