Signed by Governor Josh Stein

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report and pass a bill that expands the state loan program for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Highlights:

• Authorizes local governments to enforce ordinances regulating the removal, preservation, and replacement of trees on private property for the purpose of protecting life or property from damage resulting from natural hazards (Sec. 1D.8).

• Extends approvals on developments that were current and valid on September 25th, 2024 by 12 months past their previous expiration date (Sec. 1D.3).

• Authorizes local governments to revoke or modify an extended development approval under this Section if site conditions are changed as a result of Hurricane Helene or subsequent natural disasters that (Sec. 1D.3).

• Authorizes the chair of the Environmental Management Commission to independently hire staff (Sec. 4.3).

• Specifies that this Act is effective retroactively to July 1, 2025 (Sec. 11.3).

Full Bill Text