NC Senate pushes vote on 1-year property tax assessment freeze

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 legislation passed a vote in the Senate on Tuesday with bipartisan support and is expected to face a final procedural vote on Wednesday.

The measure would effectively pause the ability for most counties in the state to raise property taxes through new assessments -- or updating the value of homeowners' property.

For most North Carolina counties, it would mean no new property tax assessments until next year, though the bill includes certain exceptions for a handful of counties.

The proposal would not change property tax rates. Instead, it would temporarily eliminate another key tool counties use to generate tax revenue, particularly as the state's population continues to grow.

The bill is the latest effort in recent weeks by lawmakers to provide tax relief for homeowners, following a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit where local municipalities can set property tax rates.

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The push reflects an ongoing clash between lawmakers seeking to keep tax rates down for homeowners amid North Carolina's population growth and local municipalities that say they need to increase tax revenue to keep pace with that growth.

The debate has also raised new questions about the services funded by property taxes, as counties could be forced to adjust if revenue is limited.

A final vote from the Senate is expected later Wednesday, but it remains unclear whether the bill will receive the same level of support in the House or when the chamber will take it up.

Senate President Phil Berger, who sponsors the bill, said he hoped it would become law by mid-May.