RALEIGH (AP) ó Towns and cities couldnít forcibly annex unincorporated land for nine months in legislation tentatively approved by the North Carolina House.
The measure approved Monday night would create a moratorium on involuntary annexations from July 31 until the end of April 2009.
Democratic Rep. Bruce Goforth of Buncombe County is a primary sponsor of the bill, which has bipartisan support. Goforth said the pause would give lawmakers time to make changes to better protect the rights of property owners.
The bill was approved by a vote of 99-15. A final House vote is expected Tuesday. The moratorium would still need Senate approval.