North Carolina HB 738 Expands State Wetland Protections and Regulatory Definitions

Original title: Restore Wetlands Protections.

Last action · April 3, 2025: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action)Sponsors: Pricey Harrison and 18 others

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What This Bill Would Do

North Carolina HB 738 broadens environmental protections by repealing two prior session laws and rewriting statutory definitions for , waters, and wetlands under G.S. 143-212. The legislation explicitly includes certain isolated wetlands, basin wetlands, and bogs under state definitions while excluding and specific man-made stormwater ponds.

Why it matters

Property owners and developers statewide face updated regulatory standards and compliance requirements governing , basin wetlands, bogs, and state waters upon enactment.

Background

State session laws from 2014 and 2015 previously introduced exemptions affecting state-level protections for certain isolated wetlands in North Carolina. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Property owners

Property owners face revised statutory definitions and restored state protections for wetlands located on or near their land.

Directly affected

Developers

Developers must comply with updated state wetland and water definitions following the repeal of prior exemptions.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What prior laws does House Bill 738 repeal?

The bill repeals Section 54 of S.L. 2014-120 and Section 4.18 of S.L. 2015-286.

Does the definition of isolated wetlands include man-made stormwater ponds?

No, the term 'isolated wetland' explicitly does not include an isolated man-made ditch or pond constructed for stormwater management purposes or any other man-made isolated pond.

When does this act take effect?

The act is effective when it becomes law.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

3 actions

Apr 3, 2025House
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Apr 3, 2025House
Passed 1st Reading
Apr 2, 2025HouseIntroduced
Filed

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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