Sen. Alexander files bill in North Carolina Senate to retain Lincoln-Catawba county boundary

A new bill filed by State Sen. Alexander seeks to officially retain the current boundary line between Lincoln and Catawba counties for taxation and legal purposes, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 46 on Feb. 4 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 aims to officially retain the currently recognized boundary line between Lincoln County and Catawba County, as used for taxation purposes and reflected in their geographic information systems maps. Any boundary survey delivered in 2024 that conflicts with this recognized line will not bind the counties. Within 42 months of the bill’s enactment, the North Carolina Geodetic Survey is tasked with confirming and mapping this boundary, with Lincoln County covering the costs. It ensures that future legal filings regarding residents or property must correspond to this established boundary line. All public records filed before the effective date remain valid, regardless of the boundary’s location. The bill indemnifies county officials and employees from liability related to the boundary’s establishment. The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

A related bill, HB 41, was also filed in the North Carolina House, introduced by Rep. Heather H. Rhyne on Feb. 3, 2025.

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.