New Laws in NC That Might Affect Our Readers
Here are some new laws in NC that go into effect on July 1, 2023 that may be of interest to our readers. These were originally pointed out to us in an article by The Observer:
SENATE BILL 20: “CARE FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES ACT”
This bill restricts abortions after 12 weeks, with some exceptions. The exceptions allow abortions up to 20 weeks in the case of rape or incest, up to 24 weeks for life-limiting fetal anomalies, and at any point if the mother’s life is in danger due to a medical emergency. The law includes new consent requirements for medical abortions and reporting requirements for physicians. It was set to take effect in July 2023, but a lawsuit seeking to block certain aspects of the law, including the 12-week ban, may affect this.
SENATE BILL 41: “GUARANTEE 2ND AMENDMENT FREEDOM AND PROTECTIONS”
This law, passed by Republicans, repeals the requirement to obtain a pistol purchase permit before purchasing or transferring a pistol. It also allows people with a concealed handgun permit to carry a handgun into places of religious worship that are also educational facilities. Additional provisions include allowing concealed carry for certain law enforcement facility employees and a two-year firearm safe storage awareness initiative. The law was vetoed by the Democratic Governor, but the veto was overridden by the Republican supermajority. And in still more new laws in NC…
SENATE BILL 582: “NORTH CAROLINA FARM ACT OF 2023”
This comprehensive law changes various agricultural and land laws in the state. One provision aligns North Carolina’s definition of protected wetlands with the federal government’s definition, potentially leading to loss of protection for millions of acres of wetlands. The law also includes provisions affecting honey sales income and rules for boarding kennels. Despite being vetoed by the Democratic Governor, the bill was enacted after a veto override by the Republican-majority chamber.
HOUSE BILL 116: “MODIFY LAWS AFFECTING DISTRICT ATTORNEYS”
This bill permits District Attorneys to recuse themselves from cases due to conflicts of interest or “good cause”. It allows the Conference of District Attorneys to provide legal counsel and advice to district attorneys and their staff, making such advice exempt from public records laws. The law also allows DAs to appoint special investigators in cases and changes the name of the position of Executive Secretary of the Conference of District Attorneys to Executive Director, who must be a licensed attorney in the state.
HOUSE BILL 44: “LIMITED SHARK FISHING TOURNAMENT MORATORIUM”
This law makes it unlawful for people to catch sharks in recreational fishing tournaments between May 1 and October 31 on several specified beaches.
SENATE BILL 729: “CONTRIBUTION-BASED BENEFIT CAP WORKING GROUP CHANGES”
This legislation allows public schools to avoid paying additional contributions for the retirement of an employee, given certain conditions. For instance, schools must certify that the local supplement paid to the retiree did not exceed 20% of their salary paid from state funds.
Check out other recent articles here. For the original article by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi about these laws, check out The Observer’s website.
