NC H286

Commemorates the 10th anniversary (March 18, 2013) of the recovery of North Carolina's original copy of the Bill of Rights, which was seized by federal and state authorities in Philadelphia on March 18, 2003.

Recognizes North Carolina's role in the founding of the nation, including delegates William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight Sr., and Hugh Williamson who signed the Constitution, and Willie Jones who influenced the state's initial refusal to ratify the Constitution without Bill of Rights protections.

Acknowledges that North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the Constitution in November 1789 and ratified all 12 proposed amendments in December 1789, with 10 amendments becoming the Bill of Rights.

Notes that the document was stolen during Union occupation of Raleigh in April 1865 and remained out of state custody for 143 years until the Wake County Superior Court declared North Carolina the rightful owner on March 24, 2008, after five years of litigation.

Honors the founders and commends those involved in the pursuit and recovery of the Bill of Rights document.