A new bill filed by State Rep. Matthew Winslow seeks to standardize auditor selection and increase support for local governments’ financial compliance in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 593 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Local Government Audits.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill modifies the procedures for selecting accountants to conduct annual audits for local governments, public authorities, and local school administrative units in North Carolina. It mandates that auditors must be certified by the State Auditor and prohibits local boards from selecting auditors not certified for such tasks. Auditors are to be chosen via sealed bids based on cost, expertise, and timeframe, and not on identity. Additionally, the bill appropriates $3.52 million for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the State Auditor to employ more finance professionals, aimed at helping small local governments comply with financial requirements. This act is effective July 1, 2025, for audits conducted thereafter.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Jennifer Balkcom proposed the most bills (24) 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.
Winslow graduated from East Carolina University with a BS.
Winslow, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 7th House district, replacing previous state representative Lisa Barnes.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Winslow, Harry Warren, Jennifer Balkcom, and Stephen M. Ross | HB 593 | 03/31/2025 | Local Government Audits. |
| Matthew Winslow, Erin Paré, Jake Johnson, and Steve Tyson | HB 581 | 03/31/2025 | Career Pathways Transparency Act. |
| Matthew Winslow, Dennis Riddell, and Jay Adams | HB 609 | 03/31/2025 | Option for Raw Milk Consumption. |
| Matthew Winslow and Vernetta Alston | HB 627 | 03/31/2025 | Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units. |
| Matthew Winslow, David Willis, Kyle Hall, and Ray Pickett | HB 490 | 03/24/2025 | Propel NC Funding and Tuition Surcharge. |
| Matthew Winslow, Erin Paré, Jarrod Lowery, and Mike Schietzelt | HB 465 | 03/19/2025 | Waive Renewal Fee/Military Drivers Licenses. |
| Matthew Winslow, Brian Echevarria, Jimmy Dixon, and Neal Jackson | HB 432 | 03/18/2025 | Property Tax Relief Study. |
| Matthew Winslow, Donnie Loftis, Donny Lambeth, and Jonathan L. Almond | HB 440 | 03/18/2025 | Healthy Food Healthy Bodies. |
| Matthew Winslow, Allen Chesser, Erin Paré, and Steve Tyson | HB 364 | 03/11/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Matthew Winslow, Mike Schietzelt, Phil Rubin, and Robert T. Reives, II | HB 360 | 03/10/2025 | Homeowner Protection Act. |
| Matthew Winslow, Mike Schietzelt, Robert T. Reives, II, and Ya Liu | HB 361 | 03/10/2025 | Funds to Fight Deed and Title Fraud. |
| Matthew Winslow, Carson Smith, Edward C. Goodwin, and Joseph Pike | HB 299 | 03/05/2025 | Increase Disabled Veteran Prop Tax Benefit. |
| Matthew Winslow, Carla D. Cunningham, and Tricia Ann Cotham | HB 314 | 03/05/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 286 | 03/04/2025 | SchCalFlex/Vance/Open Cal. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 287 | 03/04/2025 | SchCalFlex/Franklin/Open Cal. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 291 | 03/04/2025 | Franklinton Annexations. |
| Matthew Winslow, Brenden H. Jones, Jake Johnson, and Jarrod Lowery | HB 222 | 02/25/2025 | C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act. |
| Matthew Winslow, Celeste C. Cairns, and Steve Tyson | HB 159 | 02/21/2025 | Orphan Roads Maintenance Program Grant. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 58 | 02/04/2025 | Various Local Elections. |
| Matthew Winslow, Erin Paré, Keith Kidwell, and Steve Tyson | HB 14 | 01/29/2025 | Gambling Loss Tax Deduct, NC Sound Money Act. |
