NC S262

Commemorates the 10th anniversary (March 18, 2013) of North Carolina's Bill of Rights being seized by federal authorities in Philadelphia on March 18, 2003, after being stolen during Union occupation of Raleigh in April 1865.

Recognizes North Carolina delegates William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight Sr., and Hugh Williamson who signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and Willie Jones who persuaded delegates to initially oppose ratification without a Bill of Rights.

Notes that North Carolina ratified the Constitution in November 1789 and voted to ratify all 12 proposed amendments in December 1789, with 10 amendments ultimately becoming the Bill of Rights.

Acknowledges the Wake County Superior Court's March 24, 2008 ruling that North Carolina was the rightful owner of the document after 143 years of litigation and being out of state custody.

Honors the early founders and those involved in the recovery and protection of the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of American freedoms.