House Bill 16 would require the Legislative Services Officer of the North Carolina General Assembly to place the national motto, “In God We Trust,” directly above and behind the dais of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. The bill specifies that the display should be consistent with the historic and patriotic display used above and behind the Speaker’s dais in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The measure also sets out how the display is to be funded. It directs the Legislative Services Officer to first use donated or privately provided funds for implementation, and if those funds are treated as unappropriated, they are deemed appropriated for this purpose. If no such funds are provided within 90 days after the act becomes effective, the officer may use available state funds to cover the cost. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
HB16 would amend G.S. 120-32.1 to add a new requirement for the physical display of the national motto in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly. It would impose an administrative duty on the Legislative Services Officer and create a funding hierarchy that prioritizes private gifts before use of state funds. The bill does not alter substantive rights or criminal law, but it would affect legislative facilities, chamber decor, and appropriations practice related to implementing the display.
The available record shows no committee transcript and no recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s sponsorship and subject matter, the measure appears to be presented as a symbolic, patriotic display bill rather than a policy change with operational controversy. The absence of recorded committee discussion makes the overall sentiment difficult to measure beyond the bill’s straightforward framing.
The main potential point of contention is the use of a religious phrase in a government setting, which could raise concerns about church-state separation or government endorsement of religion. Another possible issue is whether the General Assembly should use public funds for the display if private donations are not available in time. Supporters are likely to emphasize the motto’s patriotic and historic character and the bill’s effort to minimize taxpayer cost by seeking private funding first.