HB 542: Fix Our Democracy - Summary

• Establishes an independent North Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission with 15 members to redraw state legislative and congressional districts following each decennial census, removing the General Assembly from the redistricting process pending voter approval of a constitutional amendment in November 2022.

• Implements nonpartisan primary and general election system for North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges beginning in 2022, replacing party-based nominations.

• Extends the "revolving door" period for former legislators and public servants becoming lobbyists from six months to two years after leaving office.

• Expands voter registration access through online registration (effective December 1, 2021) and automatic voter registration at drivers license offices and public agencies (effective January 1, 2022).

• Strengthens election transparency and campaign finance regulations by requiring disclosure of original funding sources for donations over $1,000, establishing digital advertisement tracking, limiting super PAC influence, protecting against foreign interference, and reestablishing public financing for judicial campaigns.