Rep. Pierce files bill in North Carolina House to honor police chief

A new bill filed by State Rep. Garland E. Pierce in the North Carolina House seeks to honor Chief of Police Robert Lee Malloy by naming an overpass in Laurinburg after him, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 262 on March 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Designate Chief R. Malloy Overpass.’

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

In essence, this bill directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to designate the overpass on Interstate 74 that crosses South Main Street in the city of Laurinburg, Scotland County, in honor of Chief of Police Robert Lee Malloy. The act will become effective upon becoming law.

Pierce proposed another three 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.

Pierce graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BS.

Pierce, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2005 to represent the state’s 48th House district, replacing previous state representative Donald Bonner.