Sen. Lowe files bill in North Carolina Senate on Winston-Salem Civil Service Board eligibility

A new bill filed by State Sen. Paul A. Lowe Jr. seeks to establish eligibility standards for former city employees appointed to the Winston-Salem Civil Service Board, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 189 on Feb. 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Winston-Salem Civil Service Board.’

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

In essence, this bill amends the charter of the City of Winston-Salem to establish eligibility criteria for former city employees appointed to the Civil Service Board. It stipulates that former employees must have separated from city employment in good standing without any sustained conduct violations or disciplinary actions that would make them ineligible for rehire. Furthermore, they must have been separated from city employment for at least seven consecutive years before becoming board members. Additionally, individuals or their immediate family members must not benefit financially, directly or indirectly, from any business relationships with the city. The act is effective as soon as it becomes law and applies to appointments made on or after Aug. 1, 2025.

Lowe proposed another four bills 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.

Lowe graduated from Bishop College in 1985 with a BA and again from Drew University School of Theology with a DMIN.

Lowe, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2015 to represent the state’s 32nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Earline Parmon.