Behind the Walls Talk

North Carolina, take a look at what’s happening at the General Assembly.

House Bill 353: The Fair Minimum Wage Act has been filed for the 2025–2026 session, aiming to raise the state minimum wage from $6.15/hr to:

• $10.00/hr by Jan 1, 2026

• $12.00/hr by Jan 1, 2027

• $14.00/hr by Jan 1, 2028

• $16.00/hr by Jan 1, 2029

• $18.00/hr by Jan 1, 2030

Then, it’ll be indexed to inflation from 2031 onward.

The bill also holds employers accountable for wage theft — ensuring workers can recover unpaid wages, lost benefits, and legal fees.

These are the sponsors standing with working people in NC:

Morey (Primary), Cohn, Dew, Dahle, Ager, Alston, Ball, Brockman, G. Brown, K. Brown, T. Brown, Buansi, Butler, Cervania, Clark, Colvin, Crawford, Harrison, Hawkins, Logan, Longest, Lopez, Majeed, R. Pierce, Prather, Price, Quick, Roberson, Rubin, von Haefen.

This is what real reform looks like. If your representative is on this list — thank them. If not, ask why.

MAJOR MOMENT FOR JUSTICE IN NORTH CAROLINA

Three powerful criminal justice reform bills have passed their first readings and are moving forward!

Here’s what they would do:

HB 589 – The Second Look Act

Gives incarcerated individuals a chance to seek sentence reductions after serving 10+ years or 50% of shorter sentences.

SB 681 – The Prison Resources Repurposing Act

Expands parole opportunities for those sentenced to life without parole through the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP) after 20+ years served.

SB 421 – The Prison Reform Omnibus Bill

Ends forced, unpaid prison labor and replaces it with fair wages, workforce training, and reentry prep.

THIS IS HISTORIC

Together, these bills offer a real path to healing, rehabilitation, and returning home.

But they need YOUR support.

Call. Email. Organize. Tell your legislators:

PASS ALL THREE BILLS. Let our people come home with dignity.

Senate Bill DRS45239-ND-46, titled the “Prison Reform Omnibus” bill introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly (2025 session):

Purpose:

To reform prison labor laws in North Carolina by focusing on:

• Fair compensation

• Workforce development

• Protection from labor exploitation

• Voluntary, rehabilitative work opportunities

Key Changes Proposed:

1. Repeal of Outdated Labor Statutes

Sections of existing law that emphasize punishment or underpaid labor are repealed, making room for new standards.

2. Creation of the “Fair and Rehabilitative Prison Labor Act”

This new framework establishes:

• Voluntary work participation for incarcerated people

• Prioritization of job training and industry-relevant skills

• Wage requirements:

• Minimum $5/hour

• State minimum wage for certified programs (PIECP)

• Gender-equitable work policies

• Employment support post-release in collaboration with the NC Department of Commerce

Labor Protection Rules:

Agricultural Sector:

• Prohibits use of prison labor to replace or displace migrant/seasonal workers

• Requires proof of actual labor shortages before using prison labor

• Agricultural laborers must be paid prevailing wages

• Private farms cannot contract directly with prison officials

Oversight and Transparency:

• Establishes a Prison Labor Oversight Board

• Requires twice-yearly public reports on:

• Hours worked

• Wages paid

• Job placement success

• Allegations of unsafe/forced labor

• Creates a Prison Labor Complaint Hotline

Department of Transportation & Forestry Work:

• No forced labor — must be voluntary and fairly paid

• Includes training and certifications (e.g., firefighting, forestry)

• Requires medical assessments before assigning physically demanding work

Work Release Programs:

• Encourages work release for those serving up to 5 years, if jobs are available

• Mandates detailed accounting of wages and deductions

• Work-release earnings can be used for:

• Living costs

• Restitution

• Family support

• Personal savings

Facility Oversight:

• Allows contracts for private or out-of-state prison facilities, with strict reporting and insurance standards

• Prohibits new private prisons from housing out-of-state incarcerated people

Additional Notes:

• Incarcerated individuals can no longer be forced into labor without fair pay

• Youth protections are in place (e.g., under 16 cannot be sent to Central Prison unless for serious offenses)

• Stronger escapee procedures, oversight of work conditions, and protections from exploitative treatment

Effective Date:

July 1, 2026

NC House Bill 589 – The Second Look Act – is moving forward!

