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Bill Summary · HB 436

Summary — HB 436: Counties / Semiannual Assessments

Status: Passed first reading (House)
Introduced: Nov 12, 2024
Subject: Counties; Local government; Property; Taxation; Tax collection
Statutory change: Amends G.S. 153A‑199

Main purpose

HB 436 authorizes county boards of commissioners to allow special assessments (for example, assessments for local improvements) to be paid in either semiannual or annual installments, and increases the maximum number of permitted installments. The change gives counties greater flexibility in structuring installment payment schedules for assessed property owners.

Key provisions

  • Amends G.S. 153A‑199 (payment of assessments in full or by installments).
  • Maintains the default rule that owners must pay an assessment in full within 30 days after notice of confirmation of the assessment roll, unless the board of commissioners provides for installment payments.
  • If installments are allowed, the board must specify in the assessment resolution whether payment may be made by semiannual or annual installments and set the number of installments subject to new caps:
    • Semiannual installments: up to 40 installments (i.e., up to 20 years)
    • Annual installments: up to 20 installments (i.e., up to 20 years)
  • Allows the board to choose among two timing options for the first installment:
    • First installment (with interest) due on the same date property taxes are due, with subsequent installments every six months (semiannual) or every year (annual); or
    • First installment due 60 days after the assessment roll confirmation date, with subsequent installments on that same day each successive six‑month or annual period.
  • Other installment mechanics (interest on unpaid portions, etc.) remain governed by the statute and the board’s assessment resolution.

Who is affected

  • Primary: property owners subject to county special assessments.
  • Secondary: county boards of commissioners (gains discretion to set installment option and term), county finance/treasurer offices (administration and collections), and potentially contractors or lenders involved in improvement projects.

Potential impacts

  • For property owners: more payment flexibility and the ability to spread costs over a longer period (up to 20 years).
  • For counties: could ease taxpayer burden but may delay receipt of full assessment revenues, affecting short‑term cash flow and financing of improvement projects; administrative workload may increase for long‑term billing and collection.
  • Fiscal impact: not specified in the bill text; effects depend on county adoption and choices about installment number, interest rates, and collection practices.

Procedure & effective date

  • The bill takes effect when it becomes law and applies to assessments for which the assessment roll is confirmed on or after that date.
  • Legislative status (selected): Passed first reading in the House and referred to Finance (if favorable), Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

Sponsors / Origin

Primary sponsors: Representatives Majeed and Belk (additional sponsors listed in bill file). Statutory language revises G.S. 153A‑199 to implement the changes above.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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