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North CarolinaSB 6552025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT TO EXTEND CERTAIN RIGHTS TO THE CATAWBA INDIAN NATION AS THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS.

Sponsored By: W. Ted Alexander (Republican), Danny Earl Britt, Jr. (Republican), Brad Overcash (Republican)

Signed by Governor

ANIMALSARCHAEOLOGYBOARDSCOLLEGES & UNIVERSITIESCOMMISSIONSCOMMUNITY COLLEGESCOUNTIESCOURTSCULTURAL RESOURCESNATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State honors Catawba court orders

Beginning July 3, 2025, North Carolina courts treat Catawba Tribal Court judgments and orders like judgments from another state. Limited driving privileges signed by a Catawba Tribal Court judge under Chapter 20 count under state law. The Catawba and Eastern Band tribal courts also recognize North Carolina court judgments. The courts include the Catawba Nation in systems that share criminal and civil case data. On request, the state sends three appellate reports to the Catawba Tribal Courts, and they can ask for fewer or none.

Fee waivers for tribal first responders

Beginning July 3, 2025, community colleges waive tuition and registration fees for approved training for Catawba and Eastern Band police, fire, EMS, rescue, and lifesaving staff. The course must be on the State Board’s approved list and be requested by the agency. Waivers apply to extension courses primarily paid with State funds.

Catawba tribal police and probation powers

Beginning July 3, 2025, state municipal police rules apply to the Catawba Nation, with listed exceptions. Catawba chiefs, officers, and marshals count as law enforcement officers and must meet state training and certification rules before acting. Their authority covers Catawba trust lands and immediate, continuous flight, not Eastern Band lands without an agreement. The Nation may run a probation and parole agency and appoint marshals. Marshals may access state probation and parole records for people under Catawba criminal jurisdiction, using agreements as needed.

Stronger trespass rules on Catawba lands

Starting December 1, 2025, it is first-degree trespass to enter or stay on Catawba lands after the Nation’s Executive Committee passes a resolution excluding you.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • W. Ted Alexander

    Republican • Senate

  • Danny Earl Britt, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Brad Overcash

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Woodson Bradley

    Democratic • Senate

  • David W. Craven, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Amy S. Galey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 27

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

SB 655: Extend Certain Rights to Catawba Nation.

Yes: 37 • No: 5 • Other: 8

House vote • 6/18/2025

SB 655: Extend Certain Rights to Catawba Nation.

Yes: 105 • No: 4 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

SB 655: Extend Certain Rights to Catawba Nation.

Yes: 29 • No: 18 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Ch. SL 2025-57

    7/3/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Gov. 7/3/2025

    7/3/2025Senate

  3. Pres. To Gov. 6/30/2025

    6/30/2025Senate

  4. Ratified

    6/30/2025Senate

  5. Ordered Enrolled

    6/26/2025Senate

  6. Concurred In H Com Sub

    6/26/2025Senate

  7. Placed on Today's Calendar

    6/26/2025Senate

  8. Withdrawn From Com

    6/26/2025Senate

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

    6/18/2025Senate

  10. Special Message Received For Concurrence in H Com Sub

    6/18/2025Senate

  11. Special Message Sent To Senate

    6/18/2025House

  12. Passed 3rd Reading

    6/18/2025House

  13. Passed 2nd Reading

    6/18/2025House

  14. Added to Calendar

    6/18/2025House

  15. Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)

    6/18/2025House

  16. Reptd Fav

    6/18/2025House

  17. Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    6/17/2025House

  18. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

    6/17/2025House

  19. Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    6/5/2025House

  20. Withdrawn From Com

    6/5/2025House

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

    5/8/2025House

  22. Passed 1st Reading

    5/8/2025House

  23. Special Message Received From Senate

    5/7/2025House

  24. Special Message Sent To House

    5/7/2025Senate

  25. Passed 3rd Reading

    5/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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