Filed on March 31, 2025, and already passed its 1st Reading, this bill gives incarcerated people a chance to petition for sentence reduction if they’ve:

• Served 10 years, or

• Served 50% of a sentence that’s 10 years or less

The court would consider: age at the time of offense, behavior while incarcerated, rehabilitation, trauma history, and more.

This bill is about second chances, reducing mass incarceration, and reevaluating lengthy sentences with compassion and logic.

Effective Date: December 1, 2025

Next Step: It’s now in the House Rules Committee!

CALL TO ACTION:

Keep the pressure on! Call and email your legislators and urge them to support HB 589 – The Second Look Act. Let them know North Carolinians believe in justice, redemption, and smart reform.

North Carolina — We have TWO historic criminal justice bills on the table. Let’s make some noise.

1. House Bill 589 – The Second Look Act

This bill gives incarcerated individuals a second chance by allowing them to petition for a sentence reduction after serving 10 years — if they are no longer a threat to the community and have shown growth. It encourages the court to consider age, rehabilitation, trauma, mental health, and more.

This is about redemption, not retribution.

2. Senate Bill 681 – The Prison Resources Repurposing Act

This would finally make parole possible for people sentenced to life without parole. After 20 years, with participation in education, work, and accountability programs (MAPP), individuals would get a shot at release. It also applies retroactively for those already serving long sentences.

Everyone deserves a pathway to hope.

Why it matters:

• Over 30% of NC’s prison population is over age 55.

• Long sentences do NOT equal public safety.

• Our state is overspending on incarceration and underinvesting in healing.

• These bills reflect common sense, humanity, and fiscal responsibility.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

• Email and call your NC legislators TODAY.

• Ask them to support H.B. 589 & S.B. 681.

• Encourage them to sign on as co-sponsors while there’s still time.

Individual emails and calls make the biggest difference.

If you have a loved one in prison — or just believe in fairness, mercy, and justice — this is your moment.

Senate Bill 681 has officially been filed!

This bill could open the door to parole eligibility for people sentenced to life without parole in North Carolina. Everyone deserves the opportunity to show growth, healing, and rehabilitation.

What SB681 does:

• Allows those sentenced to life without parole to be considered for parole after serving 20 years

• Requires participation in education and job programs through the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP)

• Makes eligibility retroactive for people who’ve already served 20+ years

• Gives second chances through earned opportunity, not blanket release

• Promotes accountability, healing, and public safety

Why this matters:

North Carolina is one of the last states with no parole option for life sentences. If you believe in redemption, transformation, and fairness, this is the moment to act.

If you have a loved one serving life—or just believe everyone should be able to see the parole board— now is the time to make noise.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Email your legislators

2. Call their offices

3. Share this post and spread the word

Let’s bring hope home.

NC House Bill 589 — The Second Look Act — has been introduced!

This bill gives incarcerated individuals a second chance by allowing them to petition for a sentence reduction after serving at least 10 years, as long as they’re not a danger to the community.

It pushes for judges to consider:

• The age and growth of the person since the offense

• Evidence of rehabilitation, trauma history, and role in the offense

• Mental health evaluations and support from victims’ families

Why it matters:

• NC prison costs have nearly quadrupled.

• 1 in 3 incarcerated people are over age 55.

• Long sentences don’t deter crime — but second chances change lives.

TAKE ACTION:

We have a 48-hour window to gain co-sponsors!

Contact your legislators TODAY.

