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Bill

HB 980

RELATING TO ANIMALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 12 co-sponsors

House Bill 980 removes driver's license suspensions for unpaid court debts, automatically reinstates licenses, and waives fees, boosting employment opportunities for affected individuals.

The committee on AEN deferred the measure.
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Bill Summary · HB 980

Summary of House Bill 980: Remove Barriers to Employment from Court Debt

Bill Number: HB 980
Introduced: April 10, 2025
Status: Passed 1st Reading
Sponsor: Representative Chesser
Referred to: Appropriations, Finance, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 980 aims to eliminate barriers to employment that arise from court-related debts, specifically focusing on the suspension of driver's licenses due to nonpayment of fines or failure to appear in court for motor vehicle offenses. The bill seeks to promote employment opportunities for individuals affected by these legal and financial burdens.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to existing laws:

1. Elimination of License Suspension Authority

  • Repeal of G.S. 20-24.1 and G.S. 20-24.2: The government will no longer have the authority to suspend a driver's license for nonpayment of fines, penalties, or costs, or for failing to appear in court for motor vehicle offenses.

2. Reinstatement of Suspended Licenses

  • Automatic Reinstatement: The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will automatically reinstate licenses suspended under the repealed statutes without requiring any action from the license holder.
  • Fee Waivers: All fees associated with the reinstatement of licenses will be waived.

3. Notification of Reinstatement

  • The DMV will notify individuals whose licenses have been reinstated by mail, providing information on any remaining legal obligations and options for resolving outstanding fines.

4. Data Collection and Reporting

  • The DMV is required to collect and publish data by October 1, 2025, regarding the impact of the bill, including:
    • The number of suspensions terminated and the demographics of affected individuals.
    • The total amount of fees waived and fines related to Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) that were forgiven.

5. Forgiveness of Outstanding Fines

  • As of October 1, 2025, any unpaid fines and fees associated with previous DWLR convictions will no longer be enforceable if the underlying suspension was due to nonpayment or failure to appear.

Impact

This legislation is expected to have a broad impact on individuals who have faced license suspensions due to court debts, particularly those from marginalized communities. By removing these barriers, the bill aims to enhance employment opportunities and reduce the cycle of poverty associated with unpaid fines and fees.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on April 10, 2025, and passed its first reading on April 14, 2025. It has been referred to the Appropriations Committee, and if favorable, it will move to Finance and then to Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 980 represents a significant step towards reforming how court debts affect individuals' ability to work and support themselves. By addressing the issue of license suspensions, the bill aims to foster a more equitable legal system that supports rather than hinders employment opportunities.

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

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