Rep. Chesser files bill in North Carolina House to protect judicial personal information

A new bill filed by State Rep. Allen Chesser in the North Carolina House seeks to protect the privacy of judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their spouses by limiting public access to personal information, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 923 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Protect Personal Info/Judicial Personnel.’

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

In essence, the bill mandates cities and counties in North Carolina to remove personal information, such as physical addresses and phone numbers, from public websites upon request by specific judicial personnel, including state and federal judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, as well as their spouses. The request must be submitted in writing, demonstrating eligibility and specifying the information to be removed. These requests, including any revocations, are confidential and not considered public records, although the information may still be public in other contexts. Additionally, cities and counties, and their employees are granted immunity from liability for actions taken in good faith under the bill’s provisions. The bill also amends specific personnel records of law enforcement officers, restricting the disclosure of residence-related and identifying information. The required processes must be in place by Oct. 1, 2025, and the bill becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Chesser proposed the most bills (49) 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.

Chesser graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2019 with a BS.

Chesser, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 25th House district, replacing previous state representative James Gailliard.