North Carolina H1242: Modernize Law of the Land Clause.

What the bill says

An act to amend article i, section 19, of the north carolina constitution to modernize the language of the law of the land clause.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO AMEND ARTICLE I, SECTION 19, OF THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO MODERNIZE THE LANGUAGE OF THE LAW OF THE LAND CLAUSE. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1.(a) Article I, Section 19, of the North Carolina Constitution reads as equal protection of the laws. No person shall be taken, imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner deprived of his life, liberty, or property, but by the law of the land. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be subjected to discrimination by the State because of race, color, religion, or national origin." SECTION 1.(b) The amendment set out in Section 1(a) of this act shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the State at the statewide general election to be held on November 3, 2026, which election shall be conducted in accordance with the laws governing elections at that time. The question to be used in the voting systems and ballots shall be: "[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST Constitutional amendment to modernize the language of the law of the land clause in Article I, Section 19, of the North Carolina Constitution." SECTION 1.(c) The State Board of Elections shall certify …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Cook, Amanda P. (D, 60) · primary sponsor
• Greenfield, Julia (D, 100) · primary sponsor
• Belk, Mary (D, 88)
• Butler, Deb (D, 18)
• Cervania, Maria (D, 41)
• Clark, Tracy (D, 57)
• Harrison, Pricey (D, 61)
• Rubin, Phil (D, 40)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
2. July 1, 2026: Passed 1st Reading
3. June 30, 2026: Filed

Common questions

What is H1242?

H1242 is a bill in the North Carolina Legislature (2025-2026 Session): Modernize Law of the Land Clause.

What does H1242 do?

In its own words: An act to amend article i, section 19, of the north carolina constitution to modernize the language of the law of the land clause.

What is the status of H1242?

In committee as of July 1, 2026. Latest action: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored H1242?

Cook, Amanda P. (D, 60), with 7 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H1242?

On the North Carolina Legislature website: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1242