Bill > H537

This bill addresses two primary areas: presumptions of death and operations of the Office of Vital Records. First, the bill creates a new legal presumption of death for individuals who have disappeared for at least 90 days during a federally or state-declared disaster, allowing legal proceedings to move forward more easily in cases of missing persons. The bill also modifies existing law to consider federal findings of presumed death as prima facie evidence in legal proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires the Office of Vital Records and local register of deeds offices to process birth and death certificate amendment requests within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application and payment. To support this processing timeline, the bill prohibits Office of Vital Records employees from teleworking in a way that could delay certificate amendments, with an exception for declared emergencies. The legislation updates language throughout to use gender-neutral terminology and adds specificity to legal procedures for handling cases involving missing persons, such as requiring more detailed information in legal complaints and appointing a guardian ad litem for the missing person. These changes aim to provide clearer legal pathways and more efficient government record-keeping, particularly in situations involving disaster-related disappearances.

Government Affairs, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H537