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HB 1064

Civil Rights Helpline.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Eric Ager and 29 co-sponsors

Creates a 24/7 NC Civil Rights Helpline and online portal to report, document, and investigate civil rights issues tied to federal deployments/activities in NC.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 1064

Summary of HB 1064 (2025 Session) – Civil Rights Helpline (North Carolina)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a Civil Rights Helpline within the North Carolina Department of Justice (OAG) to receive, document, and investigate civil rights complaints.
  • Specifically aims to assist individuals harmed, or whose family members have been harmed, by actions related to the deployment of federal troops or federal law enforcement officers in North Carolina, including federal immigration enforcement actions.
  • Provide a centralized mechanism for reporting, documenting, and addressing civil rights issues tied to federal activity within the state, with an emphasis on accessibility and transparency.

Key provisions and changes

§ 114-8.8A. Civil rights helpline

  • Create a 24-hour toll-free helpline for individuals harmed or affected by federal deployments or actions in NC.
  • Establish an associated online portal where people can submit civil rights violation claims.
  • Offer resources about local/state government assistance, legal and social services, and school-related crisis/intervention resources (e.g., student support programs).
  • Ensure voicemail capability for the helpline.
  • Provide translation and disability access services.
  • Publicize the helpline and distribute reporting materials to encourage reporting.

§ 114-8.8B. Reporting

  • Maintain a secure database of all helpline reports.
  • Generate an annual public report (with personally identifiable information redacted) detailing:
    • Total number of reports
    • Federal law enforcement agency involved
    • Number of arrests (including offense, initial charge, final disposition) and time from arrest to disposition, if available
    • Any patterns/trends (e.g., excessive force, racial profiling, other civil rights violations)
    • Recommendations for policy or training improvements
  • Preserve confidentiality: communications via the helpline/website are not public records.
  • If a civil rights violation is reported, the Attorney General must investigate and determine if further action is warranted.

§ 114-8.8C. Annual hearings

  • The Attorney General must hold at least one public hearing each calendar year to present aggregate data and findings from the annual report, with public notice given.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Implementation: The Department of Justice must establish the helpline within 60 days of the act’s effective date.
  • First annual report due: No later than one year after the helpline is established (i.e., approximately by mid-2027).
  • Rules: The Department of Justice can adopt or amend rules as needed, using the established rulemaking process (G.S. 150B-21.1).

Fiscal and funding

  • Appropriations: $3,000,000 in recurring General Fund funds are authorized for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and follow for ongoing implementation of Section 1 provisions.
  • Use: To implement the civil rights helpline, secure operations (24/7 line, website, accessibility, translations), and related activities.

Who and what is affected

  • Affected parties: Residents of North Carolina who are harmed or perceive harm due to actions related to federal troop deployments or federal law enforcement activities (including immigration enforcement). Also includes family members, witnesses, and school-related stakeholders seeking support.
  • Governmental actors: North Carolina Attorney General’s Office (Department of Justice) responsible for operating the helpline, collecting data, conducting investigations, issuing annual reports, and hosting hearings.
  • Public: Publicly accessible annual reports (with redactions) and annual hearings to discuss findings.

Potential impact and implications

  • Creates a formal channel for civil rights concerns tied to federal activity within NC, potentially increasing reporting, accountability, and transparency.
  • Establishes data collection on federal agency conduct within the state and provides policy/training recommendations based on patterns observed.
  • Adds resources for translation and accessibility, helping non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities access civil rights information and assistance.
  • Introduces annual public reporting and hearings to inform stakeholders and the general public about civil rights trends and agency conduct.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as filed (HB 1064, 2025 Session) and does not account for any amendments that may occur during the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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