Property Rights

A House committee took up the emotional issue of annexation this week, holding a public hearing that drew more than 200 people. The committee is considering a study on whether the state's annexation laws should be amended. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow forced annexation. Supporters of the law say it allows for orderly growth and for economic stability in cities and towns. Opponents argue the law unfairly forces them to become a part of municipalities.