Important Legislative Updates from North Carolina 🌟

Here’s a summary of some significant bills currently under consideration in our state:

1. North Carolina CROWN Act (DRH10071-LR-45A):
   • Purpose: To prohibit discrimination against individuals based on natural hairstyles.
   • Key Provisions:
     • Employment discrimination based on race, color, or protective hairstyles is prohibited.
     • Expands definitions to include traits historically associated with race.
   • Pros: Promotes inclusivity and cultural recognition in the workplace.
   • Cons: Implementation challenges for employers.

2. Everybody Eats Act (DRH30310-TC-8):
   • Purpose: To allow individuals with felony drug convictions to access food and nutrition services.
   • Key Provisions:
     • Exempts certain felony convictions from disqualification for benefits.
     • Extends recertification for food assistance to one year.
   • Pros: Reduces food insecurity and supports reintegration into society.
   • Cons: Concerns about dependency on state assistance.

3. Friendly NC Act (DRH30254-LRa-3G):
   • Purpose: To foster a welcoming environment in North Carolina through nondiscrimination policies.
   • Key Provisions:
     • Strengthens protections against hate crimes and discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
     • Establishes a framework for hate crime data collection.
   • Pros: Comprehensive protections for marginalized communities.
   • Cons: Implementation challenges and potential complexity in enforcement.

4. Constitutional Amendment: Remove Slavery as Punishment (DRH40353-MCy-11):
   • Purpose: To amend the North Carolina Constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude without exceptions.
   • Key Provisions:
     • Amendment to be voted on in the statewide election in November 2026.
     • Requires majority approval from voters to take effect.
   • Pros: Provides clarity and finality in prohibiting slavery.
   • Cons: Concerns about voter turnout and understanding of the amendment.

Let’s stay informed and engaged with these important legislative developments! Your voice matters, and together we can shape a better future for North Carolina. 💪🏽✨

Friendly NC Act (DRH30254-LRa-3G):

Summary:

The Friendly NC Act aims to foster a welcoming environment in North Carolina by promoting nondiscrimination and addressing hate crimes. The act outlines measures to enhance protections against discrimination, particularly regarding race, ethnicity, and other characteristics, and establishes a framework for collecting and analyzing hate crime data.

Key Provisions:

Part I: Hate Crime Prevention

1. Hate Crimes Prevention Act:
   • Defines punishments for misdemeanors motivated by the victim’s race, color, religion, nationality, or other identifying characteristics.
   • Introduces civil remedies for victims of hate crimes, allowing them to seek damages and legal costs.
   • Mandates restorative justice sessions for offenders, if requested by the victim.

2. Reporting and Statistics:
   • Requires the State Bureau of Investigation to collect and disseminate data on hate crimes, including the number of offenses and characteristics of offenders and victims.
   • Law enforcement agencies must report hate crime data monthly.

Part II: Definition of Discrimination

• Establishes a comprehensive definition of discrimination, emphasizing objective necessity and evidence-based justification for any actions deemed discriminatory.

Part III: Protection Against Housing Discrimination

• Strengthens protections against housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and other factors.

Part IV: Protection Against Employment Discrimination

• Ensures equal opportunities in employment without discrimination based on race, religion, or other characteristics.

Part V: Protection Against Public Accommodation Discrimination

• Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, establishing a framework for complaints and investigations.

Part VI: Protection Against Credit Discrimination

• Prohibits discrimination in lending practices and establishes mechanisms for filing complaints.

Part VII: Protection Against Insurance Discrimination

• Ensures that insurers cannot discriminate based on race, color, or national origin.

Part VIII: Protection Against Education Discrimination

• Mandates that educational institutions adopt nondiscrimination policies.

Part IX: Protection Against Discrimination in Jury Service

• Prohibits discrimination in jury selection based on defined characteristics.

Part X: Align State Antidiscrimination Laws

• Aims to unify and streamline antidiscrimination laws across the state.

Part XI: Protection from Conversion Therapy

• Prohibits licensed professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for minors and individuals under guardianship.

Part XII: Domestic Violence Protective Orders

• Ensures that same-sex couples have access to protective orders for domestic violence situations.

Part XIII: Codification of Roe v. Wade Protections

• Codifies rights related to abortion access and ensures that undue burdens are not imposed.

