First Tuesday Asheville

 Senate Bill 474 

 Senate Bill 474 (Public) Filed Monday, March 24, 2025

AN ACT TO ENACT THE DAVE ACT BY CREATING THE DIVISION OF ACCOUNTABILITY, VALUE, AND EFFICIENCY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUDITOR, DIRECTING EACH STATE AGENCY TO REPORT TO THE DIVISION ON ITS USE OF PUBLIC MONIES AND THE STATUS OF ITS VACANT POSITIONS, AND DIRECTING THE DIVISION TO ASSESS THE CONTINUED NEED OF EACH STATE AGENCY AND THE VACANT POSITIONS WITHIN EACH STATE AGENCY.

Intro. by Berger, Moffitt, Jarvis. 

  ​As of April 16, 2025, Senate Bill 474 (SB 474) has passed its first reading in the North Carolina House of Representatives and has been referred to the House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations. This committee will review the bill and determine whether to advance it to the full House for further consideration.​Next Steps for SB 474:

1. Committee Review: The Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee will examine the bill's provisions. If the committee approves, the bill will proceed to the House floor.​  
2. House Readings: The bill must pass both the second and third readings in the House.​  
3. Governor's Approval: If passed by the House, the bill will be presented to the Governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or take no action (in which case it may become law without a signature).​

Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to Representatives Ager, Prather, and Turner to share your support for SB 474 and inquire about their positions on the bill.​

Buncombe County House Representatives:

Buncombe County is represented by three Democratic members in the North Carolina House:​

Representative Eric Ager (District 114)

📧 Eric.Ager@ncleg.gov ​

Representative Lindsey Prather (District 115)​ 

📧 Lindsey.Prather@ncleg.gov 

Representative Brian Turner (District 116)​

📧 Brian.Turner@ncleg.gov 

While these representatives are Democrats, it's important to note that support for transparency and accountability measures can cross party lines. Engaging with them to express your views on SB 474 may influence their stance on the bill.​

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

Subject: Request for Your Position on Senate Bill 474 (SB 474)

Dear Representative [their last name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to you as a concerned citizen who is committed to transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent at the local and state level.

As you may know, Senate Bill 474, which would establish a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) in the State Auditor’s office, recently passed the Senate and is now before the House Rules Committee. I believe this bill has the potential to improve public confidence in state government by helping to identify inefficiencies and redirect resources toward higher-impact outcomes.

I would appreciate hearing your perspective on the bill and whether you are inclined to support it as it moves through the House. If there are concerns or issues with the current language of the bill, I’d be grateful to understand your view.

Please let us know if and how we as constituents can be helpful as you evaluate this legislation.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[City or Community]

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

Sample Letter to Editor below.  Feel free to copy this one or write your own:

Title: Support SB 474 – Efficiency and Accountability Matter

To the Editor:

If you’ve ever wondered whether our state government spends your tax dollars wisely, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m writing in support of Senate Bill 474, currently under consideration in the North Carolina House.

This bill would establish the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) within the office of the State Auditor. Its job? Review how public funds are used across state agencies and recommend ways to eliminate waste, streamline operations, and focus spending where it delivers real value.

This shouldn’t be controversial. We expect transparency from our local leaders—we should expect it from Raleigh too. SB 474 offers a smart, systematic way to examine programs and positions that may no longer be needed or that aren’t delivering measurable results.

This is not about political ideology. It’s about public trust and responsible stewardship. And if passed, it will send a strong signal that North Carolina takes both seriously.

I urge our local representatives to support SB 474. Let’s give taxpayers the efficient, accountable government they deserve.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[City or Community]
[Optional: Email Address or District]