New Year, New Laws!
As 2022 comes to an end, a lot of people are thinking about their New Year’s resolution. It’s very common for people to have the “new year, new me” outlook. This can be to give something up, become a healthier, “new” you. Well, North Carolina is already starting the process of something “new.” New laws that is. As of December 1st, 2022, North Carolina implemented new laws.
Affordable Housing: The majority of those living in or moving to the area are familiar with the affordable housing crisis. One of North Carolina’s new laws makes changes to the housing opportunities and the prevention of evictions. This new law relates to providing assistance to an eligible household. This new law will hopefully assist many people during this affordable housing crisis in the area.
Are you an avid hunter? North Carolina set new requirements related to harvesting black bears. In hopes of regulating this hunting activity, the new law requires any hunter who has harvested a black bear to submit at least one premolar tooth to the Wildlife Resources Commission no later than January 31st following the applicable prior bear hunting season. Failure to comply is punishable by a fine of $35.00 dollars, plus court costs, and leaves the Executive Director of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission the authority to revoke or refuse to issue bear e-stamp privileges for any person found guilty under this new law for two consecutive years or upon failure to pay outstanding infraction fines.
Arson: Some of North Carolina’s new laws increase penalties for committing certain types of arson. The General Assembly enacted legislation which creates new felony crimes for setting fire to a prison, an occupied commercial structure, and an unoccupied commercial structure.
Do you own a business in the area? North Carolina is cracking down on large-scale, organized thefts. Now, there are more serious felonies when the value of the stolen property over a 90-day period exceeds $50,000 dollars. This new law permits store owners to recover the stolen goods and the opportunity to sue for specific damages. Hopefully, this new law will provide some relief for store owners who are victims of large-scale robberies.
Buying a new, used car? North Carolina requires the dealer to formally inspect the vehicle before it is offered for sale. If the dealer fails to do so, the dealer can now face a $50.00 fine. A receipt approved by the Division must be provided to the new owner certifying compliance. An inspection is not required if the vehicle was previously inspected by an affiliated dealership and the inspection occurred within 180 days from the date of the sale or within 300 miles from the mileage recorded at the date of sale.
Victim of domestic violence? North Carolina assists victims of domestic violence by ensuring no gaps in protective orders while awaiting for a hearing. This new law allows a judge to extend a protective order temporarily beyond the expiration date until a hearing to renew is held. This will certainly provide some comfort to victims knowing their protective order is still enforceable while waiting for the next court date.
Enter the new year with not only a “new year, new me” mentality, but also with “new year, new laws” knowledge. These are just a few examples of new North Carolina laws. If you would like more information about all the new laws or have any concerns how these new laws may affect you or your business, contact NewLaws@LawGroupNC.com. ~ Attorney Kayleigh Toth
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