Identical to H 116, filed 2/16/11.

Enacts new GS 143-214.19 providing that if state law requires a protective riparian buffer for coastal wetlands in either the Neuse River Basin or the Tar-Pamlico River Basin, then the coastal wetlands and marshlands are to be included in the measurement of the protective riparian buffer and are not to be treated as part of the surface waters. Provides definitions for coastal wetlands and marshlands as the terms are used in the proposed statute. Specifies factors to be considered in delineating the protective riparian buffer for any of the coastal wetlands or marshlands in the Neuse River Basin or the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Effective October 1, 2011.