Sen. Ford files bill in North Carolina Senate to update registers of deeds pensions

A new bill filed by State Sen. Ford seeks to standardize supplemental pensions for retired registers of deeds in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 193 on Feb. 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Update Register of Deeds’ Supp. Pension Fund.’

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

In essence, this bill updates the supplemental pension for retired registers of deeds by establishing a flat-rate monthly payment of $1,500 for all eligible retirees, effective Oct. 1, 2025. It restructures the disbursement method, transitioning from a share-based system tied to years of service to a fixed amount, ensuring uniformity among recipients. Eligibility requires a minimum of 10 years of service as a register of deeds, and pensions are discontinued upon reemployment in a covered position or loss of retirement benefits. The bill also clarifies that these pensions do not affect entitlements from other state, federal, or private plans. Payment procedures align with the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System schedule.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Bobby Hanig proposed the most bills (27) 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.

Ford, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 33rd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Cathy Dunn.