A new bill filed by State Rep. Phil Rubin seeks to enhance safeguards against unauthorized access to personnel and health data in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 608 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill aims to provide additional protections for sensitive health and government employee personnel information in North Carolina by revising the state’s computer trespass laws. It specifies that unauthorized access to computer data in personnel files of local, state, or federal employees, or protected health information, is unlawful. The bill establishes a minimum damages amount of $5,000 for each violation involving unauthorized computer data access. It also details penalties for computer trespass based on the value of damage caused, with offenses potentially classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the damage severity. This act becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed from that date onward.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Rodney D. Pierce proposed the most bills (16) 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.
Rubin graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD.
Rubin, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 40th House district, replacing previous state representative Joe John.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Rubin, Brandon Lofton, Cynthia Ball, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 608 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Allison A. Dahle, and Amber M. Baker | HB 580 | 03/31/2025 | SBOE Legislative Changes.-AB |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Marcia Morey, and Tracy Clark | HB 583 | 03/31/2025 | Law Enforcement/Destroy Certain Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 545 | 03/26/2025 | Ban Ghost Guns & Undetectable Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Bryan Cohn, James Roberson, and Kanika Brown | HB 548 | 03/26/2025 | NC Economic Progress and Well-Being. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 350 | 03/10/2025 | Report Lost/Stolen Firearm Within 24 Hours. |
| Phil Rubin, Matthew Winslow, Mike Schietzelt, and Robert T. Reives, II | HB 360 | 03/10/2025 | Homeowner Protection Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 174 | 02/21/2025 | Marriage Equality Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 175 | 02/21/2025 | Const. Amend./Marriage Equality. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Marcia Morey, and Tim Longest | HB 129 | 02/13/2025 | Judge Joe John Nonpartisan Jud. Elections Act. |
