Bill > H126

This bill revises the laws governing voluntary agricultural districts by modifying the process for condemning or rezoning farmland. Specifically, the bill requires that before any state or local government agency can formally initiate a condemnation or rezoning action on land within a voluntary agricultural district, they must first request a local agricultural advisory board to hold a public hearing. The board is now given 45 days (increased from 30 days) to hold the hearing and submit written findings and recommendations. Moreover, the agency must now wait 120 days after receiving the board's recommendations before initiating any condemnation or rezoning action, which provides additional time for review and potential alternative solutions. This change aims to enhance public participation and provide more protections for agricultural lands by ensuring a more thorough review process before government agencies can take actions that might significantly impact farmland. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will apply to condemnation or rezoning actions initiated on or after that date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H126