Between the heightened buzz of election season and as we continue to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene, there are few times in recent memory when North Carolinians had this much on their plate.
But even though the votes have been counted, the post-election conversation will march on for weeks, if not months. It is therefore crucial that we don’t let the noise of national politics drown out the need for our state legislature to get back to business. Pressing issues, which include but are not limited to continued hurricane relief measures, demand the attention of our state legislature if we are to indeed return to a post-hurricane normal. In other words, the legislature must walk and chew gum at the same time.
Take for example the series of housing and property rights bills that were swiftly making their way through the House and Senate this past summer. These critical bills — HB 984, HB 556, and SB 445 — could profoundly impact our ability to protect property rights and maintain safe, vibrant communities across North Carolina.
HB 556 and SB 445, both of which passed out of the legislature in June, specifically aim to address the root problem of unlawful occupancy — better known as squatting — that has become a serious concern for homeowners statewide, especially following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.
SB 445 will give law enforcement and the courts the resources they need to confront and process unlawful tenants. HB 556 will simultaneously bolster the rights and abilities of property owners to more proactively prevent squatting in the properties they own.
Squatting is more than just a nuisance; it’s a threat to the fabric of our communities. When unauthorized occupants take over a home, they often neglect property maintenance, engage in illegal activities, and diminish the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. This not only jeopardizes the safety of residents but also erodes property values and places an undue financial burden on homeowners.
The bad news is that outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper summarily vetoed both bills in July, despite the manifest need to address the squatting epidemic. The good news is both the House and Senate recognized the importance of this legislation and have already overridden the vetoes on SB 556 and SB 445.
Meanwhile, HB 984, which still awaits passage in the state Senate, addresses a related but equally urgent issue: the cumbersome and inefficient process that property owners currently face when trying to remove unlawful occupants. Thanks to a combination of outdated regulations and an overburdened court system, it can take over a year to legally evict a squatter under the status quo. This is unacceptable.
The bill proposes much-needed reforms that would simplify the eviction process, reduce the administrative burden on homeowners, and ensure that North Carolina’s laws align with the realities of today’s housing market. By passing HB 984, the Senate can help ensure that property rights are not just theoretical but are actually enforceable in a timely and effective manner.
The significance of these three bills extends beyond the immediate issue of squatting. At their core, they are about upholding the rights of North Carolinians to protect their investments, maintain the integrity of their neighborhoods, and foster a safe environment for all.
As we move forward with new leadership in Raleigh, let’s not forget that our state legislature has crucial work to do — work that directly impacts our day-to-day lives. Ensuring HB 984 follows the path of HB 556 and SB 445 is essential to ensure homeowners have the legal tools they need to maintain control of their own properties.
The stakes are high, but with the right legislative action, we can ensure that North Carolina remains a state where property rights are respected, communities are protected, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This post was originally published on here
