Rep. Jeffers files bill in North Carolina House to allow digital public notices in Durham

A new bill filed by State Rep. B. Ray Jeffers in the North Carolina House seeks to authorize Durham and Durham County to use digital methods for public hearing notices while maintaining existing mailing and posting requirements, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 243 on Feb. 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Durham/Electronic Notices for Public Hearings.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill authorizes the City of Durham and Durham County to adopt ordinances that allow the use of electronic means, such as their official websites, to provide public notices for certain hearings required under Chapter 160D of the General Statutes. These new methods of digital notification are to be used by a joint planning board established under Part 1 of Article 20 of Chapter 160A. The bill stipulates that this electronic notice option does not replace the requirement of mailing notices to specific groups or the obligation to post signs on certain properties, nor does it change any existing publication schedules. The act becomes effective when it becomes law.

Jeffers proposed another four bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Jeffers, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 2nd House district, replacing previous state representative Larry Yarborough.