From NC REALTORS Important Bills Become Law

The Advocate September 13, 2024 General Assembly Update The state legislature returned to the General Assembly on the week of September 9 to address a mini-budget bill, appointments and veto overrides. Of importance to NCR was the veto override of SB 166 – 2024 Building Code Regulatory Reform. The Senate voted to override it on Sept. 9 and the House voted to override the veto on Sept. 11 so that means the bill is now law. Senate Bill 166 is a NCR supported bill, which has language on backflow preventers and septic tanks. The key provisions are as follows: Prohibits local government-owned public water systems from requiring customers to install backflow preventers in existing connections unless deemed a high hazard by the Department of Environmental Quality. Limits the periodic testing of backflow preventers in residential irrigation systems to once every three years. Establishes that applications for new and existing sewer system permits, including septic systems, must be in writing. Establishes that building or repairing on-site wastewater systems must be certified by a contractor or at the required level of certification for the specific system. Is not applicable to someone who repairs or installs a single septic tank that is intended solely for that dwelling. House Bill 556, Tenancy in Common/E-Notary/Small Claims Changes is another bill vetoed by Gov. Cooper. The House voted to override the veto on July 31 and with the Senate vote override on Sept. 9 this legislation is now law. The key provisions of this bill are as follows: Includes changes to remote notary to ensure emergency video notarization does not run out before the permanent rules are in place Deals with the geo fencing issues including using global positioning systems to identify geographical location Prohibits counties and cities from adopting regulation prohibiting landlords from refusing to rent to tenants if their source of income includes funding from federal housing assistance program Entitles a landlord to reasonable attorneys’ fees if a summary ejectment appeal is determined to be frivolous or unreasonable Register to Vote and Make Your Voice Heard As champions of our industry and communities, we know how important it is to ensure that every voice is heard. The 2024 elections are fast approaching, and now is the time to make sure you’re registered to vote! Please stay tuned to future Advocates for profiles of NC RPAC supported candidates. National Voter Registration Day: September 17, 2024 Mark your calendar! National Voter Registration Day is on Tuesday, September 17, a perfect opportunity to register if you haven’t already done so, and to encourage your colleagues, clients, and friends to do the same. Whether it’s protecting property rights or ensuring a vibrant economy, our work as REALTORS® directly intersects with the decisions made by elected officials. That’s why voting is so crucial. Get Out the Vote (GOTV) is more than a reminder to vote—it’s a movement to make sure our industry’s voice is heard loud and clear at the polls. What You Can Do: Check your registration status – Make sure your information is current by visiting the NC State Board of Elections Website. Encourage your peers – Talk to your fellow REALTORS® and urge them to register and vote. Promote voter registration – Share on social media or in person that September 17 is National Voter Registration Day! Your participation strengthens the real estate industry and the communities we serve. Let’s make this election count by ensuring every REALTOR® and their network is registered to vote. Thank you for being a powerful advocate for our profession and our future! If you have any questions or comments about the Advocate, please contact Pam Melton, Vice President of Advocacy.