Sen. Lee files bill in North Carolina Senate revising neglected juvenile definition

A new bill filed by State Sen. Michael V. Lee in the North Carolina Senate seeks to clarify when juvenile independent activities are considered neglect, focusing on safety and appropriateness, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 581 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Revise Neglected Juvenile Definition.’

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

In essence, the bill revises the definition of “neglected juvenile” in North Carolina to exempt certain independent activities from being considered neglect. It specifies that a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker allowing a juvenile to engage in independent activities without adult supervision is not neglect if a reasonable and prudent parent would deem the activity safe and appropriate based on the juvenile’s age, maturity, and abilities. Examples of independent activities include traveling to and from school or nearby facilities, staying home for a reasonable time, and playing outdoors. The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Jim Burgin proposed the most bills (64) 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.

Lee graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 with a BA and again in 1997 from Wake Forest University Law School with a JD.

Lee, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 7th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jim Perry.