Part XIV: Right to Use Contraception

• Affirms the right to use contraception without governmental interference.

Part XV: Right to Access Assisted Reproductive Technology

• Protects access to assisted reproductive technologies and prohibits state interference in these services.

Part XVI: Environmental Justice

• Addresses environmental justice issues, aiming to reduce disparities faced by marginalized communities in environmental health.

Part XVII: Multilingual Services for DMV

• Mandates that the Division of Motor Vehicles provide forms and tests in the applicant’s native language upon request.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Protections: The act creates numerous protections against discrimination across multiple sectors, enhancing civil rights for marginalized communities.
• Data-Driven Approach: Establishing a framework for collecting and analyzing hate crime data allows for targeted interventions and policy adjustments.
• Restorative Justice: Incorporating restorative justice practices fosters healing for victims and accountability for offenders.

Cons:

• Implementation Challenges: The act requires significant cooperation and coordination among various state agencies, which may pose logistical challenges.
• Potential for Legal Complexity: Broad definitions and new legal frameworks may lead to increased litigation and challenges in enforcement.

Conclusion:

The Friendly NC Act aims to create a more inclusive and equitable North Carolina by strengthening protections against discrimination and addressing hate crimes. While the act has the potential for significant positive impact, successful implementation will require careful planning and collaboration among state agencies and communities.

Bill 1: Enact Criminal Justice Debt Reform (DRH10267-NDf-107)

Summary:

This bill aims to reform the way court costs and fees are assessed and collected in North Carolina, particularly focusing on individuals with criminal convictions. It modifies assessment requirements, clarifies language regarding imprisonment for nonpayment of fines, and prohibits the revocation of driver’s licenses solely for failure to pay fines or costs.

Pros:

• Fairer Assessment: The bill ensures that courts consider a defendant’s ability to pay before imposing costs, which can help prevent undue financial burden on low-income individuals.
• No Imprisonment for Nonpayment: It clarifies that individuals cannot be imprisoned solely for failing to pay fines if they are serving an active sentence, addressing concerns about debtors’ prisons.
• Driver’s License Protection: The prohibition of license revocation for nonpayment helps prevent further entrenchment of individuals in the criminal justice system due to inability to pay fines.

Cons:

• Potential for Abuse: The criteria for waiving costs could be misinterpreted or inconsistently applied, potentially leading to unequal treatment of defendants.
• Administrative Burden: Implementing these changes will require adjustments in court processes and administrative oversight, which could strain resources.

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Bill 2: The Everybody Eats Act (DRH30310-TC-8)

Summary:

This bill allows the state to opt out of the prohibition on Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits for individuals convicted of felonies. It also extends the recertification period for food and nutrition benefits to one year.

Pros:

• Increased Access to Assistance: By exempting individuals with certain felony convictions from being denied food assistance, the bill helps to reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations.
• Support for Rehabilitation: Allowing access to benefits can aid in the reintegration of individuals into society, promoting stability and reducing recidivism.
• Longer Recertification Period: Extending the recertification period to one year simplifies the process for beneficiaries and reduces administrative burdens on social services.

Cons:

• Dependency Concerns: Critics may argue that extending benefits could foster dependency on state assistance among those with felony convictions.
• Implementation Challenges: The bill requires coordination between various state departments and social services, which may present logistical challenges.

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Conclusion:

Both bills aim to reform aspects of the criminal justice and social support systems in North Carolina, focusing on fairness and support for individuals with criminal records. While they have the potential to create positive change, implementation and oversight will be crucial to avoid potential pitfalls.

North Carolina CROWN Act (DRH10071-LR-45A):

Summary:

The North Carolina CROWN Act aims to prohibit discrimination in employment based on natural hairstyles and traits historically associated with race, promoting a respectful and open environment for individuals with natural hair.

Key Provisions:

1. Employment Discrimination:
   • The bill makes it illegal for any employer or entity to deny employment or discharge an employee based on their race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, or natural hairstyles.

