Bill Summary for H 179 (2015-2016)

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Summary date: 

Mar 9 2015

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2015-2016 Session
House Bill 179 (Public) Filed Monday, March 9, 2015
AN ACT TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE THAT ALL CHANGES MADE BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FORMS OF GOVERNMENT AND ELECTORAL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES FOR COUNTIES, CITIES, AND SCHOOL BOARDS SHALL BE BY REFERENDUM ONLY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL CHANGES MADE BY CITY GOVERNING BOARDS TO THE CITY'S FORM OF GOVERNMENT SHALL BE BY REFERENDUM ONLY.
Intro. by Harrison, R. Johnson.

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Bill summary

Amends Section 1 of Article VII of the NC Constitution to provide that the General Assembly cannot alter or change the form, structure, or electoral district boundaries of a county governing board, city governing board, or local board of education unless such alterations are submitted for the approval of the voters of the specified geographic area affected in a referendum for that sole purpose. Requires that the amendment to the NC Constitution as provided above is to be submitted to the voters of NC at the statewide primary election on May 8, 2016. Provides for approval if a majority of votes cast are in favor of the amendment. 

Makes the following changes only if the constitutional amendment is approved.

Enacts new GS 120-29.6 to provide that General Assembly acts that alter or change the form, structure, or electoral district boundaries of a county governing board, city governing board, or local board of education are to be submitted for the approval of the voters of the specified geographic area affected in a referendum for that sole purpose.

Amends GS 160A-101 to provide that a city can only change its name or alter its form of government by calling a referendum. Adds language that any change under GS 160A-101 is subject to approval by referendum and only effective after such a vote. Deletes language which referred to initiative petitions for altering single-member electoral districts. Requires the drawing of district boundaries and apportionment of members to the district to be approved by a vote in a referendum. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 160A-102 to provide that changes to any optional form in government as set out in GS 160A-101 are only allowed if approved by a vote of the people by referendum. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Repeals GS 160A-103, Referendum on charter amendments by ordinance, and GS 160A-104, Initiative petitions for charter amendments. 

Amends GS 160A-23.1(b), making conforming changes.