Rep. Cairns files bill in North Carolina House to designate osprey as state raptor

A new bill filed by State Rep. Celeste C. Cairns seeks to designate the osprey as North Carolina’s official state raptor, highlighting its significance and environmental role, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 597 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Adopt Osprey as State Raptor.’

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

In essence, this bill seeks to designate the osprey as the official state raptor of North Carolina. It highlights the osprey’s abundance in the state, particularly in coastal areas, and describes its physical characteristics, such as its large wingspan and distinctive plumage. The bill emphasizes the osprey’s unique hunting abilities, noting its diet predominantly consists of fish and its distinctive diving techniques. The osprey is portrayed as an indicator of environmental health due to its sensitivity to environmental contaminants, alongside its observed population recovery since 1960. The bill aims to enact this designation upon becoming law to reflect the resiliency and spirit of North Carolina residents.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Charles W. Miller proposed the most bills (30) 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.

Cairns graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA.

Cairns, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 13th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia McElraft.