North Carolina lawmakers push 1-year freeze on property tax assessments

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina lawmakers could take a major step Wednesday in a high-stakes debate over property taxes, with a proposal advancing that would freeze county property tax assessments for a full year.

The bill cleared a key Senate vote Tuesday with bipartisan support and is expected to pass a final procedural vote later Wednesday morning on Jones Street.

If approved, the measure would effectively pause most local governments from raising property taxes through new assessments or updated property valuations. The proposal aims to limit how much homeowners could see their tax bills increase as property values rise.

The bill does include exceptions for a handful of counties, though details on those carveouts remain limited.

The push comes amid ongoing tension between state lawmakers and local leaders.

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Supporters argue the measure would provide relief for homeowners facing rising housing costs during North Carolina's rapid population growth. Local municipalities, however, have warned that limiting assessment updates could restrict their ability to generate revenue needed to keep up with that same growth.

The issue has sparked increasing debate at the General Assembly in recent weeks.

A final Senate vote is expected later Wednesday, but the bill's path beyond that remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the proposal will receive the same level of support in the House or when it could be taken up there.