URGENT ACTION NEEDED!

One of the main issues of concern this year has been involuntary annexation. Years of efforts for reform have been made and there has been constant opposition from cities and some Representatives and Senators who represent large cities. Fortunately, Senator Shaw (Cumberland County) filed a bill (SB 494) and Representatives Dollar (Wake), Steen (Rowan), Goforth (Buncombe) & Brown (Davidson, Forsyth) filed a companion bill (HB 645) which will bring real reform to annexation. Bills that have been essentially written by the League of Municipalities (the lobbying group that represents cities) have also been filed. They do not contain significant reform for property owners and could do more damage than good if they are passed. If passed, many will think that annexation reform has been made and there doesn’t need to be an effort for better protections for North Carolinians.

The Bill

SB 494 provides a vote for those property owners affected by an involuntary annexation. Once and for all, citizens will have a say as to whether they're brought into a city or not! There will be oversight - instead of courts listening to limited issues AFTER an annexation, County Commissioners will provide oversight for the process. This is essential because city officials do not have as much of a vested interest in those living in the city AND the county and County Commissioners do. This bill provides a definition for meaningful services and requires them. The bill also allows for a deannexation procedure if there is a failure to deliver these services. Seems like the involuntary annexation process would already provide for this, right? NO! We must, once and for all, protect the state's citizens.

Background

SB 494 and HB 645 have been held up in Committee and never moved. The crossover deadline was May 14 which means that if a bill that does not involve appropriations has not passed either the Senate or the House, it is no longer eligible to go to the floor for a vote in either chamber. SB 494 and HB 645 were stuck in Committee and never got to the floor of either chamber for a vote and are considered “dead” this session. However, Senator Shaw has chosen to file a discharge petition. A discharge petition, if obtained by 34 Senators, will pull the bill from Committee and send it straight to the floor for a vote.

Significance of a Discharge Petition

A discharge petition is very rare and sometimes used by the minority party. The process in itself goes around the Speaker of the House or President Pro Tem’s leadership. Senator Shaw feels strongly enough about his bill and the significant reforms that it contains and is willing to put the citizens of North Carolina before his party membership.

What’s Needed

The petition was filed today so ALL MEMBERS OF SENATE MUST BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY! Every Senate member needs to know the importance of SB 494 and the reforms that will bring more power to the citizens during the involuntary annexation process. Let them know that you live in your Senator’s district and POLITELY REQUEST THEIR SIGNATURE ON SENATOR SHAW’S DISCHARGE PETITION OF SB 494.

This effort could be historic, but without “real people” contacting your representation in Raleigh, the effort may not gain traction.