HB 801

Requires the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to study the status of “paper towns.” Defines a paper town as a town that exists in fact but does not provide adequate services, as required by law, to its residents. Sets out the requirements for the study as (1) determine whether towns incorporated by the General Assembly (GA) since 1995 are currently providing the services proposed by the petitioners; (2) determine whether services currently provided are sufficient to sustain the incorporation for purposes of taxation, zoning, and regulation of the right to control private property; (3) determine whether the GA should take action due to the failure of the town to provide services sufficient to sustain the incorporation; and (4) review the statutory criteria for incorporation to determine if any changes are needed. Sets a deadline for the LRC’s final report, including any proposed legislation, when the 2026 Regular Session of the 2025 NCGA convenes.