Bill seeks to overturn North Carolina ban on hardened erosion control structures

State Sen. Michael A. Lazzara has introduced a new bill aiming to update North Carolina’s strategy for erosion management by permitting specified shoreline protection structures, as reported by the North Carolina State Senate.

Filed as SB 1009 on April 30 during the 2025 regular session, the legislation uses the short title, ‘Repeal Hardened Structure Ban.’

Here is a summary based on the complete bill text, which may include clarifying interpretation of its contents.

Fundamentally, the proposed legislation eliminates North Carolina’s restriction on hardened erosion control structures and prevents the Coastal Resources Commission from banning temporary or permanent measures such as seawalls, jetties or bulkheads. The bill directs the commission to issue rules outlining where, how, and under which conditions these structures can be constructed, maintained and permitted, aiming to protect both private property and public recreational beaches while considering respective project advantages and mitigation. It also mandates adjustments to the state’s coastal zone management program, allocating $850,000 in 2026-27 to the North Carolina Collaboratory for updating the State’s Beach and Inlet Management Plan by Dec. 1, 2027. Most elements of the bill become effective Sept. 1, 2026.

Among the three sponsors of the bill, Bobby Hanig introduced the most proposals (63) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina must go through a multi-step review before passage. They begin when a legislator files a bill, which is then referred to a committee. Legislative procedure requires that bills pass three readings in each chamber. If amendments are added after passage in one chamber, both chamber versions must be reconciled. Once final passage occurs in both, the governor has 10 days (or 30 days if the General Assembly is not in session) to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature.

For more details on current legislation and actions, visit this page.

Lazzara, a Republican, joined the North Carolina State Senate in 2021, representing the 6th district after succeeding former Senator Harry Brown.