2. Definitions:
   • Protective Hairstyles: This includes hairstyles such as bantu knots, braids, locks, and twists, recognizing the cultural significance of these styles.
   • Race: The definition of race is expanded to include traits historically associated with race, particularly relating to hair texture and hair type.

3. Retaliation Protections:
   • The act provides protections to employees against discrimination or retaliatory actions if they file complaints or participate in inquiries related to discrimination based on hair or other specified categories.

Pros:

• Cultural Recognition: The bill acknowledges and respects the cultural significance of natural hairstyles, promoting inclusivity in the workplace.
• Legal Protections: It offers legal recourse for individuals who face discrimination due to their natural hair, potentially reducing workplace discrimination.
• Positive Work Environment: By fostering a more inclusive environment, it may improve morale and job satisfaction among employees from diverse backgrounds.

Cons:

• Implementation Challenges: Employers may face challenges in understanding and implementing the new regulations, potentially requiring additional training or policy adjustments.
• Subjectivity in Enforcement: Determining what constitutes discrimination based on hairstyle can be subjective, leading to potential legal complexities and disputes.

Conclusion:

The North Carolina CROWN Act is a significant step towards promoting equity and respect for individuals with natural hair in the workplace. While it addresses important issues of discrimination and cultural identity, careful implementation and clear guidelines will be essential to its success.

Example

Dear Members of the General Assembly,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill H.B. 589, known as the Second Look Act, which has recently been filed in the North Carolina General Assembly. This bill presents a crucial opportunity for meaningful reform in our criminal justice system, particularly regarding sentence reduction and rehabilitation.

Why We Need to Support H.B. 589:

Addressing Overcrowding and Costs: The bill recognizes that North Carolina’s prison population has seen a significant increase, with nearly two million people currently incarcerated. By allowing individuals who have served substantial time—specifically those serving sentences of 10 years or more—a chance to have their sentences reviewed, we can alleviate overcrowding and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Promoting Rehabilitation: Research indicates that lengthy prison sentences often do not deter crime. Instead, they drain resources from essential public safety services. The Second Look Act encourages rehabilitation by acknowledging that aging individuals are less likely to reoffend, thus allowing for a more humane and effective approach to justice.

Empowering Individuals: This bill provides a pathway for individuals to petition for sentence modifications based on their behavior and the interests of public safety. It empowers those who have demonstrated rehabilitation to reintegrate into society, fostering a sense of hope and opportunity.

By supporting H.B. 589, we can contribute to a more just and equitable system that prioritizes rehabilitation and recognizes the potential for change. Please consider advocating for this important legislation in your conversations with legislators.

Thank you for your attention to this vital issue.

Sincerely,

Subject: Advocating for Family Reunification and Criminal Justice Reform in North Carolina

Dear Members of the General Assembly,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to advocate for critical reforms in our criminal justice system that aim to bring families back together, reduce incarceration rates, and create safer communities for our youth. The following points outline key areas for reform and their importance for the people of North Carolina.

1. Prison Sentence Reduction Reform

We must prioritize prison sentence reduction to allow for the reintegration of individuals into their families and communities. By implementing evidence-based reforms, we can reduce recidivism and provide opportunities for personal growth. Programs funded through these reforms can be directed toward youth outreach, helping to prevent crime before it begins.

2. Youth Offenders and Crime Prevention

Statistics indicate that many young offenders are driven to crime due to socioeconomic factors, lack of support, and limited access to resources. By investing in community programs aimed at providing mentorship, education, and employment opportunities, we can address the root causes of youth crime and foster a more positive environment for our children.

3. Removing Slavery from the Constitution

It is imperative that we amend our state constitution to remove any mention of slavery and involuntary servitude. This action not only aligns with our values of equality and justice but also addresses the reality of slave wages that persist in certain contexts within the penal system. Such practices are unconstitutional and undermine the dignity of all individuals.

4. Enacting Criminal Justice Debt Reform

Criminal justice debt often traps individuals in cycles of poverty and punishment. Reforming how we handle fines, fees, and other financial obligations will alleviate this burden and support family reunification efforts. Everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives without the ongoing weight of debt from their past.

