Rep. Butler files bill in North Carolina House to expand anti-discrimination protections

A new bill filed by State Rep. Deb Butler in the North Carolina House seeks to strengthen safeguards against discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public services, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 538 on March 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Equality for All.’

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

In essence, this bill aims to safeguard against discrimination in various sectors in North Carolina, encompassing housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, insurance, education, and jury service. It broadens the definition of “protected status” to include race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, and genetic information, ensuring these characteristics are free from discrimination. The bill mandates public and private entities, insurers, and lenders to adhere to nondiscriminatory practices and outlines the process for filing claims with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission if discrimination occurs. It calls for educational institutions to adopt nondiscrimination policies and protects the rights of individuals to access public accommodations and participate in jury service without prejudice. The act is effective from July 1, 2025.

A related bill, SB 381, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Lisa Grafstein (and two others) on March 20, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (29) 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.

Butler graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1983 with a BA and again in 1986 from Wake Forest University School of Law with a JD.

Butler, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 18th House district, replacing previous state representative Susi Hamilton.