North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 32 D · 1 I · 1 R cosponsors

HB 788 — Fix Our Democracy.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 03, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 34 sponsors

    3 primary, 31 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 3 parties (32 D · 1 I · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1918 added · 1914 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of House Bill 788, the language was clarified to emphasize that the North Carolina General Assembly will establish a nonpartisan process for revising Senate districts. This change is significant because it aims to ensure fair representation by avoiding manipulation of district boundaries for political gain. Additionally, the amendment reinforces requirements that Senate districts must be contiguous and prevent counties from being split, thus promoting a more equitable electoral system.

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H.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 1 HOUSE BILL 788 Short Title:
788 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA Apr 3, 2025 SESSION 2025 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK H D HOUSE BILL DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Short Title:
Representative Buansi.
Representatives Buansi, Willingham, Cohn, and Rubin (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT AMENDING THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A NONPARTISAN REDISTRICTING PROCESS;
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House April 8, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT AMENDING THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A NONPARTISAN REDISTRICTING PROCESS;
Whereas, short-term political incentives are currently set against the long-term public good;
Whereas, short-term political incentives are currentlyset against the long-term public good;
TheSenatorsshallbeelectedfromdistricts.TheGeneral Assembly,atthefirstregularsession convening after the return of every decennial census of population taken by order of Congress, shall revise the senate districts and the apportionment of Senators among those districts, subject to the following requirements:Assembly shall establish a nonpartisan process to revise the senate *DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 districts and the apportionment of Senators among those districts pursuant to Section 25 of this Article.
TheSenatorsshallbeelectedfromdistricts.TheGeneral Assembly,atthefirstregularsession convening after the return of every decennial census of population taken by order of Congress, shall revise the senate districts and the apportionment of Senators among those districts, subject *H788-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 to the following requirements:Assemblyshall establish a nonpartisan process to revise the senate districts and the apportionment of Senators among those districts pursuant to Section 25 of this Article.
(1) Each Senator shall represent, as nearly as may be, an equal number of inhabitants, the number of inhabitants that each Senator represents being determined for this purpose by dividing the population of the district that he represents by the number of Senators apportioned to that district;
(1) Each Senator shall represent, as nearlyas maybe, an equal number of inhabitants, the number of inhabitants that each Senator represents being determined for this purpose by dividing the population of the district that he represents by the number of Senators apportioned to that district;
(4) When established, the representative districts and the apportionment of Representatives shall remain unaltered until the return of another decennial census of population taken by order of Congress." SECTION1.1.(c) ArticleIIoftheNorth Carolina Constitutionis amendedbyadding a new section to read:
(4) When established, the representative districts and the apportionment of Representatives shall remain unaltered until the return of another decennial census of population taken by order of Congress." SECTION1.1.(c) Article IIoftheNorth Carolina Constitutionis amended byadding a new section to read:
(1) The General Assembly shall have no role in revising electoral districts for the General Assembly or the House of Representatives of the United States Congress.
(1) The General Assemblyshall have no role in revising electoral districts for the General Assembly or the House of Representatives of the United States Congress.
(6) Electoral districts adopted pursuant to the process shall have the force and effect of acts of the General Assembly." SECTION 1.1.(d) Subsection (5) of Section 22 of Article II of the North Carolina Constitution reads as rewritten:
(6) Electoral districts adopted pursuant to the process shall have the force and effect of acts of the General Assembly." Page 2 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 1.1.(d) Subsection (5) of Section 22 of Article II of the North Carolina Constitution reads as rewritten:
Page 2 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(5) Other exceptions.
"(5) Other exceptions.
(a) In bill in which the General Assembly makes an appointment or appointments to public office and which contains no other matter;
(a) In bill in which the General Assemblymakes an appointment or appointments to public office and which contains no other matter;
163-358, there shall be a primary to narrow the fieldofcandidatestotwo candidates foreachpositiontobe filledif,whenthefilingperiodcloses, there are more than two candidates for a single office or the number of candidates for a group of offices exceeds twice the number of positions to be filled.
163-358, there shall be a primary to narrow the fieldofcandidatestotwo candidates foreachpositiontobefilledif,whenthefilingperiodcloses, there are more than two candidates for a single office or the number of candidates for a group of offices exceeds twice the number of positions to be filled.
If the number of candidates for a group of offices does not exceed twice the number of positions to be filled, no primary shall be held for those offices, and the candidates shall be declared nominated.
If the number of candidates for a group of offices does not exceed twice the number House Bill 788-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of positions to be filled, no primary shall be held for those offices, and the candidates shall be declared nominated.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (b) Determination of Nominees.
(b) Determination of Nominees.
The candidate shall also includewith the affidavit thewaythecandidate's name(as permitted by law)shouldbe listed on the ballot if another candidate with the same last name files a notice of candidacy for that office.
The candidate shall also includewith the affidavit thewaythecandidate's name(as permittedbylaw)shouldbe listed on the ballot if another candidate with the same last name files a notice of candidacy for that office.
Judges of the Court of Appeals.
Page 4 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Judges of the Court of Appeals.
Page 4 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Judges of the district courts.
Judges of the district courts.
The State Board shall prescribe the form for the certificate and distribute it to each county board of elections no later than the last Monday in December of each odd-numbered year.
The State Board shall prescribe the form for the certificate and distribute it to each county board of elections no later than the last Mondayin December of each odd-numbered year.
163-106.2, for any one election.
163-106.2, for anyone election.
If a person has filed a notice of candidacy with a board of elections under this section or under G.S.
If a person has filed a notice of candidacywith a board of elections under this section or under G.S.
Votes cast for a candidate shall be effective onlyforelectiontothevacancy forwhichthecandidatehasgivennoticeofcandidacy asprovided in this subsection.
Votes cast for a candidate shall be effective onlyforelectiontothevacancyforwhichthecandidatehas givennoticeofcandidacyasprovided in this subsection.
– At the time of filing a notice of candidacy under this Article, each candidate shall pay to the State Board a filing fee for the office the candidate seeks in the amount of one percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought.
– At the time of filing a notice of candidacy under this Article, each candidate shall payto the State Board a filing fee for the office the candidate seeks in the amount of one percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought.
– If any person who has filed a notice of candidacy and paid the filing fee prescribed in subsection (a) of this section withdraws his or her notice of candidacy within the period prescribed in G.S.
– If anyperson who has filed a notice of candidacyand paid the filing fee prescribed in subsection (a) of this section withdraws his or her notice of candidacy within the period prescribed in G.S.
163-352(c), the candidate shall be entitled to have the fee the candidate paid refunded.
163-352(c), the candidate shall be entitled to have the fee the House Bill 788-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 candidate paid refunded.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) Refund of Fees Upon Death of Candidate.
(c) Refund of Fees Upon Death of Candidate.
If the office is justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals, the petition shall be signed by 8,000 registered voters in theState.Iftheofficeissuperiorordistrictcourtjudge,thepetitionshallbesignedbyfivepercent (5%) of the registered voters of the election area in which those registered voters will vote for that office.
If the office is justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals, the petition shall be signed by 8,000 registered voters in theState.
Iftheofficeissuperiorordistrictcourtjudge,thepetitionshallbesignedbyfivepercent (5%) of the registered voters of the election area in which those registered voters will vote for that office.
(a) Names of Candidates Sent to Secretary of State.
(a) Names of Candidates Sent to Secretaryof State.
Ifavacancy occursin ajudicial district foranyoffices ofsuperiorcourtjudge,andonaccount of the occurrence of the vacancy there is to be an election for one or more terms in that district to fill the vacancy or vacancies, at that same election in accordance with G.S.
If avacancyoccursin ajudicial district foranyoffices ofsuperiorcourtjudge,andonaccount of the occurrence of the vacancy there is to be an election for one or more terms in that district to fill the vacancy or vacancies, at that same election in accordance with G.S.
