Bill > H801

This bill authorizes the Legislative Research Commission (LRC), a legislative support agency, to conduct a comprehensive study of "paper towns" in North Carolina. A "paper town" is defined as a municipality that exists legally but fails to provide adequate services to its residents. The study will investigate towns incorporated since 1995, examining whether they are delivering the services originally proposed during their incorporation process and determining if these towns are sufficiently providing critical services like taxation, zoning, and property regulation. The LRC will assess whether these towns meet the criteria for continued incorporation and will explore potential legislative actions, including the possibility of suspending or revoking town charters for those failing to meet service requirements. The commission will also review existing statutory incorporation criteria to recommend potential improvements that would ensure newly incorporated towns maintain an appropriate level of municipal services. By the 2026 Regular Session of the 2025 General Assembly, the LRC is required to submit a final report detailing its findings and potentially proposing specific legislative changes. The act becomes effective immediately upon becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H801