Rep. Jeffers files bill in North Carolina House to expand privacy protections for minors

A new bill filed by State Rep. B. Ray Jeffers in the North Carolina House seeks to broaden privacy protections for minors participating in government or funded programs by restricting public access to personal information, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 208 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Partnership for Children Information Access.’

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

In essence, the bill expands the localities where limited access to identifying information of minors participating in certain programs applies. It amends G.S. 132-1.11A to include the Towns of Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, Zebulon, the City of Raleigh, and Counties of Chatham and Durham. Public records of minors in government or North Carolina Partnership for Children-funded programs will exclude personal details such as names, addresses, and contact information. However, a minor’s name remains public if they receive a scholarship or financial award from the local government. The act takes effect when it becomes law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (11) 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.