Rep. Cohn files bill in North Carolina House to mandate automatic eviction record expungement

A new bill filed by State Rep. Bryan Cohn seeks to streamline the expungement process for eviction records to support housing stability in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 267 on March 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Expunging Certain Eviction Records.’

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

In essence, this bill mandates the automatic expungement of certain eviction records in North Carolina. It instructs the clerk of superior court to expunge court records for summary ejectment proceedings that are voluntarily dismissed before an order for possession, without needing further petitions or hearings. Additionally, for actions finalized in favor of the defendant prior to Oct. 1, 2025, defendants can petition for expungement. If the judgment initially favors the plaintiff, defendants may petition for expungement after a three-year waiting period—given they can prove stable housing and have no further eviction cases. The Administrative Office of the Courts is tasked with developing relevant forms by Sept. 30, 2025. The first part of the act takes effect Oct. 1, 2025, while the remainder becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey and Renée A. Price proposed the most bills (12) 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.

Cohn, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 32nd House district, replacing previous state representative Frank Sossamon.