Sen. McInnis files bill in North Carolina Senate on surplus property auctions

A new bill filed by State Sen. McInnis seeks to update regulations permitting state agencies to sell surplus property through approved third-party auction services, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 231 on March 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘State Surplus Property/Third-Party Auctions.’

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

In essence, the bill amends regulations to permit North Carolina state agencies to use third-party auction sites for selling or disposing of state-owned surplus property. State agencies must submit a petition to the State Surplus Property Agency to gain approval for utilizing third-party services, which are subject to rejection under specific circumstances, including disciplinary actions against the auction service or excessive fees beyond 8% of the item’s final selling price. If approved, agencies must report unsold items after three listings. Agencies are required to maintain records of sales and provide annual reports detailing transactions and auction services used. The bill emphasizes the redistribution of computer equipment to nonprofit entities benefiting low-income students. The act becomes effective upon enactment.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Vickie Sawyer proposed the most bills (11) 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.

Mclnnis, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ben Clark.