5. NC Drug Tax: A Burden on the Innocent

Did you know that North Carolina taxes individuals for drug possession even before they are convicted? The NC Drug Tax allows the state to impose civil penalties on anyone possessing unauthorized substances, leading to severe financial consequences regardless of the outcome of legal proceedings. This policy disproportionately affects marginalized communities, further entrenching them in a cycle of poverty.

6. License Suspensions in Robeson County

In Robeson County alone, a staggering 32,872 licenses have been revoked or suspended due to failure to pay or appear in court. This places our county 6th in the state for total suspensions. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for reform in the handling of fines and fees, particularly for low-income individuals.

7. Navigating Expunction

The Automatic Expunction Law, enacted in 2021, has made strides in clearing certain criminal records, and Robeson County residents are eligible for automatic expunction under this law. While the Clean Slate Act aims to reduce the barriers individuals face in seeking expungement, many still encounter financial obstacles when hiring an attorney. We must explore further support for individuals seeking to expunge their records and provide access to legal assistance.

Call to Action

I urge you to consider these reforms as a means to enhance the well-being of our communities, support families, and foster a more equitable justice system in North Carolina. Together, we can create a future where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to society.

Thank you for your time and attention to these vital issues.

Sincerely,[Your Name][Your Contact Information][Your Organization, if applicable]

Email attached below

You can’t claim to “champion reform” while defunding the only agency in the state that protects the innocent.

Senators like Danny Britt and Jarrod Lowery want the photo ops and the praise—but when it comes to real justice, they vote to dismantle the very system meant to expose wrongful convictions.

The NC Innocence Inquiry Commission has exonerated 16 people—over 300 years of stolen freedom. But instead of protecting that work, the NC Senate is gutting it.

This ain’t reform. This is retreat. Cowardice. Injustice.

We must demand:

• Full funding for the Innocence Commission.

• Passage of REAL reform: SB 704, the Friendly Act, HB 546, HB 681, HB 589, and others.

• An end to performative politics.

Innocence should never be up for debate.

#ProtectTheInnocent#DefendJustice#NCpol#BehindTheWallsTalk#ReformMeansAction#NotJustWords

Members of the Committees,

Championing reform cannot be selective. And yet today, we’re watching a dangerous contradiction unfold in North Carolina.

Senators Danny Britt, Michael Lee, Lisa Barnes, and Representatives Alan Chesser, Tricia Cotham, Jarrod Lowery, and Erin Pare have publicly aligned themselves with criminal justice reform—supporting measures that claim to expand opportunities, strengthen police-community partnerships, and uplift working families. But actions speak louder than slogans.

The NC Senate just voted to defund the Innocence Inquiry Commission—the only state-run agency in the entire country tasked with investigating claims of wrongful conviction. This is not “fiscal responsibility.” This is legislative negligence. This is silencing.

Let’s be clear:

Since 2006, the Commission has helped exonerate 16 people who spent a combined 300+ years behind bars for crimes they did not commit.

Private nonprofits cannot do what this Commission does. They don’t have subpoena power, they can’t compel testimony, and they don’t have access to state-controlled evidence.

The excuse of “low case volume” fails to acknowledge what’s really happening: a quiet, systemic attempt to bury wrongful convictions and shield state actors from accountability.

How can North Carolina claim to champion justice while dismantling the very mechanism that protects the innocent?

This is why we must stand behind the real reform bills still on the table:

SB 704 – Meaningful sentencing reform

Ending the NC Drug Tax – Eliminating a predatory and racist policy

Everyone Eats Act & Public Safety Through Food Access Act – Addressing root causes of crime

HB DRH40353-MCY-11 – Amending the Constitution to finally remove the language allowing slavery as punishment

The Friendly Act, the NC CROWN Act, HB 546, HB 681, HB 589 – Each pushing forward fairness, dignity, and real change

And if we’re serious about removing offensive mascots from NC schools, then we must also be serious about removing slavery from our Constitution. Justice cannot be cherry-picked.

