Highlights of 2007 Legislative Session

The 2007 General Assembly is in full swing, with a record number of bills introduced for consideration. Many of these bills impact the state’s environment and natural resources. Budgets have been voted on by committees, resulting in a 227-page budget bill released May 7. The House plans to approve its spending package this week, and it would then be considered by the N.C. Senate. The deadline for bills to cross over between the House and Senate is May 17, so the pressure is on.

Items of interest in the House’s current proposed budget:

• Clean Water Management Trust Fund- $100 million funding

• Parks and Recreation Trust Fund- retains investment interest

• Water Resources Development Project Funds- $18,563,000 (coastal and interior waters)

• Landslide Hazard Mapping Program- $184,911 recurring funding

• FerryMon Program- $300,000 non-recurring funding for Pamlico Sound water quality monitoring

• Forest Development Program- $200,000 non-recurring funding for cost-share assistance

• Stock Assessment and River Herring Management Program- 3 positions

• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program- $275,000 recurring funding to expand into Roanoke and Pasquotank river basins

• Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust- $8,500,000 non-recurring funding at Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• Green Business Fund- to be created at Department of Commerce

For full text on each of these, please click on the Bill Number below. As an alternative, visit www.ncleg.net/. Then in the right hand column, enter the bill number in “Bill Look-Up.”

Working Lands
HB49- Outdoor advertising vegetation removal changes
HB275- Extend moratorium on swine farms
HB412- Lower present-use value acreage threshold
HB463/ SB241- Conservation Tax Credit modifications

Forever Natural
HB620/ SB841- Income tax credit for wildlife land–AB
HB859/ SB603- Extend nutrient offset payment sunset
HB862/ SB840- Amend Plant Protection and Conservation Act–AB
HB926/ SB780- NE Cape Fear-Burgaw Creek Preserve Study
HB990/ SB1522- Land and Water Conservation Bond Act of 2007
HB1009/ SB1361- Fund stream mapping
HB1152- Boiling Springs Lakes/Habitat Conservation
HB1265- Mountains-to-Sea Trail funds
HB1724- State nature and historic preserves additions and removals
HB1811- Authorize Deep River State Trail
HB1889/ SB1305- Present-use value system modifications
SB1167- Notify county before state land acquisition

Working on the Water
HB85- Extend Fishing License grandfather date
HB429- Beach towns/canal dredging fee
HB942- Oak Island Beach nourishment projects
HB534/ SB646- Continue Waterfront Access Study
HB1017- Brunswick menhaden restrictions
HB1042- Seafood and Aquaculture Commission
HB1117/ SB141- Topsail Beach/Beach renourishment funds
HB1154- Oak Island/Erosion setback line
HB1396/ SB1389- Amend Marine Fisheries Commission membership
HB1627- Shellfish industry enhancements
HB1628- Coastal hazards disclosure
HB1856/ SB1415- Develop state seafood and marine industries
HB1892- For hire blanket CRFL/commercial vessel fee

Other
HB819/ HB820/ SB844/ SB845 Amend natural resources laws 2007
HB1074/ SB1140- Renewable energy credit - 501(c)(3)
HB1075- Energy conservation in state buildings

To check on the current status of the budget and other bills of interest, go to http://www.ncleg.net/.