141-9. Reestablishment of North Carolina-South Carolina boundary.

(a) Findings. - The General Assembly finds that:

(1) North Carolina and South Carolina were created as separate British colonies.

(2) Surveys to determine the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina began in 1735 and concluded in 1815.

(3) Resurveys of three sections of the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina were performed in 1813, 1905, and 1928.

(4) The boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina has not changed; however, over the course of time from the original survey of the boundary, some of the markers denoting the boundary from the original surveys have been lost or destroyed by the elements.

(5) The boundary commission authorized pursuant to Chapter 141 of the General Statutes has worked with commissioners appointed by South Carolina to reestablish the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina.

(b) Intent. - It is the intent of the General Assembly to address the effects on persons or land with a situs recognized, as a result of a boundary certification, to be in this State and to avoid disputes with such persons or owners of such land. This act does not apply to persons whose property, rights, and businesses are not affected by boundary certification. For purposes of this act, "boundary certification" means the certification by the General Assembly of the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina, as provided for in subsection (c) of this section.

(c) Certification. - For purposes other than property tax, the General Assembly hereby certifies that, as of January 1, 2017, the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina is the boundary that was established by the original survey and resurveys that were adopted through legislative and executive actions, and the reestablished boundary has been approved by the boundary commissions of North Carolina and South Carolina and proclaimed as the boundary by the Governor, pursuant to G.S. 141-5. For property tax purposes, the General Assembly hereby certifies that, as of January 1 of the year following the year this act becomes effective or the year an executive order has been issued by the Governor proclaiming the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina, whichever is earlier, the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina is the boundary that was established by the original survey and resurveys that were adopted through legislative and executive actions, and the reestablished boundary has been approved by the boundary commissions of North Carolina and South Carolina and proclaimed as the boundary by the Governor, pursuant to G.S. 141-5.