A new bill filed by State Rep. Heather H. Rhyne in the North Carolina House seeks to establish a definitive legal boundary line between Lincoln and Catawba counties based on current geographic data, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 41 on Feb. 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Lincoln/Catawba Common Boundary Line.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes the current boundary line used for taxation purposes between Lincoln County and Catawba County, as reflected in their geographic information systems maps, as the official legal boundary. Any county boundary survey from the North Carolina Geodetic Survey in 2024 that conflicts with this line will not be binding for these counties. Within 42 months after the bill’s effective date, the North Carolina Geodetic Survey must accurately locate, survey, mark, and map this boundary line, with costs covered by Lincoln County. The act ensures that all documents regarding residents or property should be filed according to the boundary described in the bill, despite previous filings in the other county. Public records from before the act remain valid, even if filed in the wrong county. The bill also provides immunity for Lincoln and Catawba Counties and their officials from liability regarding actions taken under this legislation. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.
Rhyne proposed one other bill during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Rhyne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998.
Rhyne, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2024 to represent the state’s 97th House district, replacing previous state representative Jason Saine.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heather H. Rhyne | HB 41 | 02/03/2025 | Lincoln/Catawba Common Boundary Line. |
| Heather H. Rhyne, Allen Chesser, Brenden H. Jones, and Jay Adams | HB 35 | 02/03/2025 | Establish Military Appreciation Month. |
