Legislators got back to work this week in what was their first full week of session. As expected, much of their agenda was COVID-19 related. With the pandemic expected to loom large over much of the session, NCHBA’s legislative team will continue to try and move proactive housing bills early during the session.
On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed SB 36 2020 COVID Relief Bill Modification. The bill appropriates money that the federal government sent to the state following the latest federal relief package. The money appropriated will provide additional financial assistance to schools and provide additional rental and utility assistance to as many as 35,000 North Carolina citizens. Subsequently, the House unanimously passed the bill on Thursday and has sent it to the Governor for his signature. This will not be the last COVID funding bill this session, as the state still has several billions in federal relief that has yet to be appropriated.
Your legislative team spent much of the week working with legislators on several proactive bills. This year, we expect another bill concerning building relief for our members. Representative Mark Brody (R-Union) has agreed to sponsor this legislation that will provide greater regulatory relief in all aspects of home construction. Another bill is expected to deal with additional changes to the historic land-use law changes made in 2019. Finally, a bill that will tighten up capacity fee legislation in expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.
So far this session, your legislative team has seen a large number of local bills that do not pertain to any subject matter. These “blank” bills have to be followed to ensure that the provisions that could be added later are not detrimental to the housing industry.
Several legislators have expressed interest in housing affordability this session. Your team will be heavily involved in these talks and looks forward to working with sponsors to ensure that housing in North Carolina remains in reach for thousands of potential homeowners.
Even though housing affordability is a major topic, we have to continue to fight any legislation that would harm potential homeownership. Over the past several sessions, NCHBA has successfully defeated bills that introduced impact fees, additional tree restrictions and inclusionary zoning. It is equally important to make sure that we do not take a step back on affordability with these harmful types of legislation.
Looking ahead to next week, your team will continue to craft our legislative agenda with lawmakers. Committee meetings are expected to increase in frequency as lawmakers continue to introduce bills daily.
If you have any questions, please email Steven Webb at swebb@nchba.org.
Legislators reconvened in Raleigh on Wednesday after a two-week reorganization period. Since then, legislative offices have been reassigned and committee assignments were officially designated. Bills have begun to be filed so committees should be operating within the next month. This session will very likely last throughout the summer, as this is a redistricting year. Legislators are tasked with redrawing new district lines for both the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives, as well as Congressional districts. However, the U.S. Census bureau is still working on collecting and inputting data that will be sent to the states. All early indications point to North Carolina picking up a congressional seat, bringing the delegation to 14 members.
Your legislative team has already started to work this week on the Association’s legislative agenda with the General Assembly. For example, Representative Mark Brody (R-Union) is crafting the Building Code Regulatory Reform Act of 2021. This will be the 8th omnibus bill in the last 9 nine sessions. These bills have addressed numerous issues that builders are facing in the field. We will be working directly with Representative Brody to ensure that our members concerns are being addressed.
Another legislative priority is to update the capacity fee calculation to one that is more reflective of the impact of the water or wastewater system that is being accessed. Some jurisdictions have been casting a wide net and including items that are not germane to the water and wastewater system and are unnecessarily driving up the total calculated cost. Placing tighter parameters around the calculation of the capacity fee should give a more accurate representation of the total cost and potentially lower the fee.
Another item that is currently being developed is legislation that will make clarifying changes to the historic 2019 Land Use Regulatory Changes bill. The 2019 bill granted developers greater vested protection and helped even the playing field with local governments.
Mark your calendars: This coming Monday, February 1st, at 2:00 p.m. NCHBA will hold a virtual Legislative meeting. The update will include the proposed legislation for the 2021 Legislative Session, the current makeup of the General Assembly, and Build PAC pledges. To join the meeting, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81903168043. The meeting ID number is 819 0316 8043.
Over the coming weeks, check your legislative report for details and progress of all of our legislative goals.
If you have any questions, please email Steven Webb at swebb@nchba.org.
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