(2) If the vacancy occurs beginning on the opening of the filing period under G.S.
Page 6 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) If the vacancy occurs beginning on the opening of the filing period under G.S.
163-352(b) and ending on the sixtieth day before the general election, Page 6 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 candidate filing shall be as provided by G.S.
163-352(b) and ending on the sixtieth day before the general election, candidate filing shall be as provided by G.S.
(3) The general election ballot shall contain, without designation as to vacancy, spaces for the election to fill the vacancy where nominations were made or candidatesfiledundersubdivision(1)or(2)ofthissection.Exceptasprovided in G.S.
(3) The general election ballot shall contain, without designation as to vacancy, spaces for the election to fill the vacancy where nominations were made or candidatesfiledundersubdivision(1)or(2)ofthissection.
Exceptasprovided in G.S.
IftheStateBoarddetermines that therewill besufficienttimeto reprint theballots, it shall reopen the filing period for three days to allow other candidates to file for election and that election shall be conducted as provided in G.S.
If theStateBoarddetermines that therewill besufficienttimeto reprint theballots, it shall reopen the filing period for three days to allow other candidates to file for election and that election shall be conducted as provided in G.S.
That candidate's name shall remain on the ballot, any votes cast for the candidacy shall be counted in the primary or election, and if the candidate wins, the candidate may fail to qualify by refusing to take the oath of office.
That candidate's name shall remain on the ballot, any votes cast House Bill 788-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 for the candidacy shall be counted in the primary or election, and if the candidate wins, the candidate may fail to qualify by refusing to take the oath of office.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (f) Death, Disqualification, or Failure to Qualify After Election.
(f) Death, Disqualification, or Failure to Qualify After Election.
– If a vacancy for the office of justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, or judge of superior court occurs more than 60 days before thegeneral election and aftertheopening ofthe filing periodfortheprimary, thentheStateBoard shall designate a special filing period of one week for candidates for the office.
– If a vacancy for the office of justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, or judge of superior court occurs more than 60 days before thegeneral election and aftertheopeningofthe filingperiodfortheprimary, thentheStateBoard shall designate a special filing period of one week for candidates for the office.
(a) General.
Page 8 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) General.
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Page 8 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Only thosewhohavefiled therequirednoticeofcandidacywith theproperboardofelections, and who have paid the required filing fee or qualified by petition, shall have their names printed on the official primary ballots.
Onlythosewhohavefiled therequirednoticeofcandidacywith theproperboardofelections, and who have paid the required filing fee or qualified by petition, shall have their names printed on the official primary ballots.
In printing ballots, the county board of elections shall be governed by instructions of the State Board with regard to width, color, kind of paper, form, and size of type.
In printing ballots, the countyboard of elections shall be governed byinstructions of the State Board with regard to width, color, kind of paper, form, and size of type.
"(b) On Tuesday next after the first Monday in March preceding each general election to be held in November for the officers referred to in subsection (a) of this section, there shall be held in all election precincts within the territory for which the officers are to be elected a primary election for the purpose of nominating candidates for each political party in the State for those offices.offices and nonpartisan candidates as to the offices elected under the provisions of Article 26 of this Chapter." SECTION 2A.3.
"(b) On Tuesday next after the first Monday in March preceding each general election to be held in November for the officers referred to in subsection (a) of this section, there shall be held in all election precincts within the territoryfor which the officers are to be elected a primary election for the purpose of nominating candidates for each political party in the State for those offices.offices and nonpartisan candidates as to the offices elected under the provisions of Article 26 of this Chapter." SECTION 2A.3.
163-106, 163-112, 163-291, or 163-294.2, or 163-352, is certified to the State Board of Elections by a political party executive committee to fill a nomination vacancy pursuant to G.S.
163-106, 163-112, 163-291, or 163-294.2, or 163-352, is certified to the State Board of Elections bya political partyexecutive committee to fill a nomination vacancypursuant to G.S.
163-114, is certified to the State Board of Elections by a new political party as that party's nominee pursuant to G.S.
163-114, is certified to the State Board of Elections bya new political partyas that party's nominee pursuant to G.S.
163-98, qualifies with the State Board of Elections as an unaffiliated or write-in candidate pursuant to Article 11 of this Chapter, or formally initiates a candidacy with the State Board of Elections pursuant to any statute or local act, the State Board of Elections shall notify the candidate of the provisions concerning campaign signs in G.S.
163-98, qualifies with the State Board of Elections as an unaffiliated or write-in candidate pursuant to Article 11 of this Chapter, or formallyinitiates a candidacywith the State Board of Elections pursuant to anystatute or local act, the State Board of Elections shall House Bill 788-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 notify the candidate of the provisions concerning campaign signs in G.S.
136-18." DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 2A.4.
136-18." SECTION 2A.4.
"(a) Candidates seeking party primarynominations forthefollowing offices shall filetheir notice of candidacy with the State Board no earlier than 12:00 noon on the first Monday in December and no later than 12:00 noon on the third Friday in December preceding the primary:
"(a) Candidates seekingpartyprimarynominations forthefollowingoffices shall filetheir notice of candidacy with the State Board no earlier than 12:00 noon on the first Monday in December and no later than 12:00 noon on the third Friday in December preceding the primary:
163-106.2 shall file along with their notice a certificate signed by the chairman of the board of elections or the director of elections of the county in which they are registered to vote, stating that the person is registered to vote in that county, if the candidacy is for superior court judge and the county contains more than one superior court district, stating the superior court district of which the person is a resident, stating the party with which the person is affiliated, and that the person has not changed his the person's affiliation from another party or from unaffiliated Page 10 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 within three months prior to the filing deadline under G.S.
163-106.2 shall file along with their notice a certificate signed by the chairman of the board of elections or the director of elections of the county in which they are registered to vote, stating that the person is registered to vote in that county, if the candidacy is for superior court Page 10 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 judge and the county contains more than one superior court district, stating the superior court district of which the person is a resident, stating the party with which the person is affiliated, and that the person has not changed his the person's affiliation from another party or from unaffiliated within three months prior to the filing deadline under G.S.
During the period commencing 36 hours immediately preceding the filing deadline the State Board of Elections shall accept, on a conditional basis, the notice of candidacy of a candidatewhohas failed to securetheverificationordered herein subject to receipt ofverification no laterthan threedays following thefiling deadline.The StateBoard ofElections shall prescribe the form for such certificate, and distribute it to each county board of elections no later than the last Monday in December of each odd-numbered year.
During the period commencing 36 hours immediately preceding the filing deadline the State Board of Elections shall accept, on a conditional basis, the notice of candidacy of a candidatewhohas failed to securetheverificationordered herein subject to receipt ofverification no laterthan threedays followingthe filingdeadline.The State Board ofElections shall prescribe the form for such certificate, and distribute it to each county board of elections no later than the last Monday in December of each odd-numbered year.
If the candidate requests a hearing, the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Article 11B ofthis Chapter.
If the candidate requests a hearing, the hearingshall be conducted in accordance with Article 11B of this Chapter.
163-106, 163-106.1, 163-106.2, 163-106.3, 163-106.4,163-106.5, and 163-106.6,a filing feefortheoffice sought in the amount specified in the following tabulation:
163-106, 163-106.1, 163-106.2, 163-106.3, 163-106.4,163-106.5,and163-106.6,a filingfeefortheoffice sought in the amount specified in the following tabulation:
Office Sought Amount of Filing Fee Governor One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought Lieutenant Governor One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought All State executive offices One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought All Justices, Judges, and District At- One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the torneys of the General Court of office sought Justice United States Senator One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought Members of the United States House One percent (1%) of the annual salary of of Representatives the office sought State Senator One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought Member of the State House One percent (1%) of the annual salary of of Representatives the office sought All county offices not compensated by One percent (1%) of the annual salary of DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 fees office sought All county offices compensated partly One percent (1%) of the first annual by salary and partly by fees salary to be received (exclusive of fees) 5 The salary of any office that is the basis for calculating the filing fee is the starting salary for the office, rather than the salary received by the incumbent, if different.
