NC H1111

Adds Section 7 to Article XIV of the North Carolina Constitution guaranteeing every person the right to inspect or copy public records from all state, local, and special district government bodies, officers, and employees.

Requires all meetings of executive branch collegial public bodies and local government bodies where official acts are taken to be open to the public with advance notice, except as exempted by law.

Makes the amendment self-executing but allows the General Assembly to exempt specific records and meetings by general law passed by two-thirds vote in each house, provided the exemption states the public necessity and is narrowly tailored.

Preserves all laws and court rules limiting public access that are in effect on January 1, 2021, until they are amended or repealed.

Submits the amendment to voters at the November 2020 general election; becomes effective upon certification by the State Board of Elections if approved by a majority of votes cast.