A new bill filed by State Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler in the North Carolina House seeks to modernize domestic violence protective orders by including protections for same-sex couples, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 501 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Modernize Domestic Violence Protection Order.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill aims to modernize domestic violence protective orders by ensuring that they are available for same-sex couples. It amends the definition of “personal relationship” under North Carolina law, which currently includes categories such as current or former spouses, individuals of the opposite sex living together, and persons in a dating relationship. The bill removes the restriction that limits domestic violence protective orders to opposite-sex couples, thereby extending protection to same-sex couples as well. This act becomes effective upon becoming law and will apply to domestic violence protective orders issued from that date forward.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (22) 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.
Johnson-Hostler graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BS.
Johnson-Hostler, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 33rd House district, replacing previous state representative Rosa Gill.
| Legislative Session | Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Deb Butler, and Marcia Morey | HB 501 | 03/24/2025 | Modernize Domestic Violence Protection Order. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Dennis Riddell, Erin Paré, and Heather H. Rhyne | HB 488 | 03/24/2025 | Modify School Performance Grades. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Cynthia Ball, and Maria Cervania | HB 429 | 03/18/2025 | Turtle Rescue Team Special Registration Plate. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Carla D. Cunningham, Julia Greenfield, and Kanika Brown | HB 452 | 03/18/2025 | Revise Law/Obstruction of Health Facility. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Abe Jones, Charles Smith, and Julie von Haefen | HB 367 | 03/11/2025 | Provide Rape Kit Status Updates to Victims. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 325 | 03/06/2025 | Legislative Building Field Trip Pilot Program. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 340 | 03/06/2025 | Universal AIG Screening in Middle Schools. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, James Roberson, and Zack Hawkins | HB 259 | 03/03/2025 | Brown-Morgan Science Olympiad Grant. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Carolyn G. Logan, and Frances Jackson, PhD | HB 168 | 02/21/2025 | North Carolina CROWN Act. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Erin Paré, and Tim Longest | HB 151 | 02/18/2025 | SchCalFlex/Wake/CC. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, Carla D. Cunningham, Cody Huneycutt, and Mitchell S. Setzer | HB 121 | 02/13/2025 | SchCalFlex/Statewide/Open Cal. |
| 2025 | Monika Johnson-Hostler, James Roberson, Rodney D. Pierce, and Zack Hawkins | HB 65 | 02/05/2025 | Sigma Gamma Rho Special Registration Plate. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 1065 | 05/07/2024 | Garner/Community Facilities Impact Fees. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 1027 | 05/02/2024 | Revise Suspension & Parental Notice Policies. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 960 | 05/01/2024 | Sound Basic Education for Every Child. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 930 | 04/30/2024 | COLA/State & Local Retirees/Funds. |
| 2023 | John Autry and Rosa U. Gill | HB 921 | 04/29/2024 | Modify Mileage and Per Diem. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 885 | 04/25/2023 | Sound Basic Education for Every Child. |
| 2023 | John Autry and Rosa U. Gill | HB 711 | 04/18/2023 | Revise Motor Vehicle Emission Laws. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 742 | 04/18/2023 | Req. Implementation of Text/SMS 911 for PSAPs. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 746 | 04/18/2023 | Oversight of Home Schools. |
| 2023 | John Autry and Rosa U. Gill | HB 777 | 04/18/2023 | Universal No-Cost School Meals. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 791 | 04/18/2023 | Eviction Post-Judgment Relief Agreements. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 804 | 04/18/2023 | Body-Worn Camera Recordings. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill and Terence Everitt | HB 646 | 04/17/2023 | Fines and Forfeiture/Payment to Schools. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 602 | 04/13/2023 | K-3 Class Size Waiver. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 581 | 04/05/2023 | Investing in North Carolina Act. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 566 | 04/04/2023 | Give State Retirees 2% COLA/Funds. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 554 | 04/03/2023 | Critical Capital Infrastructure Funds/NCICUs. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill and Terence Everitt | HB 510 | 03/28/2023 | School Supplies Act of 2023. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 333 | 03/09/2023 | Restore State Emp/Teacher Retiree Med Benefit. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill | HB 339 | 03/09/2023 | Support Male Survivors of Domestic Violence. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill and Terence Everitt | HB 272 | 03/06/2023 | Broaden Electronic Notice Authorization. |
| 2023 | Rosa U. Gill and Terence Everitt | HB 58 | 02/06/2023 | Parents’ and Students’ Bill of Rights. |
