Rep. Moss files bill in North Carolina House to display national motto in legislative chambers

A new bill filed by State Rep. Ben T. Moss Jr. seeks to mandate the display of the national motto in the North Carolina House and Senate chambers, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 16 on Jan. 29 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘General Assembly: In God We Trust – Display.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill mandates that the Legislative Services Officer of the North Carolina General Assembly display the national motto “In God We Trust” directly above and behind the dais of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. This display must be similar to the patriotic presentation found in the U.S. House of Representatives. To fund this initiative, the officer is instructed to prioritize any private gifts or donations and use those funds first. If no such funds are provided within 90 days of the act’s effective date of July 1, 2025, available state funds may be used to cover the costs.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Keith Kidwell proposed the most bills (seven) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Moss, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 52nd House district, replacing previous state representative Jamie Boles.