Originally published May 27, 2026, by Elevation Strategies
Reprinted with permission from Elevation Strategies

Here are some recent highlights from the NC General Assembly:

Property Taxes: The House and Senate have passed a constitutional amendment that would require the legislature to set limits on property tax increases. This amendment will now be presented to voters for approval on the ballot in the November election.

In addition, the Senate has advanced legislation (SB 889) that would prevent local governments from using property tax revaluations when setting tax rates for one year. It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote and is awaiting action in the House (no word yet on if and when it will be voted on).

Data Centers: Three Republican House members (Reps. Dean Arp, Kyle Hall, and Matthew Winslow) are pushing legislation that would enact new accountability measures on data centers. This would include review of water and environmental impacts, restrictions on foreign ownership, and a requirement that operators cover the cost of additional infrastructure needs. This is in addition to discussions about eliminating sales and use tax exemptions for data centers (expected to be in the state budget), and it signals bipartisan efforts to address public concerns related to their impact.

Property Tax Loophole - The House Finance Committee advanced legislation (HB 1042) that seeks to close a loophole on property taxes. Bill sponsors argue that for - profit entities are using passing non-profits to obtain property tax exemptions, shifting the burden to other taxpayers.