Office Sought Amount of Filing Fee Governor One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought Lieutenant Governor One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought All State executive offices One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought All Justices, Judges, and District At- One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the torneys of the General Court of office sought Justice United States Senator One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought Members of the United States House One percent (1%) of the annual salary of of Representatives the office sought State Senator One percent (1%) of the annual salary of the office sought House Bill 788-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Member of the State House One percent (1%) of the annual salary of of Representatives the office sought All county offices not compensated by One percent (1%) of the annual salary of fees office sought All county offices compensated partly One percent (1%) of the first annual by salary and partly by fees salary to be received (exclusive of fees) 8 The salary of any office that is the basis for calculating the filing fee is the starting salary for the office, rather than the salary received by the incumbent, if different.
163-106.2 but which is not listed in subsection (b) of this section, or a municipal orany otherofficerequiring apartisanprimarywhich is not set forth in G.S.
163-106.2 but which is not listed in subsection (b) of this section, or a municipal oranyotherofficerequiringapartisanprimarywhich is not set forth in G.S.
House of Representatives, District Attorney, judge of the superior court, judge of the district court, and members of the State House of Representatives from multi-county districts or members of the State Senate from multi-county districts must be presented to the county board of elections for verification at least 15 days before the petition is due to be filed with the State Board of Elections, and such petition must be filed with the State Board no later than 12:00 noon on Monday preceding the filing deadline.
House of Representatives, District Attorney, judge of the superior court, judge of the district court, and members of the State House of Representatives from multi-countydistricts or members of the State Senate from multi-county districts must be presented to the countyboard of elections for verification at least 15 days before the petition is due to be filed with the State Board of Elections, and such petition must be filed with the State Board no later than 12:00 noon on Mondaypreceding the filing deadline.
…." SECTION 2A.10.
Page 12 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 …." SECTION 2A.10.
Page 12 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(b) No later than 10 days after the time for filing notices of candidacy under the provisions of G.S.
"(b) No later than 10 days after the time for filing notices of candidacy under the provisions of G.S.
"(1) Acandidatewhois apparentlyentitledto demanda second primary,according to the unofficial results, for one of the offices listed below, and desiring to do so, shall file a request for a second primary in writing with the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections no later than 12:00 noon on the ninth day (including Saturdays and Sundays) following the date on which the primary was conducted, and such request shall be subject to the certification of the official results by the State Board of Elections.
"(1) Acandidatewhois apparentlyentitledto demanda second primary, according to the unofficial results, for one of the offices listed below, and desiring to do so, shall file a request for a second primary in writing with the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections no later than 12:00 noon on the ninth day (including Saturdays and Sundays) following the date on which the primary was conducted, and such request shall be subject to the certification of the official results by the State Board of Elections.
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, All State executive officers, Justices, Judges, or District Attorneys of the General Court of Justice, United States Senators, Members of the United States House of Representatives, State Senators in multi-county senatorial districts, and Members oftheStateHouseofRepresentativesin multi-county representative districts." SECTION 2A.12.
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, All State executive officers, Justices, Judges, or District Attorneys of the General Court of Justice, United States Senators, Members of the United States House of Representatives, State Senators in multi-county senatorial districts, and Members oftheStateHouseofRepresentativesin multi-countyrepresentative districts." SECTION 2A.12.
Filling vacanciesamongpartynominees occurring after nomination andbefore election.
Filling vacanciesamongpartynominees occurringafternomination and before election.
(a) If any person nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns,orforanyreason becomesineligibleordisqualifiedbeforethedate oftheensuinggeneral election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:
(a) If anyperson nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns, orforanyreason becomesineligibleordisqualifiedbeforethedate oftheensuinggeneral election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:
Position President Vacancy is to be filled by Vice President appointment of national executive committee of political party in which vacancy occurs Presidential elector or Vacancy is to be filled by ap- alternate elector pointment of State execu- Any elective State office tive committee of political United States Senator party in which vacancy occurs A district office, including:
Position President Vacancy is to be filled by Vice President appointment of national executive committee of political party in which vacancy occurs Presidential elector or Vacancy is to be filled by ap- alternate elector pointment of State execu- Any elective State office tive committee of political United States Senator party in which vacancy occurs House Bill 788-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 A district office, including:
Appropriate district executive Member of the United committee of political DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 States House of Repre- party in which vacancy occurs sentatives Judge of district court District Attorney State Senator in a multi- county senatorial district Member of State House of Representatives in a multi-county representative district State Senator in a single- County executive committee county senatorial district of political party in which Member of State House of vacancy occurs, provided, in Representatives in a the case of the State Senator single-county represen- or State Representative in a tative district single-county district where Any elective county office not all the county is located in that district, then in voting, only those members of the county executive committee who reside within the district shall votevote.
Appropriate district executive Member of the United committee of political States House of Repre- party in which vacancy occurs sentatives Judge of district court District Attorney State Senator in a multi- county senatorial district Member of State House of Representatives in a multi-county representative district State Senator in a single- County executive committee county senatorial district of political party in which Member of State House of vacancy occurs, provided, in Representatives in a the case of the State Senator single-county represen- or State Representative in a tative district single-county district where Any elective county office not all the county is located in that district, then in voting, only those members of the county executive committee who reside within the district shall votevote.
If a vacancy occurs in a nomination of a political party and that vacancy arises from a cause other than death and the vacancy in nomination occurs more than 120 days before the general election, the vacancy in nomination may be filled under this section only if the appropriate executive committee certifies the name of the nominee in accordance with this paragraph at least 75 days before the general election.
If a vacancy occurs in a nomination of a political party and that vacancy arises from a cause other than death and the vacancy in nomination occurs more than 120 days before the general election, the vacancy in nomination may be filled under this section onlyif the appropriate executive committee certifies the name of the nominee in accordance with this paragraph at least 75 days before the general election.
(b) In a county which is partly in a multicounty judicial district, in choosing that county's member or members of the judicial district executive committee for the multicounty district, only the county convention delegates or county executive committee members who reside within the area of the county which is within that multicounty district may vote.
(b) In a county which is partly in a multicounty judicial district, in choosing that county's member or members of the judicial district executive committee for the multicountydistrict, only Page 14 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the county convention delegates or county executive committee members who reside within the area of the county which is within that multicounty district may vote.
…." Page 14 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 2A.13.
…." SECTION 2A.13.
The State Board of Elections shall establish a review procedure that local boards ofelections shall followto ensurethatcandidates' namesappearontheofficial ballot in accordance with this subdivision." SECTION 2A.16.
The State Board of Elections shall establish a review procedure that local boards ofelections shall followto ensurethatcandidates'namesappearon theofficial ballot in accordance with this subdivision." SECTION 2A.16.
…." SECTION 3.2.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 …." SECTION 3.2.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 PART IV.
4 PART IV.
registration that may be (i) printed out in blank form or (ii) filled in online as set forth in G.S.
registration that maybe (i) printed out in blank form or (ii) filled in online as set forth in G.S.
