A new bill filed by State Sen. Lazzara seeks to create a framework for law enforcement to quickly remove unauthorized individuals from residential property in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 71 on Feb. 11 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes a framework for the expedited removal of unauthorized persons from residential property in North Carolina by law enforcement agencies. It allows property owners or their authorized representatives to request the removal of individuals without a valid rental agreement or legal claim to occupy the property. The process requires the completion of a sworn affidavit before a court official, and law enforcement is mandated to act within 24 hours of receiving the affidavit. The bill provides immunity from liability to law enforcement and court officials, with the exception of actions involving gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, and includes legal recourses for individuals wrongfully removed. The act becomes effective Oct. 1, 2025.
A related bill, HB 96, was also filed in the North Carolina House, introduced by Rep. Steve Tyson (and three others) on Feb. 11, 2025.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Timothy D. Moffitt proposed the most bills (seven) 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.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
