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North CarolinaHB 5372025-2026 SessionHouse

Alena's Law and Office of Vital Records Changes.

Sponsored By: Dudley Greene (Republican), Sarah Stevens (Republican)

Signed by Governor

DEATH & DYINGDHHSDISASTERS & EMERGENCIESPRESENTEDPUBLICPUBLIC RECORDSRATIFIEDTELECOMMUNICATIONSVITAL RECORDSRECORDSCHAPTEREDNAMED LAWSTELECOMMUTING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Quicker estate steps after disaster disappearances

Starting July 1, 2025, the law presumes a person is dead if they disappear and stay missing for at least 90 days during a state or federal disaster. A written federal presumed‑death finding counts as prima facie evidence in court. After 30 days missing, and after diligent inquiry, an interested person can ask Superior Court to appoint a receiver to protect the absentee’s property. A complaint may allege the federal finding or the 90‑day disaster absence as grounds. These rules apply to cases filed on or after July 1, 2025.

30-day deadline for vital record fixes

Beginning July 1, 2025, the NC Office of Vital Records and local registers must finish birth or death certificate amendments within 30 calendar days. The 30 days start when they receive a complete application, required proof, and any fee. The deadline applies to requests made on or after July 1, 2025.

Limits on telework for vital records staff

Starting July 1, 2025, Office of Vital Records employees cannot telework if it would slow the 30‑day amendment timeline. The Secretary of Health and Human Services may allow telework during a declared disaster or emergency when needed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Dudley Greene

    Republican • House

  • Sarah Stevens

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Eric Ager

    Democratic • House

  • Dean Arp

    Republican • House

  • Brian Echevarria

    Republican • House

  • Blair Eddins

    Republican • House

  • Donnie Loftis

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey C. McNeely

    Republican • House

  • Ray Pickett

    Republican • House

  • Bill Ward

    Republican • House

  • Donna McDowell White

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 261 • No: 0

House vote • 6/24/2025

HB 537: Alena's Law and Office of Vital Records Changes.

Yes: 108 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 6/19/2025

HB 537: Alena's Law and Office of Vital Records Changes.

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 8

House vote • 4/16/2025

HB 537: Alena's Law.

Yes: 111 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Ch. SL 2025-44

    7/1/2025House

  2. Signed by Gov. 7/1/2025

    7/1/2025House

  3. Pres. To Gov. 6/26/2025

    6/26/2025House

  4. Ratified

    6/25/2025House

  5. Ordered Enrolled

    6/24/2025House

  6. Concurred In S Com Sub

    6/24/2025House

  7. Placed On Cal For 06/24/2025

    6/23/2025House

  8. Cal Pursuant 36(b)

    6/19/2025House

  9. Special Message Received For Concurrence in S Com Sub

    6/19/2025House

  10. Special Message Sent To House

    6/19/2025Senate

  11. Passed 3rd Reading

    6/19/2025Senate

  12. Passed 2nd Reading

    6/19/2025Senate

  13. Reptd Fav

    6/18/2025Senate

  14. Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

    6/17/2025Senate

  15. Com Substitute Adopted

    6/17/2025Senate

  16. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

    6/17/2025Senate

  17. Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

    6/9/2025Senate

  18. Withdrawn From Com

    6/9/2025Senate

  19. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

    4/28/2025Senate

  20. Passed 1st Reading

    4/28/2025Senate

  21. Regular Message Received From House

    4/28/2025Senate

  22. Regular Message Sent To Senate

    4/17/2025House

  23. Passed 3rd Reading

    4/16/2025House

  24. Passed 2nd Reading

    4/16/2025House

  25. Placed On Cal For 04/16/2025

    4/15/2025House

Bill Text

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