The county board of elections for the county where the applicant resides shall accept the form as application for any of those purposes if the form is submitted as set out in G.S.
The countyboard of elections for the countywhere the applicant resides shall accept the form as application for any of those purposes if the form is submitted as set out in G.S.
(a) This section may be cited as the "Online Voter Registration Act." (b) RequireAvailability ofInternet forVoterRegistration.
(a) This section may be cited as the "Online Voter Registration Act." (b) RequireAvailabilityof Internet forVoterRegistration.
– TheStateBoard ofElections shall ensure that the following services are availableto the publicat anytime on its official public website:
– TheStateBoardof Elections shall ensure that the followingservices are availableto the publicat anytime on its official public website:
(2) Submitting with the application an electronic copy of the applicant's handwritten signature through electronic means in a manner prescribed by the State Board of Elections.
(2) Submitting with the application an electronic copy of the applicant's handwritten signature through electronic means in a manner prescribed bythe State Board of Elections.
(2) The individual provides a signature in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.
Page 16 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) The individual provides a signature in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.
Page 16 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (h) The State Board of Elections shall inform the applicant for voter registration of the disposition of the application by regular mail.
(h) The State Board of Elections shall inform the applicant for voter registration of the disposition of the application by regular mail.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validly submitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,election.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validlysubmitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,election.
(2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanneddocument,orby onlinevoterregistrationpursuanttoG.S.
(2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanneddocument,orbyonlinevoterregistrationpursuanttoG.S.
163-82.5A, are confidential and shall not be considered public records and subject to disclosuretothegeneral publicunderChapter132 oftheGeneralStatutes.Cumulativedatabased on those items of information may be publicly disclosed as long as information about any individual cannot be discerned from the disclosed data.
163-82.5A, are confidential and shall not be considered public records and subject to disclosuretothe general publicunderChapter132 oftheGeneralStatutes.Cumulativedatabased on those items of information may be publicly disclosed as long as information about any individual cannot be discerned from the disclosed data.
SECTION 4.6.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 4.6.
2024-57, for the State Board of Elections (State Board) the sum DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of two hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($215,000) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and the sum of ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to implement online voter registration pursuant to this Part.
2024-57, for the State Board of Elections (State Board) the sum of two hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($215,000) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and the sum of ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to implement online voter registration pursuant to this Part.
7 PART V.
9 PART V.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validly submitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,election.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validlysubmitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,election.
(2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, or by automatic voter registration, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than5:00 P.M.,onthetwenty-fifth daybeforetheprimaryor election,election.
(2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, or byautomatic voter registration, must be received bythe county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than5:00 P.M.,onthetwenty-fifth daybeforetheprimaryor election,election.
(3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
(3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee Page 18 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
Page 18 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 …." SECTION 5.3.
…." SECTION 5.3.
– The Beginning January 1, 2026, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall, pursuant to the rules adopted by in consultation with the State Board of Elections, modify its forms so that implement a method by which any eligible person who applies for original issuance, renewal or correction of a drivers license, or special identification card issued under G.S.
– The Beginning January1, 2026, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall, pursuant to the rules adopted by in consultation with the State Board of Elections, modify its forms so that implement a method by which any eligible person who applies for original issuance, renewal or correction of a drivers license, or special identification card issued under G.S.
If the applicant states that the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, or declines to answer the question, the person taking the application shall inform the applicant that it is a felony for a person who is not a citizen of the United States to apply to register to vote.
If the applicant states that the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, or declines to answer the question, the person taking the application shall inform the applicant that it is a felonyfor a person who is not a citizen of the United States to apply to register to vote.
(4) That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
(4) That anyperson who willfullyand knowinglyand with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
163-82.6(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
163-82.6(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for House Bill 788-First Edition Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a3) All applications shall be forwarded by the Transmittal from Department of Transportation to Board of Elections.
(a3) All applications shall be forwarded by the Transmittal from Department of Transportation to Board of Elections.
– The Department of Transportation shall electronically transmit the applications of applicants who have not declined voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board of Elections.
– The Department of Transportation shall electronically transmit the applications of applicants who have not declined voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, accordingto rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board of Elections.
– Beginning January 1, 2027, a voter registration agency described in subsection (a)ofthis section shall, unless theapplicant declines, in writing, to registerto vote:in consultation with the State Board, provide, with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relating to such service or assistance, an application process for automatic voter registration.
– Beginning January 1, 2027, a voter registration agency described in subsection (a)ofthis section shall, unless theapplicant declines, in writing,to registertovote:in consultation with the State Board, provide, with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relatingto such service or assistance, an application process for automatic voter registration.
(3) Provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration Page 20 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its ownforms.That theapplicant shouldnot registeriftheapplicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
Page 20 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) Provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its ownforms.That theapplicant shouldnot registerif theapplicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4) That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
(4) That anyperson who willfullyand knowinglyand with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
– Any voter registration application completed at a voter registration agency shall be accepted by that agency in lieu of the applicant's mailing the application.
– Any voter registration application completed at a voter registration agencyshall be accepted bythat agencyin lieu of the applicant's mailing the application.
– No person shall make application to register to vote under this section if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided by law, or because of conviction of a felony.
– No person shall make application to register to vote under this section if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided bylaw, or because of conviction of a felony.
(j) No Requirement to Determine Eligibility.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (j) No Requirement to Determine Eligibility.
– Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring agencies to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting." DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 5.5.
– Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring agencies to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting." SECTION 5.5.
The State Board of Elections, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenshipand allfilings requiredhavebeencompletedunderChapter13oftheGeneralStatutes.
The State Board of Elections, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenshipandallfilings requiredhavebeencompletedunderChapter13oftheGeneralStatutes.
(b2) No later than 24 hours in advance of the time of the meeting, the chair of the commission, committee, or standing subcommittee shall make available to the members of the samethetextofallbills,proposedcommitteesubstitutes,andamendmentsthatwillbeconsidered during the scheduled meeting.
(b2) No later than 24 hours in advance of the time of the meeting, the chair of the commission, committee, or standing subcommittee shall make available to the members of the Page 22 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 samethetextofallbills,proposedcommitteesubstitutes,andamendmentsthatwillbeconsidered during the scheduled meeting.
No commission, committee, or standing subcommittee shall Page 22 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 consider or act on a bill, proposed committee substitute, or amendment that has not been made available to the members in accordance with this subsection.
