North Carolina Senate forms statewide property-tax reform committee
The bipartisan select committee arrives as voters prepare to consider a constitutional amendment limiting growth in local property-tax collections.
The North Carolina Senate has formed a select committee to study property-tax policy as voters prepare to decide whether the state constitution should limit growth in the amount of property-tax revenue collected by local governments.
The Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform includes 20 members and will be chaired by Republican Sens. Lisa Barnes of Nash County, Tom McInnis of Moore County and Buck Newton of Wilson County, according to the General Assembly’s committee roster.
The committee includes both Republicans and Democrats from across the state. No bills, meeting files or hearing dates had been posted to the committee page as of Friday morning.
Senate leader Phil Berger announced the committee Thursday amid a continuing debate over rising property values, county revaluations and the effect of local tax decisions on homeowners. The panel can examine policy proposals that could affect counties and municipalities throughout North Carolina.
Its formation is especially significant because voters will consider a property-tax constitutional amendment in the Nov. 3 general election. If approved, the amendment would require the General Assembly to establish limits on growth in the total property-tax revenue collected by local governments. Lawmakers would be responsible for defining the limits and any exceptions through subsequent legislation.
Supporters argue statewide restraints are needed to protect homeowners, including retirees and residents on fixed incomes, from rapidly increasing tax bills. Republican legislative leaders have also argued that local tax decisions need greater transparency.
Opponents have warned that a statewide limit could reduce local flexibility and force cuts or tax shifts affecting schools, emergency services, public health and other county or municipal responsibilities. They have also argued that local governments face higher costs and state-imposed responsibilities that vary considerably by community.
The General Assembly enacted other property-tax measures earlier this year, including legislation addressing county reappraisals. The new committee’s broader membership and formal select-committee status position it to develop recommendations beyond those earlier actions.
The committee page does not yet identify a deadline, charge document or schedule. Its first hearings should clarify whether senators intend to pursue limits independent of the ballot amendment, prepare implementing legislation in case the amendment passes or consider additional relief and transparency measures.
Because any statewide property-tax formula would affect local budgets differently, the committee’s treatment of county testimony, revenue data and exceptions will be central to the debate.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
