Chesser introduces bill to boost oversight of child welfare in NC House

State Rep. Allen Chesser has introduced a bill to strengthen supervision of child welfare by forming a team dedicated to reviewing and handling high-risk cases, according to the North Carolina State House.

Labeled as HB 1144 and filed on April 30 during the 2025 regular session, the bill carries the short name “Dominique Moody Safety Act.”

The breakdown below reflects our review of the official bill text and may include explanations to help clarify its features.

Fundamentally, the bill establishes a Child Welfare Case Escalation Team within the Division of Social Services to analyze serious child abuse and neglect cases, define what counts as an “extensive child welfare history,” and require county agencies to report cases that meet specific risk indicators. The team is authorized to access full case files, spot safety issues, offer guidance in case resolutions, and ensure correction of any gaps in practice. The measure finances six additional statewide positions and instructs the Division to look for automated reporting solutions. It also mandates new rules for recording photo or video evidence during initial case reviews, strengthens social worker access to law enforcement data, introduces another justification for home entry when the team is engaged, and allocates $100,000 for online worker training focused on identifying abuse and neglect. Sections 1(b) and 3 of the bill begin on July 1, 2026, while the majority of its actions start Oct. 1, 2026.

Among the four sponsors, Donny Lambeth filed the highest number of bills (71) during the 2025 regular session.

Lawmakers in North Carolina must navigate a multi-stage process to pass legislation. After a bill is filed, it is sent to a committee for consideration. It needs to be read three times in both legislative chambers. If either chamber amends the bill after the other passes it, both must come to agreement on a final version. Once both chambers approve identical versions, the bill is sent to the governor, who has 10 days to act—or 30 days if the legislature is out of session—to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without signature.

Further details about legislative proposals and actions are available here.

Chesser earned his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2019.

Chesser, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina House in 2023, representing District 25 after succeeding former representative James Gailliard.