Rep. Pyrtle files bill in North Carolina House to protect property rights and regulate wildlife inspections

A new bill filed by State Rep. Pyrtle seeks to protect private property rights by regulating electronic tracking and clarifying wildlife protectors’ enforcement authority, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 450 on March 18 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Private Property Rights Act.’

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 protect private property rights by prohibiting private detectives or investigators from installing and using electronic tracking devices without first obtaining a search warrant or other judicial authorization. It also mandates that wildlife protectors must secure a search warrant or similar legal authorization before conducting inspections or investigations on specific private properties. Additionally, the bill clarifies the enforcement authority of wildlife protectors, specifically outlining their jurisdiction over various wildlife-related activities and ensuring any search within a dwelling or living quarters requires a warrant. The act becomes effective Dec. 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed from that date onward.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Charles W. Miller proposed the most bills (26) 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.

Pyrtle graduated from Appalachian State University in 1989 with a BAS.

Pyrtle, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 65th House district, replacing previous state representative Jerry Carter.