North Carolina lawmaker proposes establishing 24-hour civil rights helpline and oversight

State Rep. Pricey Harrison has introduced a bill to launch a civil rights helpline and expand support for those affected by federal enforcement measures, the North Carolina State House reports.

Filed as HB 1064 on April 27 during the 2025 regular session, the legislation is officially titled: ‘Civil Rights Helpline.’

This summary is based on the original bill text and clarifies the bill’s key points.

Under the measure, the North Carolina attorney general would be responsible for creating a 24-hour toll-free civil rights helpline and corresponding website to serve individuals affected by actions of federal officials, including federal troops or immigration enforcement. The bill mandates referrals to relevant government, legal, and social service organizations, as well as translation and disability services, and requires publicizing the helpline. The attorney general would maintain a confidential database, release an annual redacted report on complaints, patterns, and suggested improvements, and hold at least one public hearing each year. The proposal allocates $3 million in annual funding beginning with the 2026-27 fiscal year, with implementation scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Among the four sponsors listed, Harrison introduced more bills (56) than any other sponsor in the 2025 regular session.

In North Carolina, proposed legislation goes through a multi-step process before it can become law. After a bill is filed, it is referred to a committee for evaluation and must pass three readings in both legislative chambers. If one chamber amends the legislation after the other has voted, both must reach agreement on the final text. Upon passage by both chambers, it is sent to the governor, who can sign, veto, or allow it to become law without a signature within 10 days (or 30 days if the legislature is out of session).

For more information about active measures and bills, visit here.

Harrison earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and later completed a juris doctor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Harrison, a Democrat, joined the North Carolina State House in 2019 as the representative for the 61st House district, succeeding former state Rep. John Faircloth Jr..