Rep. Smith files bill in North Carolina House to convey land to Burgaw

A new bill filed by State Rep. Carson Smith in the North Carolina House seeks to convey land to Burgaw for development of a fire training facility and other public purposes, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 479 on March 20 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Town of Burgaw Property Transfer.’

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

In essence, this bill mandates that the State of North Carolina convey approximately 11 acres of land to the Town of Burgaw for the nominal sum of $1, with the property intended for the development of a fire training facility and other public uses. The land is part of a larger parcel identified by specific land and deed records in Pender County. The conveyance is contingent upon the land being used for public purposes, with a reversionary interest retained by the state if the property ceases to serve such functions. The transfer will occur “as is,” with no guarantees provided by the state regarding title, boundaries, or condition, and Burgaw will shoulder all associated conveyance costs. This transfer circumvents certain statutory regulations but must comply with others, with the act becoming effective immediately upon passage.

Smith proposed another 15 bills 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.

Smith, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 16th House district, replacing previous state representative Bob Muller.