No commission, committee, or standing subcommittee shall consider or act on a bill, proposed committee substitute, or amendment that has not been made available to the members in accordance with this subsection.
The persons person in whose presence the ballot is marked shall at all times respect the secrecy of the ballot and the privacy of the absentee voter, unless the voter requests assistance and that person is otherwise authorized by law to give assistance.
The persons person in whose presence the ballot is marked shall at all times respect the secrecy of the ballot and the privacy of the absentee voter, unless the voter requests assistance and that person is otherwise authorized bylaw to give assistance.
When thus executed, the sealed container-return envelope, with the ballots enclosed, shall be transmitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section to the county board of elections which issued the ballots." SECTION 7.2.
When thus executed, the sealed container-return envelope, with the ballots enclosed, shall be transmitted in accordance with the House Bill 788-First Edition Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 provisions of subsection (b) of this section to the county board of elections which issued the ballots." SECTION 7.2.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(c) Return of Request.
"(c) Return of Request.
To this end, the county board of elections shall be entitled to demand and use any school or other State, county, or municipal building, or a part thereof, or any other building, or a part thereof, which is supported or maintained, in whole or in part by or through tax revenues provided, however, that revenues, including ensuring theuseofvotingplaces on collegecampuses.
To this end, the county board of elections shall be entitled to demand and use any school or other State, county, or municipal building, or a part thereof, or any other building, or a part thereof, which is supported or maintained, in whole or in part by or through tax revenues provided, however, that revenues, includingensuringtheuseofvotingplaces on collegecampuses.
TheState Boardshall also make reasonable efforts to provide means for other college campuses to be used as voting places.
TheState Board shall also make reasonable efforts to provide means for other college campuses to be used as voting places.
Upon the receipt of those names, each county board of elections shall remove from its voter registration records any person the list shows to be deceased each week.week after confirming that the complete date of birth of the deceased person and the last four digits of the social security number are identical to the person to be removed from the voter registration records.
Upon the receipt of those names, each county board of elections shall remove from its voter registration records anyperson the list shows to be deceased each week.week after confirming that the complete date of birth of the deceased person and the last four digits of the social security number are identical to the person to be removed from the voter registration records.
(2) Upon Subject to the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, upon receipt of a signed statement of a near relative or personal representative of the estate of a deceased voter indicating that the person has died, a county Page 24 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 board of elections shall remove the person identified as deceased from its voter registration records within one week of receipt of the signed statement.
Page 24 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Upon Subject to the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, upon receipt of a signed statement of a near relative or personal representative of the estate of a deceased voter indicating that the person has died, a county board of elections shall remove the person identified as deceased from its voter registration records within one week of receipt of the signed statement.
The county board does not need to send any notice to the address of the person before removing the person from its voter registration records.
The countyboard does not need to send anynotice to the address of the person before removing the person from its voter registration records.
If a voter has provided the county board of elections with an email address, is an email that (i) provides the confirmation mailing has been sent, (ii) contains information on how the registrant may confirm the registrant's current address online, and (iii) contains information on how the voter may continue to be eligible to vote if the registrant has moved outside the county.
If a voter has provided the county board of elections with an email address, is an email that (i) provides the confirmation mailinghas been sent, (ii) contains information on how the registrant may confirm the registrant's current address online, and (iii) contains information on how the voter may continue to be eligible to vote if the registrant has moved outside the county.
163-278.13, from any one person in an election, a filer, when reporting donations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in the aggregate under this subsection, shall disclose the identity of the original source of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 contributed to the filer.
163-278.13, from any one person in an House Bill 788-First Edition Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 election, a filer, when reporting donations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in the aggregate under this subsection, shall disclose the identityof the original source of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were contributed to the filer.
Any person or entity making a donation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to reportdonations under this subsection shall inform that person or entity of theidentity oftheoriginalsourcesoffundsbeingtransferred,theamountsofthepersons'originalfundsbeing transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds." SECTION 10.2.
Any person or entity making a donation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to reportdonations under this subsection shall inform that person or entityof theidentity oftheoriginalsourcesoffundsbeingtransferred,theamountsof thepersons'originalfundsbeing transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds." SECTION 10.2.
163-278.13, from any one person in an election, a filer, when reporting donations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in the aggregate under this subsection, shall disclose the identity of the original source of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were contributed to the filer.
163-278.13, from any one person in an election, a filer, when reporting donations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in the aggregate under this subsection, shall disclose the identityof the original source of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were contributed to the filer.
Any person or entity making a donation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to report donations under this subsection shall inform that person or entity of the identity of the original sources of funds being transferred, the amounts of the persons' original funds being transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds." SECTION 10.3.
Any person or entity making a donation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to report donations under this subsection shall inform that person or entityof the identityof the original sources of funds being transferred, the amounts of the persons' original funds being transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds." SECTION 10.3.
b.
Page 26 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 b.
Page 26 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 1.
1.
(b) SizeRequirements.– Thefollowingshallapplyto thevariousformsofadvertisement:
(b) SizeRequirements.–Thefollowingshallapplyto thevariousformsofadvertisement:
(3) In a radio advertisement covered by subsection (a) of this section, the disclosure statement shall last at least two seconds, provided the statement is spoken so that its contents may be easily understood.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 27 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) In a radio advertisement covered by subsection (a) of this section, the disclosure statement shall last at least two seconds, provided the statement is spoken so that its contents may be easily understood.
(4) In a digital communication advertisement covered by subsection (a) of this section, the disclosure statement shall appear (i) in letters at least as large as the smallest text in the digital communication or (ii) in a heading or similar DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 27 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 section of text displayed above or within the digital communication that is visually distinct from the text of the digital communication and shall have a reasonabledegreeofcolorcontrastbetweenthebackgroundandthe disclosure statement.
(4) In a digital communication advertisement covered by subsection (a) of this section, the disclosure statement shall appear (i) in letters at least as large as the smallest text in the digital communication or (ii) in a heading or similar section of text displayed above or within the digital communication that is visually distinct from the text of the digital communication and shall have a reasonabledegreeofcolorcontrastbetweenthebackgroundandthe disclosure statement.
The disclosure requirements of this Part apply to any sponsor of an advertisement in the print media or media, on radio or television television, or through digital communication the cost or value of which constitutes an expenditure or contribution required to be disclosed under this Article, except that the disclosure requirements of this Part:
The disclosure requirements of this Part applyto anysponsor of an advertisement in the print media or media, on radio or television television, or through digital communication the cost or value of which constitutes an expenditure or contribution required to be disclosed under this Article, except that the disclosure requirements of this Part:
163-278.39.TheStateBoard of Elections shall maintain the information submitted pursuant to this section on the State Board of Elections website and the information shall be deemed public records and available for inspection on the website.
163-278.39.TheState Board of Elections shall maintain the information submitted pursuant to this section on the State Board of Elections website and the information shall be deemed public records and available for inspection on the website.
