A new bill filed by State Rep. Maria Cervania in the North Carolina House seeks to recognize the contributions of Girl Scouts and their highest achievement, the Gold Award, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 654 on April 1 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Adopt Girl Scouts Week.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes a statewide Girl Scouts Week in North Carolina, designating the week each year that includes March 12 as Girl Scouts Week. This designation aims to recognize the importance and contributions of the Girl Scouts, particularly celebrating those who have received the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award, introduced in 1916, is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, honoring Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts for their leadership and impactful community projects addressing issues like environmental sustainability and educational disparities. The bill becomes effective upon becoming law.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Julia C. Howard proposed the most bills (17) 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.
Cervania graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA.
Cervania, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 41st House district, replacing previous state representative Gale Adcock.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Cervania, Julia C. Howard, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 654 | 04/01/2025 | Adopt Girl Scouts Week. |
| Maria Cervania, Allen Buansi, and Lindsey Prather | HB 667 | 04/01/2025 | Reduce Barriers to College Completion. |
| Maria Cervania, Lindsey Prather, and Pricey Harrison | HB 689 | 04/01/2025 | Expanding Workforce and Education Act. |
| Maria Cervania, Jake Johnson, and Kelly E. Hastings | HB 579 | 03/31/2025 | NC House Public Access Act of 2025. |
| Maria Cervania, Mary Belk, Sarah Crawford, and Tracy Clark | HB 624 | 03/31/2025 | Prescription Drug Pricing. |
| Maria Cervania, Donna McDowell White, and Donny Lambeth | HB 561 | 03/27/2025 | 2025 Youth End Nicotine Dependence Act. |
| Maria Cervania, Allison A. Dahle, Cynthia Ball, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 429 | 03/18/2025 | Turtle Rescue Team Special Registration Plate. |
| Maria Cervania, Kanika Brown, Marcia Morey, and Pricey Harrison | HB 345 | 03/10/2025 | Rights of Nature/Certain River Basins. |
| Maria Cervania, Deb Butler, Marcia Morey, and Renée A. Price | HB 303 | 03/05/2025 | Make Corporations Pay What They Owe. |
| Maria Cervania, James Roberson, and Renée A. Price | HB 248 | 02/27/2025 | Live/Work Exemption for One-Family Dwellings. |
| Maria Cervania, Deb Butler, Pricey Harrison, and Renée A. Price | HB 78 | 02/10/2025 | Prohibit LEO w/ICE Churches/Schools/Hospitals. |
| Maria Cervania, Deb Butler, Pricey Harrison, and Renée A. Price | HB 80 | 02/10/2025 | Prohibit LEO w/ICE at Farm/Construct. Sites. |
