NC S282

Creates a new inventory process for state-owned submerged lands in non-coastal North Carolina counties, requiring the Division of Water Resources to work with the Department of Administration and Attorney General to determine validity of claims.

Requires persons claiming any interest in submerged land beds or fishing rights in non-coastal counties to register their claims with the Division of Water Resources by December 31, 2017, or forfeit those rights.

Mandates the Department of Administration modify its state property database by April 15, 2016, to track submerged land holdings and prohibits new structures on state-owned submerged lands without an easement granted by the Department.

Requires the Department of Administration to adopt rules by April 15, 2016, specifying the process and fees for obtaining utility easements on submerged lands.

Appropriates $328,000 for fiscal year 2015-2016 and $550,000 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund inventory efforts, including seven new positions (one attorney, one paralegal, one administrative assistant, three additional paralegals, and one GIS specialist).