Enacts new 143‑214.19 to provide that if State law requires a protective riparian buffer for coastal wetlands in the Neuse River Basin or the Tar‑Pamlico River Basin, the coastal wetlands and marshlands must not be treated as part of the surface waters, and are to be included in the measurement of the protective riparian buffer. Specifically delineates the protective riparian buffer for any of the coastal wetlands or marshlands in the Neuse River Basin or the Tar‑Pamlico River Basin depending on whether the coastal wetlands or extend less than 50 feet or 50 feet or more from the high normal water level or normal water level. Defines the terms coastal wetlands and marshlands as they apply in the statute. Effective October 1, 2015.