(4) A copy of the political advertisement.
Page 28 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (4) A copy of the political advertisement.
PART XII.
6 PART XII.
PROTECTION AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE Page 28 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 12.1.
PROTECTION AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE SECTION 12.1.
"(a1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and in accordance with any federal law, a foreign national expending funds for political advertising that addresses a specific issue to influence State or local government policy, a State or local government officer, or an election shall include a statement in the advertisement that identifies the foreign national and a statement disclosing thattheadvertisingis sponsoredby theforeign national.
"(a1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and in accordance with any federal law, a foreign national expending funds for political advertising that addresses a specific issue to influence State or local government policy, a State or local government officer, or an election shall include a statement in the advertisement that identifies the foreign national and a statement disclosingthat theadvertisingis sponsoredbythe foreign national.
Thephrase"foreign national" shall have the same meaning as defined in 52 U.S.C.
Thephrase "foreign national" shall have the same meaning as defined in 52 U.S.C.
§ 30121(b)." 9 PART XIII.
§ 30121(b)." PART XIII.
(2) Any contribution or donation in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) made by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last reportdue beforethat election.This notificationshall bemadewithin48hours after the contribution or donation is made and shall include the name of the committee and the recipient and the date and amount of the contribution or donation.
(2) Anycontribution or donation in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) made by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last reportdue beforethat election.This notificationshall bemadewithin 48hours after the contribution or donation is made and shall include the name of the committee and the recipient and the date and amount of the contribution or donation.
The purpose of this Article is to ensure the fairness of democratic elections in North Carolina and to protect the constitutional rights of voters and candidates from the detrimental effects of increasingly large amounts of money being raised and spent to influence the outcome of elections, those effects being especially problematic in elections of the judiciary, since impartiality is uniquely important to the integrity and credibility of the courts.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 29 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 The purpose of this Article is to ensure the fairness of democratic elections in North Carolina and to protect the constitutional rights of voters and candidates from the detrimental effects of increasingly large amounts of money being raised and spent to influence the outcome of elections, those effects being especially problematic in elections of the judiciary, since impartiality is uniquely important to the integrity and credibility of the courts.
Accordingly, this Article reestablishes the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund as an alternative source of DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 29 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 campaign financing for candidates who demonstrate public support and voluntarily accept strict fundraising and spending limits.
Accordingly, this Article reestablishes the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund as an alternative source of campaign financing for candidates who demonstrate public support and voluntarily accept strict fundraising and spending limits.
a.
Page 30 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 a.
Madeby anindividualwhois a registered voter in this Stateat thetime of the submittal of the report specified in G.S.
Madebyanindividualwhois a registered voter in this Stateat thetime of the submittal of the report specified in G.S.
Page 30 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (18) Referendum committee.
(18) Referendum committee.
In the case of a primary, the trigger equals themaximum qualifyingcontributions forparticipating candidates.
In the case of a primary, the trigger equals themaximum qualifyingcontributions forparticipatingcandidates.
Inthecase of a contested general election, the trigger equals the base level of funding available under G.S.
In thecase of a contested general election, the trigger equals the base level of funding available under G.S.
(c) DeterminationofFund Amount.–ByOctober1,2026,andeverytwoyearsthereafter, the State Board shall prepare and provide to the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee a report documenting, evaluating, and making recommendations relating to the administration, implementation, and enforcement of this Article.
(c) DeterminationofFund Amount.–ByOctober1,2026,andeverytwo yearsthereafter, the State Board shall prepare and provide to the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee a report documenting, evaluating, and making recommendations relating to the administration, implementation, and enforcement of this Article.
In the declaration, the candidate shall swear or affirm that only one political committee, identified with its treasurer, shall handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the participating candidate and that the candidate will comply with the contribution and expenditure limits set forth in subsection (d) of this section and all other requirements set forth in this Article or adopted by the Board.
In the declaration, the candidate shall swear or affirm that only one political committee, identified with its treasurer, shall handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the participating candidate and that the candidate will complywith the contribution and expenditure limits set forth in subsection (d) of this section and all other requirements set forth in this Article or adopted by the Board.
– Participating candidates who seek certification to receive campaign funds from the Fund shall first, during the qualifying period, obtain qualifying contributions from at least 350 registered voters in an aggregate sum that at least equals the amount of minimum qualifying contributions described in G.S.
– Participating candidates who seek certification to receive campaign funds from the Fund shall first, during the qualifying period, obtain qualifying contributions from at least 350 registered voters in an aggregate sum that at House Bill 788-First Edition Page 31 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 least equals the amount of minimum qualifying contributions described in G.S.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 31 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) Certification of Candidates.
(c) Certification of Candidates.
(4) During the qualifying period, the candidate may contribute up to one thousand dollars($1,000)ofthatcandidate's ownmoneyto thecampaign.Debt incurred by the candidate for a campaign expenditure shall count toward that limit.
(4) During the qualifyingperiod, the candidate maycontribute up to one thousand dollars($1,000)ofthatcandidate's ownmoneyto thecampaign.
The candidate may accept in contributions one thousand dollars ($1,000) from each member of that candidate's family consisting of spouse, parent, child, brother,and sister.Upto fivehundreddollars($500.00)ofacontribution from the candidate's family member may be treated as a qualifying contribution if it meets the requirements of G.S.
Debt incurred bythe candidate for a campaign expenditure shall count toward that limit.
The candidate may accept in contributions one thousand dollars ($1,000) from each member of that candidate's family consisting of spouse, parent, child, brother,and sister.Upto fivehundreddollars($500.00)ofacontribution from Page 32 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the candidate's family member may be treated as a qualifying contribution if it meets the requirements of G.S.
In establishing those guidelines, the Board Page 32 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 shall differentiate expenditures that reasonably further a candidate's campaign from expenditures for personal use that would be incurred in the absence of the candidacy.
In establishing those guidelines, the Board shall differentiate expenditures that reasonablyfurther a candidate's campaign from expenditures for personal use that would be incurred in the absence of the candidacy.
(6) Any contribution received by a participating or certified candidate that falls outside that permitted by this subsection shall be returned to the donor as soon as practicable.
(6) Any contribution received by a participating or certified candidate that falls outside that permitted bythis subsection shall be returned to the donor as soon as practicable.
– Certified candidates shall receive one percent (1%) of the funding to which theywould beeligibleunder G.S.
– Certified candidates shall receive one percent (1%) of the funding to which theywould be eligibleunder G.S.
– The Board shall distribute to a certified candidate revenue from the Fund in an amount determined under subdivision (b)(4) of this section within five business days after the certified candidate's name is approved to appear on the ballot in a contested general election but no earlier than five business days after the primary.
– The Board shall distribute to a certified candidate revenue from the Fund in an amount determined under subdivision (b)(4) of this section within House Bill 788-First Edition Page 33 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 five business days after the certified candidate's name is approved to appear on the ballot in a contested general election but no earlier than five business days after the primary.
– By August 1, 2026, and no less frequently than every two years thereafter, the Board shall determine the amount of funds, rounded to the nearest one hundred dollars ($100.00), to be distributed to certified candidates as follows:
– ByAugust 1, 2026, and no less frequently than every two years thereafter, the Board shall determine the amount of funds, rounded to the nearest one hundred dollars ($100.00), to be distributed to certified candidates as follows:
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 33 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Contested primaries.
(2) Contested primaries.
