Sen. Alexander files bill in North Carolina Senate to codify Lake Norman Marine Commission

A new bill filed by Sen. Alexander seeks to establish the Lake Norman Marine Commission in state statutes to oversee public recreation and water safety on Lake Norman, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 697 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Lake Norman Marine Commission.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to codify the existing Lake Norman Marine Commission into the North Carolina General Statutes under Article 6B of Chapter 77. It authorizes Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties to create the commission through a joint resolution, providing it with various powers, duties, and responsibilities related to public recreation and water safety on Lake Norman. The bill defines the governance structure, including the appointment of commissioners by the involved counties, and outlines the commission’s powers such as hiring staff, contracting services, and owning property to enhance public safety and recreation. It also establishes regulatory and enforcement mechanisms, permitting the creation of regulations related to water activities and granting law enforcement officers jurisdiction over Lake Norman for enforcement. The commission can accept external funds and resources, and each county is required to make equal financial contributions unless specified otherwise in a joint resolution. The act is effective upon becoming law.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Vickie Sawyer proposed the most bills (25) 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.

Alexander graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA.

Alexander, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 44th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Vickie Sawyer.