A new bill filed by State Rep. Phil Rubin in the North Carolina House seeks to establish procedures for the destruction and disposition of unclaimed and confiscated firearms by law enforcement agencies, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 583 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Law Enforcement/Destroy Certain Firearms.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill permits North Carolina law enforcement agencies to destroy unclaimed firearms, confiscated firearms following certain convictions, and firearms purchased or voluntarily surrendered for buy-back programs. It amends existing statutes to outline procedures for the destruction of firearms that are either without a legible identification number, unsafe, or otherwise deemed unnecessary as evidence. For firearms acquired through buy-back programs, agencies must check serial numbers against stolen firearm records and determine if they were used in crimes. If a firearm proves stolen, efforts must be made to apprehend the thief, and the weapon may only be destroyed with the lawful owner’s written permission. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that law enforcement maintain records of destroyed firearms and extends options for the disposition of firearms to allow for their use by law enforcement or sale through licensed dealers, contributing proceeds to public schools or law enforcement purposes. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (26) 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, Jordan Lopez, Marcia Morey, and Tracy Clark | HB 583 | 03/31/2025 | Law Enforcement/Destroy Certain Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Allison A. Dahle, and Amber M. Baker | HB 580 | 03/31/2025 | SBOE Legislative Changes.-AB |
| Phil Rubin, Brandon Lofton, Cynthia Ball, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 608 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info. |
| 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. |
