North CarolinaHB 1472025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET

Various Local Provisions XI.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 5 mixed.

Bear Grass gets annexation flexibility

The Town of Bear Grass is now exempt from the 10% cap on noncontiguous “satellite” annexations. The town can add outlying areas under state law without counting them toward that cap.

Stricter rules for blind locations and use

You may not build or use a hunting blind without a license. New spots must be at least 500 yards from any other blind, and float blinds cannot tie within 300 yards of a home. Most people may not hold more than two blinds; property owners can license extra point blinds on their land if spacing rules are met. Point blind owners must show the license number, maintain the blind, and use it at least four times each season. You may not rent a blind; use is personal and limited to family, friends, or licensed guides. Holders must give precise coordinates when asked, and the Commission may close vacant blinds. Owners of a licensed point may use one temporary unlicensed spot per licensed point, not at the same time and not within 500 yards of another licensed spot; artificial decoys are required on public waters.

Tighter boating and hunting rules in Currituck

You may only use floating devices that both wildlife and game commissions authorize for waterfowl hunting on Currituck Sound. Airboats and seaplanes are banned on Currituck public waters from September 1 through April 1 each year. Gasoline or oil‑powered boats in Currituck must use efficient mufflers unless federal rules allow otherwise. Beginning December 1, 2026, you may not tie or anchor a boat carrying gunners or skiffs within 500 yards of any blind. Also starting December 1, 2026, you may not leave a float blind anchored overnight unless it is at your licensed stationary blind or your licensed point. Otherwise, return the float blind to your landing each night.

Tougher penalties for illegal hunting

Violations are Class 2 misdemeanors, and each violation counts separately. The Game Commission may revoke a blind license after notice and a hearing and may deny licenses to repeat violators. Licensed guides and others may not assist anyone who lacks the proper license. Being found with decoys or hunting tools in a boat, blind, shore, or marsh counts as evidence you are hunting. Any blind not licensed for the year must be demolished by the owner; after August 1, wildlife officers may enter and demolish it.

Fees and steps to get blind licenses

You must apply in writing (including online) with the exact location, an oath, and a valid email. You pay application and processing fees set each June; residents must show NC proof. Nonresidents who held a blind in 1996–97 and renew each year keep resident renewal pricing. The Commission posts the filing window; on‑time applications are decided at 1:00 PM on the Thursday after the second Wednesday in August. Late filers with just cause may face a late fee. If denied or you object, demand a public hearing by the third Wednesday in August; hearings are the first Wednesday in September at 7:00 PM. You may appeal to District Court within 10 days; filing an appeal pauses the decision. From each license sold, $11 (point), $4 (bush), or $9 (float) goes to the State Wildlife Resources Fund.

New Currituck hunting times and zones

Beginning December 1, 2026, in areas east and north of the set line, quitting time is 4:20 PM EST from November 1 to January 31. West of the line, daily start and stop times follow state rules. The dividing line is fixed in law using channels, roads, and landmarks. After a public hearing, the Commission may change local times, but it cannot allow hunting when statewide rules forbid it.

Currituck Game Commission runs waterfowl rules

The law creates a seven‑member Currituck County Game Commission, appointed by the county board, to run local waterfowl rules. The Commission elects a clerk who alone issues blind licenses and keeps permanent records open to inspection. It files a budget with the State Wildlife Resources Commission, sets member and clerk salaries each June, and may fund a local conservation nonprofit. It may survey blind locations and place markers. The State Wildlife Resources Commission sells migratory wildfowl licenses for Currituck Sound and keeps the proceeds. Existing licenses and rules continue on December 1, 2026, current members and the clerk keep serving, old session laws are repealed, and pending cases and past liabilities still stand. The new rules apply to offenses and license applications on and after December 1, 2026, and state law confirms Currituck’s and Dare’s local game commission powers.

Hickory elections change and ward residency rule

Beginning August 6, 2026, Hickory holds regular city elections at the general election in even‑numbered years. The mayor and aldermen are elected using the State’s nonpartisan primary and election method. To run for alderman, you must be a qualified voter who lives in the ward you seek to represent. Aldermen must live in and represent their ward even though they are elected at large.

Hickory updates council and primaries

Starting August 6, 2026, Hickory’s council has a mayor and six aldermen serving staggered four‑year terms. If more than two candidates file in a ward, a nonpartisan primary is held and only that ward’s voters may vote. The primary date matches the county partisan primary date. Candidates file with the county board of elections on the state schedule.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bill Ward
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Chris Humphrey
Republican • House