SB 646 — Make NC Insurrection-Free.

Bill Text

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill establishes eligibility restrictions for state government employment based on participation in the January 6th insurrection.

• Chapter 126

  Article 17. Eligibility for State Government Employment. § 126-100. Definitions; findings; scope. (a) The following definitions apply in this Article: (1) Conviction. – Any judgment of conviction entered by a court, whether upon verdict, plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere. (2) Covered offense. – Means any: a. Federal offense relating to insurrection, rebellion, or domestic terrorism; b. Conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1752 relating to restricted building or grounds violations; c. Conviction under 40 U.S.C. § 5104 relating to violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and d. Any substantially similar offense under State law. (3) Infamous or disgraceful conduct. – Acts that demonstrate contempt for constitutional government, violence against democratic institutions, or conduct that brings disrepute to public service. (b) The General Assembly finds that: (1) The integrity of public service and safety of North Carolina citizens requires a State workforce that demonstrates loyalty to democratic principles and the rule of law; (2) Participation in acts to overthrow or disrupt constitutional government is fundamentally incompatible with public service; and (3) No person who has engaged in insurrection, rebellion, or related infamous or disgraceful conduct should serve in positions of public trust. (c) This Article applies to all State employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, including The University of North Carolina System and the community colleges.

  This addition defines eligibility criteria for state government employment related to insurrection.

• § 126-101

  § 126-101. Employment eligibility restrictions. (a) A person is ineligible for employment by the State if any of the following apply: (1) The person has been convicted of a covered offense related to the events of January 6, 2021, at the United States Capitol. (2) The person was pardoned for any or all of the person's actions involving the January 6 insurrection. (3) A federal or state court has found, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the person engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States in violation of section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. (4) Clear and convincing evidence demonstrates the person engaged in infamous or disgraceful conduct through participation in efforts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, attack law enforcement, or undermine democratic institutions. (b) This section applies to all: (1) Hirings on or after July 1, 2025. (2) Current employees upon discovery of disqualifying conduct or conviction of a covered offense. (3) Contract employees employed by a contractor doing business with the State.

  This section establishes specific criteria under which individuals are deemed ineligible for employment by the state.

• § 126-102

  § 126-102. Procedural requirements. (a) No person shall be terminated or denied employment under this Article without: (1) Written notice of the specific grounds for ineligibility; (2) Disclosure of evidence supporting the determination; (3) An opportunity to respond and present evidence; (4) A hearing before an impartial hearing officer if requested; and (5) A written decision stating the grounds for any action taken. (b) Any determination of infamous or disgraceful conduct must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. (c) Any person aggrieved by a final decision under this section may seek judicial review in superior court.

  This section outlines procedural safeguards for individuals who are denied employment or terminated under these new eligibility restrictions.

• This act becomes effective July 1, 2025, and applies to employment decisions made on or after that date.

  Establishes the effective date of the new law.

Action History

1. March 26, 2025

   Passed 1st Reading

2. March 26, 2025

   Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

3. March 25, 2025

   Filed

Sponsors

• Joyce Waddell · Cosponsor
• Natalie S. Murdock · Cosponsor
• Woodson Bradley · Cosponsor
• Val Applewhite · Cosponsor
• Gladys A. Robinson · Cosponsor
• Michael Garrett · Primary
• Terence Everitt · Primary
• Kandie D. Smith · Cosponsor

Subjects