All Roll Calls
Yes: 261 • No: 0
North CarolinaHB 5372025-2026 SessionHouse
AN ACT TO ALLOW FOR A PRESUMPTION OF DEATH IN INSTANCES WHERE THE DISAPPEARANCE AND CONTINUED ABSENCE OF A PERSON COINCIDES WITH A DISASTER DECLARATION.
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
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster court help for missing persons
When someone disappears during a state or federal disaster and stays missing 90 days, the court can presume the person died. Anyone can challenge this presumption with evidence. Family or other interested people can ask the court to appoint a receiver after 30 days if a diligent search does not find the person. A written federal presumed‑death finding counts as initial proof in court. Complaints must include either that federal finding or, for disaster cases, a 90‑day absence statement, plus required ID and property details. These rules apply to complaints filed on or after the law takes effect.
Faster birth and death certificate fixes
The Office of Vital Records and local registers must process birth and death certificate changes within 30 calendar days. The clock starts when they get your completed form, required proof, and any fee. Vital Records staff cannot telework if it would slow this deadline, except when the health secretary allows it during a declared disaster or emergency. This rule covers all permanent and temporary Vital Records employees. The 30‑day timeline applies to requests made after the law takes effect.
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
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
Ch. SL 2025-44
7/1/2025HouseSigned by Gov. 7/1/2025
7/1/2025HousePres. To Gov. 6/26/2025
6/26/2025HouseRatified
6/25/2025HouseOrdered Enrolled
6/24/2025HouseConcurred In S Com Sub
6/24/2025HousePlaced On Cal For 06/24/2025
6/23/2025HouseCal Pursuant 36(b)
6/19/2025HouseSpecial Message Received For Concurrence in S Com Sub
6/19/2025HouseSpecial Message Sent To House
6/19/2025SenatePassed 3rd Reading
6/19/2025SenatePassed 2nd Reading
6/19/2025SenateReptd Fav
6/18/2025SenateRe-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
6/17/2025SenateCom Substitute Adopted
6/17/2025SenateReptd Fav Com Substitute
6/17/2025SenateRe-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
6/9/2025SenateWithdrawn From Com
6/9/2025SenateRef To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
4/28/2025SenatePassed 1st Reading
4/28/2025SenateRegular Message Received From House
4/28/2025SenateRegular Message Sent To Senate
4/17/2025HousePassed 3rd Reading
4/16/2025HousePassed 2nd Reading
4/16/2025HousePlaced On Cal For 04/16/2025
4/15/2025House
Bill Text
Edition 1
Edition 2
Edition 3
Filed
Latest Edition
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