After the initial 24-hour filing, the noncertified candidate or other reporting entity shall comply with an expedited reporting schedule.
After the initial 24-hour filing, the noncertified candidate or other reporting entityshall comply with an expedited reporting schedule.
– When any report or group of reports shows that "funds in opposition to a certified candidate or in support of an opponent to that candidate" as described in this section exceed the trigger for matching funds as defined in G.S.
– When any report or group of reports shows that "funds in opposition to a certified candidate or in support of an opponent to that Page 34 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 candidate" as described in this section exceed the trigger for matching funds as defined in G.S.
163-278.121(19), the Board shall issue immediately to that certified candidate an additional amountequaltothereportedexcesswithinthelimitssetforthinthissection."Fundsinopposition to a certified candidate or in support of an opponent to that candidate" shall be equal to the sum of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection as follows:
163-278.121(19), the Board shall issue immediatelyto that certified candidate an additional amountequaltothereportedexcesswithinthelimitssetforthinthissection."Fundsinopposition to a certified candidate or in support of an opponent to that candidate" shall be equal to the sum of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection as follows:
Page 34 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 a.
a.
– Total matching funds to a certified candidate before the date of the primary shall be limited to an amount equal to two times the maximum qualifying contributions for the office sought.
– Total matching funds to a certified candidate before the date of the primaryshall be limited to an amount equal to two times the maximum qualifying contributions for the office sought.
The Board shall adopt procedures for implementing this subsection, balancing in those procedures adequacy of opportunity to rebut and adequacy and equality of opportunity to be heard on the rebuttal with the need to expedite the decision on awarding matching funds.
The Board shall adopt procedures for implementing this subsection, balancing in those procedures adequacy of opportunity to rebut and adequacy and equality of opportunity to be House Bill 788-First Edition Page 35 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 heard on the rebuttal with the need to expedite the decision on awarding matching funds.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 35 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (g) No Matching Funds for Certain Communications Involving All Candidates.
(g) No Matching Funds for Certain Communications Involving All Candidates.
In addition to any other penalties that may be applicable, any individual, political committee, or other entity that violates any provision of this Article is subject to a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation or three times the amount of any financial transactions involved in the violation, whichever is greater.
In addition to any other penalties that maybe applicable, any individual, political committee, or other entity that violates any provision of this Article is subject to a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation or three times the amount of any financial transactions involved in the violation, whichever is greater.
… (c) The fees shall be disbursed by the secretary-treasurer on the order of the Council.
… (c) The fees shall be disbursed bythe secretary-treasurer on the order of the Council.
The secretary-treasurer shall annually, at a time and in a law magazine or daily newspaper to be prescribed by the Council, publish an account of the financial transactions of the Council in a form to be prescribed by it.
The secretary-treasurer shall annually, at a time and in a law magazine or daily newspaper to be prescribed by the Council, publish an account of the financial transactions of the Council in a form to be prescribed byit.
The secretary-treasurer shall compile and keep currently correct from the names and mailing addresses forwarded to the secretary-treasurer and from any other available sources of information a list of members of the North Carolina State Bar and furnish to the clerk of the superior court in each county, not later than the first day of October in each year, a list showing the name and address of each attorney for that county who has not complied with the provisions of this Article.
The secretary-treasurer shall compile and keep currentlycorrect from the names and mailing addresses forwarded to the secretary-treasurer and from any other available sources of information a list of members of the North Carolina State Bar and furnish to the clerk of the superior court in each county, not later than the first day of October in each year, a list showing the name and address of each attorney for that county who has not complied with the provisions of this Article.
The name of each of the active members who are in arrears in the payment of membership fees shall be furnished to the presiding judge by the clerk of the superior court of each county wherein the member or members reside, and the court shall thereupon take action that is necessary and proper.
The name of each of the active members who are in arrears in the payment of membership fees shall be furnished to the presiding judge bythe clerk of the superior court of each county wherein the member or members reside, and the court shall thereupon take action that is necessary and proper.
Thelist submittedto several clerksofthesuperior courtshall also be submittedto theCouncil and it shall take the action thereon that is necessary and proper." SECTION 14.4.
Thelist submittedto several clerksofthesuperior courtshall also be submittedto theCouncil and it shall take the action thereon that is necessary and proper." Page 36 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 14.4.
– To ensure the financial viability of the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund established in Article 22D 22I of Chapter 163 of the General Statutes, the Department must allocate to that Fund three dollars ($3.00) from Page 36 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the income taxes paid each year by each individual with an income tax liability of at least that amount, if the individual agrees.
– To ensure the financial viability of the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund established in Article 22D 22I of Chapter 163 of the General Statutes, the Department must allocate to that Fund three dollars ($3.00) from the income taxes paid each year by each individual with an income tax liability of at least that amount, if the individual agrees.
This section applies to Articles and [Article] 22I and 22M of the General Statutes to the same extent that it applies to this Article." SECTION 14.6.
This section applies to Articles and [Article] 22Iand 22M of the General Statutes to the same extent that it applies to this Article." SECTION 14.6.
(2) A candidate may accept, and a family contributor may make to that candidate, a contribution not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000) in an election if the contributor is that candidate's parent, child, brother, or sister.
(2) A candidate may accept, and a familycontributor may make to that candidate, a contribution not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000) in an election if the contributor is that candidate's parent, child, brother, or sister.
PART XV.
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 37 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 PART XV.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 37 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) The unconditional discharge of an inmate, of a probationer, or of a parolee by the agency of the State having jurisdiction of that person or of a defendant under a suspended sentence by the court.release from active punishment to a period of post-release supervision or parole of a person whose sentence was not suspended by the court.
(1) The unconditional discharge of an inmate, of a probationer, or of a parolee by the agency of the State having jurisdiction of that person or of a defendant under a suspended sentence by the court.release from active punishment to a period of post-release supervision or parole of a person whose sentence was not suspended by the court.
The Executive Director shall report to each appropriate county board of elections the names of individuals fromthatcountyappearingonsuchlisteachweek.weekandwhoserightshave been forfeited and not yet restored under G.S.
The Executive Director shall report to each appropriate county board of elections the names of individuals fromthatcountyappearingonsuchlisteach week.weekandwhoserightshave been forfeited and not yet restored under G.S.
(3) When a county board of elections receives a notice pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection relating to a resident of that county and that person is registered to vote in that county, the county board of elections shall, after giving 30 days' written notice to the voter at the address associated with that voter registration, and if the voter makes no objection, remove the person's name from its registration records.
(3) When a countyboard of elections receives a notice pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection relating to a resident of that county and that person is registered to vote in that county, the county board of elections shall, after giving 30 days' written notice to the voter at the address associated with that voter registration, and if the voter makes no objection, remove the person's name from its registration records.
163-85(c)(5), and the notice the county board of elections received pursuant to this subsection shall be prima facie evidence for the preliminary hearing that the registrant was convicted of a felony.felony and the registrant's citizenship rights have not been restored." PART XV-A.
163-85(c)(5), and the notice the county board of elections received pursuant to this subsection shall be prima facie evidence for the preliminary Page 38 House Bill 788-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 hearing that the registrant was convicted of a felony.felony and the registrant's citizenship rights have not been restored." 4 PART XV-A.
Page 38 DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 PART XVI.
8 PART XVI.
8 PART XVII.
PART XVII.
DRH10316-LUxfaye-53B Page 39
House Bill 788-First Edition Page 39
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How this bill changes current law

