GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	3 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 977
Committee Substitute Favorable 5/31/95
Corrected Copy 6/2/95

Short Title:  LRC Study Local Government.	(Public)

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:  

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April 12, 1995

A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, North Carolina's annexation laws have not been comprehensively studied by the General Assembly since 1983; and
Whereas, citizens all over the State have expressed concern over the power of municipalities to annex involuntarily; and
Whereas, citizens have inadequate input into involuntary annexation decisions; and
Whereas, municipalities have extraterritorial planning and zoning powers in areas outside the municipalities known as "ETJs", but citizens in these areas cannot vote for the persons who exercise these powers; and
Whereas, municipalities, either through neglect or willful noncompliance, are not uniformly complying with the local government fiscal control provisions of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes; and 
Whereas, more vigorous enforcement of local government fiscal control laws may be needed;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study all aspects of North Carolina local government structure, powers, and finance.  As a part of its study, the Commission may study the following:
(1)	Annexation laws, including involuntary annexation;
(2) 	Extraterritorial powers of cities in areas known as "ETJs," and representation for landowners affected by these powers;
(3) 	Review and control of municipal finances by the Local Government Commission;
(4) 	Any other issue affecting local government in North Carolina.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report, including any recommendations, to the 1995 General Assembly, Regular Session 1996, and a final report to the 1997 General Assembly.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.