A new bill filed by State Rep. Ben T. Moss Jr. in the North Carolina House seeks to improve the security of public utility infrastructure against vandalism and other threats, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 73 on Feb. 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Energy Security Act of 2025.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates that public utilities implement security systems at substations to safeguard against vandalism and other security threats. These security systems must operate continuously, 24 hours a day, to ensure ongoing protection. The legislation amends Article 16 of Chapter 62 of the General Statutes by introducing a new section focused on enhancing the security of utility infrastructure. This requirement for security system installation and maintenance at utility substations is intended to bolster the resilience of North Carolina’s energy supply against potential disruptions. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2025.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Keith Kidwell proposed the most bills (13) 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.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Bill Ward, and Keith Kidwell | HB 73 | 02/10/2025 | Energy Security Act of 2025. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Blair Eddins, Keith Kidwell, and Wyatt Gable | HB 72 | 02/10/2025 | AG/Restrict Challenge to Presidential EOs. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Bill Ward, Diane Wheatley, and Keith Kidwell | HB 85 | 02/10/2025 | Removal of Precinct Officials. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Diane Wheatley, Jay Adams, and Keith Kidwell | HB 95 | 02/10/2025 | Threaten Elected Official/Increase Punishment. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr. and Cody Huneycutt | HB 71 | 02/06/2025 | Respiratory Care Modernization Act. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Bill Ward, Joseph Pike, and Keith Kidwell | HB 16 | 01/29/2025 | General Assembly: In God We Trust – Display. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Brian Echevarria, Jay Adams, and Keith Kidwell | HB 5 | 01/29/2025 | NC Constitutional Carry Act. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Celeste C. Cairns, David Willis, and Keith Kidwell | HB 7 | 01/29/2025 | NC REACH Act. |
| Ben T. Moss, Jr., Jeffrey C. McNeely, Joseph Pike, and Keith Kidwell | HB 9 | 01/29/2025 | Firearm Discharge/Preempt Local Ordinance. |
