A new bill filed by State Rep. Sarah Stevens seeks to recognize the cultural significance of “The Andy Griffith Show” as a tribute to North Carolina’s heritage, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 557 on March 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Andy Griffith Show as State TV Show.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill designates “The Andy Griffith Show” as the official television show of the state of North Carolina. The bill cites Andy Griffith’s connection to the state, as he was born in Mount Airy, educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and celebrated North Carolina through his work. The show, which aired from 1960 to 1968, is credited with highlighting North Carolina’s people, places, and attitudes, fostering a fondness for the state nationally. The bill emphasizes the show’s positive impact and cultural significance, proposing its adoption as a fitting tribute to North Carolina’s heritage. The act becomes effective when it becomes law.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Kyle Hall proposed the most bills (29) 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.
Stevens graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981 with a BS and again in 1986 from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a JD.
Stevens, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 90th House district, replacing previous state representative Jim Harrell.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Stevens, Brian Biggs, Kyle Hall, and Neal Jackson | HB 557 | 03/27/2025 | The Andy Griffith Show as State TV Show. |
| Sarah Stevens, Brian Biggs, Jennifer Balkcom, and Neal Jackson | HB 535 | 03/26/2025 | Title Fraud Prevention Act. |
| Sarah Stevens and Dudley Greene | HB 537 | 03/26/2025 | Alena’s Law. |
| Sarah Stevens, Brian Biggs, Jennifer Balkcom, and Kyle Hall | HB 478 | 03/20/2025 | Modify Appointment Process for DA Vacancies. |
| Sarah Stevens, Brian Biggs, Laura Budd, and Ya Liu | HB 431 | 03/18/2025 | Preventing Deed Fraud. |
| Sarah Stevens, Cody Huneycutt, Hugh Blackwell, and Kyle Hall | HB 443 | 03/18/2025 | Const. Amendment: Council of State Vacancies. |
| Sarah Stevens, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr., Charles W. Miller, and Jennifer Balkcom | HB 449 | 03/18/2025 | Crimes Against Minors/Revise Law. |
| Sarah Stevens and Tricia Ann Cotham | HB 426 | 03/17/2025 | Workforce Diploma Program. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 388 | 03/12/2025 | Amend Business Corporations Act. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 377 | 03/11/2025 | Changes to Estates and Trusts Statutes. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 334 | 03/06/2025 | GSC Unif. Community Prop. Disp. at Death Act. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 307 | 03/05/2025 | Various Criminal Law Revisions. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 308 | 03/05/2025 | Criminal Law Changes. |
| Sarah Stevens | HB 237 | 02/26/2025 | Child Welfare. |
| Sarah Stevens, Hugh Blackwell, Kyle Hall, and Mike Schietzelt | HB 182 | 02/24/2025 | Rev. Law Perm. Protect Order/Child Abuse. |
| Sarah Stevens and Keith Kidwell | HB 188 | 02/24/2025 | Automatic Renewal of Contracts. |
| Sarah Stevens, Carson Smith, Grant L. Campbell, MD, and Jennifer Balkcom | HB 164 | 02/21/2025 | Parental Consent to Release Child Autopsies. |