This moment demands clarity. Defunding the Innocence Inquiry Commission is not reform—it is retreat. It is cowardice. It is injustice.

We call on the NC House to reject this assault on accountability and fully restore funding to the Innocence Commission.

Contact your representatives. Demand they vote for real reform—not performative politics.

Innocence should never be up for debate.

In solidarity,

https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3969217201470-nc-innocence-commission-exonerates-man-convicted-of-robeson-county-murder-8-years-ago?_f=app_share&pd=0Esvb7ZL&lang=en_US&send_time=1745147876&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2225.16.0.29%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D&sep=ns_foryou_blend_exp_25q1-v8%2Cns_foryou_recall_exp_25q2-v5%2Cns_foryou_model_exp_25q1-v8%2Cns_local_strategy_25q1_exp-v16%2Cns_push_exp_rt_bucketv12-v6&s=i1&fbclid=IwY2xjawJzikNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpfKsG2A1SbBoPWKWsjruXZ1LduTl3xxRXGtSpcKDYu0fSGwfunLCw88YMFr_aem_HC7ZoqyYhX-CTKWGYi6zJg

North Carolina Senate Bill 704 — “The Ronnie Long No Cap Act”

(Session 2025 | Bill DRS35239-ND-74)

Primary Sponsors: Senators Burgin, Britt, and Meyer

Filed: March 25, 2025

Overview

This bill is named after Ronnie Long, who was wrongfully incarcerated for 44 years. It aims to provide fairer compensation and better reentry support for exonerees — individuals who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.

Key Provisions

1. Removes the $750,000 Cap on Compensation for Exonerees

• Current Law: Limits compensation to $750,000 (equivalent to 15 years of wrongful incarceration at $50,000/year).

• This Bill: Eliminates that cap, allowing individuals to be compensated $50,000 per year served, with no upper limit, including time awaiting trial.

• Applies retroactively to past exonerees who are still living.

2. Provides Medicaid Coverage

• Directs NC’s DHHS to request federal approval to give Medicaid to all exonerees, regardless of income or assets.

• If not approved by June 30, 2027, DHHS must report the denial and cost to provide this coverage without federal assistance.

3. Requires Reentry Support Services for Exonerees

• The NC Department of Adult Correction must provide transition services to exonerees, with a focus on:

• Housing

• Employment

• Basic sustenance

• Can contract with public or private partners.

• Total cost per person capped at $25,000.

Effective Dates

• Compensation and reentry provisions are effective immediately upon passage.

• Retroactivity applies only to living exonerees.

• Medicaid eligibility begins after federal approval or expires if not approved by mid-2027.

They’re Not Protecting Kids — They’re Protecting Power.

NC House Bill 636 is not about “wholesome content.”

It’s about control, censorship, and erasing truth from our classrooms and libraries.

Under this bill, schools would be forced to:

• Ban books labeled “harmful to minors” — including anything with LGBTQ+ themes, sexual education, or honest conversations about racism.

• Keep a public list of rejected materials — turning schools into surveillance zones of censorship.

• Allow just 10 objections to trigger a review — giving a vocal minority the power to silence entire communities.

• Face lawsuits and fines for materials some deem “inappropriate” — even if they reflect real, lived experiences.

Let’s be real: this is part of the movement to end Critical Race Theory, shut down DEI, and whitewash history.

They don’t want children to:

• Learn about slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic racism.

• See themselves represented if they’re queer, Black, Brown, or different.

• Ask hard questions about the systems around them.

This is not about shielding students — it’s about silencing them.

It’s about making sure the next generation grows up without the tools to resist, challenge, or change the world.

We say: NO.

No to censorship.

No to whitewashed education.

No to fear disguised as “family values.”

We demand:

• Access to diverse, truthful, and inclusive education.

• Representation in every book, classroom, and curriculum.

• The right to read, to know, and to grow.

Education is not just about facts. It’s about freedom.