First Tuesday Asheville

House Bill 659 Filed Tues., April 1, 2025 

Local Government Spending Transparency.

Intro. by  Echevarria; Loftis; Almond; Lowery (Primary).  

 Enacts GS 159-42.2 requiring all local government invoices to be itemized and provides list of minimum disclosures required. 

Mandates local governments to have a website link to view quarterly invoices on their website, except municipalities with no website that, instead, must keep copies in a binder for public viewing. 

Requires local government websites to provide a link to the top three bids on every project, service, or any goods purchased with tax dollars, with quarterly updates. 

Mandates that both the invoices and bids be unredacted unless specifically required by law.

Creates a centralized state-run website where all NC local governments must post public meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and recordings.

Improves accessibility and transparency for all citizens, watchdogs, and journalists—no more hunting across dozens of different local websites.
 

Covers all county and municipal boards, commissions, and governing bodies subject to North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law.
 

Standardizes record-keeping and makes it easier for citizens to follow important decisions affecting their communities.

Effective July 1, 2025.  

 April 1, 2025: HB 659 was filed. 

 April 2:  Passed First Reading and referred to the Judiciary 1 Committee.
April 15, 2025: Received a favorable report and was re-referred to the State and Local Government Committee.  If it receives a favorable report, it will proceed to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee.

1. Committee Review
   The House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations will first decide whether to give HB 659 a hearing. This committee has broad control over whether a bill advances or stalls.
    
2. Committee Vote
   If the committee takes up the bill, members may: Approve it as-is, Propose amendments, Vote it down .
3. If approved, the bill moves to the House floor for Second (Full debate and vote by the House.) and Third (A second vote, typically without further debate.) Readings. 

• If it passes both, the bill moves to the Senate.  
   

1. Assigned to a Senate committee (often the Senate Rules and Operations Committee).
    
2. Follows a similar process: committee review, second and third readings, floor votes.
    

• If Passed by Both Chambers, the bill will be sent to the Governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature.

 ✅ Thank the bill's primary sponsors:
Send a quick email to let them know you appreciate their leadership:

1. Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-82)
   Email: Brian.Echevarria@ncleg.gov
   Phone: (919) 733-5908
   District: Cabarrus County​
    
2. Rep. Steve Loftis (R-113)
   Email: Steve.Loftis@ncleg.gov
   Phone: (919) 733-5862
   District: Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford Counties​
    
3. Rep. Jennifer Almond (R-67)
   Email: Jennifer.Almond@ncleg.gov
   Phone: (919) 733-5908
   District: Stanly and Montgomery Counties​
    
4. Rep. Jarrod Lowery (R-47)
   Email: Jarrod.Lowery@ncleg.gov
   Phone: (919) 733-5821
   District: Robeson County

You can use the following template to express your appreciation to the sponsors:​

Subject: Thank You for Championing HB 659 – Enhancing Local Government Transparency​

Dear Representative [Last Name],

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your leadership in sponsoring House Bill 659, the Local Government Spending Transparency Act. Your commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in local government operations is commendable.​

By advocating for itemized disclosures of expenditures and accessible records of bids and invoices, you are empowering citizens to stay informed and engaged with their local governments. Such measures are vital for fostering trust and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds.​

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or City, ZIP]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (optional)]

 Contact Committee Members:  Urge members of the State and Local Government Committee to support HB 659. 

Chairs:

Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-79)
Email: Keith.Kidwell@ncleg.gov
Phone: (919) 733-5881
District: Beaufort and Craven Counties

Rep. John Torbett (R-108)
Email: John.Torbett@ncleg.gov
Phone: (919) 733-5868
District: Gaston County​

Rep. Sam Watford (R-80)
Email: Sam.Watford@ncleg.gov
Phone: (919) 733-5907
District: Davidson County​

 Vice Chair:

Rep. John Greene (R-85)
Email: John.Greene@ncleg.gov
Phone: (919) 733-5861
District: McDowell and Rutherford Counties​
 

• Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-115)
  Email: Lindsey.Prather@ncleg.gov
  Phone: (919) 733-5746
  District: Buncombe County

Here is a neutral, respectful email template you can use to communicate with the State and Local Government Committee’s leadership and Rep. Lindsey Prather. This template simply encourages them to take necessary action to progress HB 659 to the House floor for consideration—without targeting any specific demographic or campaign:

Subject: Request for Consideration of HB 659 – Local Government Spending Transparency

Dear Representative [Name],

I am writing to respectfully request your attention to House Bill 659, which seeks to increase transparency and public accessibility in local government spending across North Carolina.

As a concerned citizen, I value open and accountable government. Ensuring that HB 659 receives timely consideration and is advanced to the House floor for a vote would allow representatives to address this important issue publicly.

Thank you for your leadership and service on the State and Local Government Committee. I appreciate your efforts to promote transparency and accountability in our state.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address or City, ZIP (optional but helpful)]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (optional)]

Contact Your Representatives:  

It is still worthwhile to write to Representatives Prather, Turner, and Ager—even if you believe they are unlikely to support the bill due to party affiliation. 

Elected officials are expected to hear from all constituents, regardless of party or viewpoint. When they receive thoughtful, respectful messages from voters, it reminds them that their actions are being watched and that there are diverse opinions in their district.

Additionally, even if they do not support the bill, your message helps demonstrate public interest and creates a record of citizen engagement. It also encourages open dialogue and may even prompt them to reconsider or clarify their position publicly.

Representative Eric Ager (District 114)

📧 Eric.Ager@ncleg.gov ​| (919) 715-2013 

Representative Lindsey Prather (District 115)​ 

📧 Lindsey.Prather@ncleg.gov | (919) 733-5746 

Representative Brian Turner (District 116)​

📧 Brian.Turner@ncleg.gov | (919) 715-3012 

Let us know what they say.

Sample eMail message below. Feel free to copy this one or write your own:

Subject: Please Support HB 659 for Greater Local Government Transparency

Dear Representative [Prather / Turner / Ager],

As a constituent, I am writing to express my support for House Bill 659. I believe that increasing transparency and accessibility in local government spending is vital for building trust and accountability between citizens and their elected officials.

HB 659 would make it easier for people in our community to stay informed about how public funds are being used and to participate more fully in the decisions that affect our lives.

I hope you will consider supporting this bill and helping to move it forward in the House. I would also appreciate learning your position on HB 659 and any thoughts you may have about its potential impact here in Buncombe County.

Thank you for your service to our district.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address or City, ZIP (optional but helpful)]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (optional)]

Public Engagement: Consider writing letters to local newspapers or participating in community forums to raise awareness about the bill's importance.​
 

Here’s a reader-friendly template for a letter to the editor supporting HB 659 and calling for greater local government transparency:

 Subject:   Support HB 659 for Local Government Transparency 

To the Editor,

I am writing to express my support for House Bill 659, which aims to make local government spending in North Carolina more transparent and accessible to the public.

Too often, it’s difficult for citizens to find out how their tax dollars are being used by city and county officials. HB 659 would require all local governments to post detailed spending records, bids, and meeting information online—or provide them in a central, accessible place for those without internet access. This is a common-sense step that can help build trust, prevent waste, and encourage more people to participate in their local government.

Transparency shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Every taxpayer has a right to know how their money is being spent. I hope our representatives in Raleigh—including those from Buncombe County—will support HB 659 and work to bring open government to every corner of North Carolina.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Town or ZIP Code]
[Optional: Email Address or Phone Number]