Updated 06/05/2007 07:36 AM
House bill would authorize an annexation study commission
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
RALEIGH -- Just when it looked like the more than a dozen bills dealing with involuntary annexation were dead, one still has life.
Some House members managed to change the context of one bill to keep it alive after the crossover date.
The bill wouldn't directly change annexation laws, but some think it's a step in the right direction.
Anti-involuntary annexation rallies like one at the General Assembly in May may be the catalyst for a closer look at the laws.
"People have kept writing and kept asking for reform and asking for something to be done," said Cathy Heath, with Stop NC Annexation.
House Bill 86 has been changed to a study commission bill, which means, if made into law, it would authorize a committee to analyze current annexation laws.
"This is the largest step that we've seen taken in years in involuntary annexation," said state Rep. Nelson Dollar, R-Wake.
Towns across the state have been fighting involuntary annexation, arguing that affected people have no say when it comes to their rights.
The bill stands in the Rules Committee now, and a public hearing is set for June 13.
"My hope for June 13 is that more members of the legislature and the legislative leadership will understand the concerns that citizens have when their homes are being affected and they have no real voice in the process," said Dollar.
"I think it's really important that we have a good showing of support for the legislators who have worked so hard to try to get this issue heard," said Heath.
The League of Municipalities argues involuntary annexation serves North Carolina well.
"We don't believe the issue needs to be studied again, but if the legislature sees fit to authorize yet another study, then we'll work with members of the General Assembly in that process," said League of Municipalities Executive Director Ellis Hankins.
One of the bill sponsors, state Rep. Charles Thomas, R-Buncombe, said that after the public hearing the bill will likely head to the House floor, where he expects it will pass.
Those against involuntary annexation said it's not an ultimate victory, but at least a start.
"It just depends on who's going to be on the commission, whose voices are going to be heard, and whether they'll take a look at all the aspects," said Heath.
The public hearing is set for June 13 at the General Assembly on Jones Street.
If the law passes, the commission would study annexation between the legislature's long and short sessions.