Sen. Hanig files bill in North Carolina Senate to allow claims against public entities

A new bill filed by State Sen. Bobby Hanig seeks to establish a legal framework for citizens to hold public entities accountable for failing to comply with state laws, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 469 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Improper Action Claims Act.’

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

In essence, the bill, known as the Improper Action Claims Act, establishes a legal framework allowing citizens in North Carolina to pursue claims against public entities that fail to comply with state laws. The legislation enables individuals, referred to as qui tam plaintiffs, to file civil actions on behalf of themselves and the state. Public entities found noncompliant may face civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000, and governmental immunity is waived for these actions. The Attorney General is tasked with investigating violations and may choose to intervene in cases brought by private plaintiffs. If the state intervenes, it leads the prosecution, but the private plaintiff retains participatory rights. Qui tam plaintiffs may receive between 15% and 30% of the recovered proceeds, depending on their contribution, alongside compensation for reasonable expenses. Additionally, protections are offered for whistleblowers facing retaliation, permitting them to seek reinstatement and damages. Effective upon enactment, the bill is applicable to obligations existing on or after its passage.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Timothy D. Moffitt proposed the most bills (52) 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.

Hanig, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 1st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Norman Sanderson.