New Year, New Laws
North Carolina's legislative halls were buzzing with activity in 2023, ushering in a wave of transformative laws that are reshaping the Tar Heel State in the new year. This blog delves into some of the key highlights that mark the beginning of a new era.
1. Concealed Carry Law Changes
Among the notable changes is Senate Bill 41, a groundbreaking amendment to the Concealed Carry Law. North Carolinians can now carry concealed firearms at religious schools outside of school operating hours.
It is crucial to note that this legislation exclusively applies to religious schools, and concealed firearm possession is restricted to hours outside school operating hours and does not apply when students are present for extracurricular activities. Carrying a concealed firearm remains illegal on public school property.
2. Fentanyl Drug Offenses Punishment Changes
Addressing the opioid crisis, a significant bill titled "An Act to Increase the Fine Imposed on Persons Convicted of Trafficking in Heroin, Fentanyl, or Carfentanil" was enacted. This legislation increases fines for specific offenses involving heroin or fentanyl from $50,000 to a substantial $500,000.
Moreover, the law broadens the definition of "death by distribution through unlawful sale of certain controlled substances." If an individual supplies a controlled substance leading to someone's death, it now constitutes a first-degree murder charge if there is a familial or cohabitative relationship between the supplier and the deceased. In such cases, a presumption arises that the murder is willful, deliberate, and premeditated.
3. New Election Law Changes
December 1 marked the enforcement of Section 37 of SB 747, ushering in changes to election laws. Disclosing how an individual voted on an official ballot is now a chargeable offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone with access to official voted ballots or records. The law also criminalizes impersonation of key election officials, with a specific focus on chief judges and election judges.
These highlighted legislations are just a glimpse into the broader spectrum of changes in North Carolina's legal landscape. Other notable new laws encompass increased penalties for teachers engaging in inappropriate relationships with students, stricter bail requirements for violent crimes under pretrial release laws, and revised police interrogation guidelines.