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Compared against the N.C. General Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the North Carolina General Statutes to change the canvassing process and establish a nonpartisan judicial election method.

  • N.C.G.S. § 163-182.5

    The canvass meeting shall be at the county board of elections office, unless the county board, by unanimous vote of all its members, designates another site within the county.

    This change removes the requirement for the canvass meeting to be held at the county board of elections office, allowing for more flexibility in location.

  • N.C.G.S. § 163-182.5

    If, despite due diligence by election officials, the initial counting of all the votes has not been completed by that time, the county board may hold the canvass meeting a reasonable time thereafter.

    This change eliminates the allowance for counties to postpone canvass meetings if initial vote counting is incomplete, potentially enforcing stricter timelines.

  • N.C.G.S. § 163-182.5

    After each primary, the State Board shall fix the date of its canvass meeting.

    This change removes the State Board's authority to set the date for the canvass meeting after primaries, which could standardize canvassing timelines.

Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 31 co-sponsors · 145 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (31)

Not signed on (145)

145 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

elections education
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 788?
HB 788 is sponsored by Robert T. Reives, II (Democratic), Renée A. Price (Democratic), Lindsey Prather (Democratic), Rodney D. Pierce (Democratic), Garland E. Pierce (Democratic), Marcia Morey (Democratic), Nasif Majeed (U), Jordan Lopez (Democratic), Tim Longest (Democratic), Carolyn G. Logan (Democratic), Ya Liu (Democratic), Monika Johnson-Hostler (Democratic), Zack Hawkins (Democratic), Pricey Harrison (Democratic), Aisha O. Dew (Democratic), Sarah Crawford (Democratic), Tracy Clark (Democratic), Maria Cervania (Democratic), Becky Carney (Democratic), Deb Butler (Democratic), Terry M. Brown Jr. (Democratic), Kanika Brown (Democratic), Gloristine Brown (Democratic), Mary Belk (Democratic), Cynthia Ball (Democratic), Vernetta Alston (Democratic), Eric Ager (Democratic), Phil Rubin (Democratic), Bryan Cohn (Democratic), Shelly Willingham (Democratic), Allen Buansi (Democratic), Neal Jackson (Republican), Julie von Haefen (Democratic), and Beth Helfrich (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 788?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 03, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 788?
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