Bill > S569

This bill introduces new provisions for automatically sealing eviction (summary ejectment) records in North Carolina, providing protection for tenants by limiting public access to certain types of eviction proceedings. Specifically, the bill requires court clerks to seal and remove from public records eviction cases after three years, for pending proceedings without a decision, for dismissed cases or cases where the tenant prevails, and for proceedings involving minors. The bill defines "sealing" as keeping court records confidential and unavailable for public inspection, while explicitly noting that this does not prevent the execution of monetary judgments. Additionally, the bill amends the state's Fair Housing Act to make it an unlawful discriminatory housing practice to deny a rental application based on a sealed eviction proceeding. The new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, and apply to summary ejectment proceedings initiated on or after that date, with the remainder of the bill becoming effective immediately upon passage. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for tenants with past eviction records and protect them from potential discrimination in future housing applications.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S569