Criminal Justice

passed · North Carolina · House May 5, 2025

HB 483: Juvenile Justice Legislative Proposals.

HB 483 proposes several changes to juvenile justice procedures. The bill extends the maximum terms of probation and post-release supervision for youth adjudicated of certain violent offenses (Class A, B1, or B2 felonies) to up to three years. It clarifies a victim's right to be notified and heard regarding the termination of a juvenile's probation or post-release supervision. Additionally, the bill modifies criteria for secure custody, allowing a superior court judge to issue such an order after a case is moved to juvenile court and authorizing it for juveniles who violate domestic violence protective orders.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExtends probation terms for violent juvenile offenses, increasing supervision duration and punitive sentencing measures per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House May 5, 2025

HB 908: Modify Civil Commitment Hearing Procedures.

This bill modifies North Carolina's civil commitment hearing procedures by giving judges discretion to dismiss criminal charges when a defendant lacks the capacity to proceed. Currently, judges are required to dismiss charges under certain conditions, but this change would allow them to decide whether dismissal is appropriate in each case. The law applies to offenses committed on or after the bill becomes effective. It affects criminal defendants who have mental health or cognitive issues that prevent them from participating in their own defense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants judges discretion to dismiss charges for defendants lacking capacity, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and reducing unnecessary prosecutions of vulnerable individuals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House May 5, 2025

HB 789: Mitigating Factor/Pretrial Use of Ignition Interlock Device.

HB 789 creates a new mitigating factor for individuals charged with impaired driving offenses in North Carolina. This factor applies if the defendant voluntarily equips their vehicle with an approved ignition interlock system within 45 days of being charged and uses it for at least six months prior to trial, without violations. The bill aims to incentivize early intervention and responsible behavior by offering a potential reduction in sentencing for eligible defendants who meet specific criteria. It also allows individuals who voluntarily install the system and meet certain requirements to apply for a waiver of a portion of the costs if they cannot afford it.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates sentencing mitigation for DWI offenders who voluntarily use ignition interlocks, incentivizing responsible behavior and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House May 1, 2025

HB 261: Sentence Enhancement/Immigration-Related Crimes.

HB 261 establishes new sentence enhancements for individuals convicted of certain crimes. It increases the severity of a felony sentence (excluding Class A) if the person was unlawfully in the United States and had prior immigration issues, raising the felony by one or two classes. The bill also enhances sentences for felonies (excluding Class A) and misdemeanors committed while conspiring with others to benefit or promote criminal activity. For these offenses, the sentence is increased by one class, or a Class A1 misdemeanor becomes a Class I felony. These enhancements apply if the specific conditions are proven beyond a reasonable doubt during trial.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony sentences for immigration-related crimes and conspiracy offenses, expanding punitive measures rather than promoting reform.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill increases felony sentences for individuals unlawfully in US with prior immigration issues, directly restricting immigrant protections through enhanced criminal penalties.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House Apr 30, 2025

HB 771: Criminal Law Procedures.

House Bill 771 modifies criminal law procedures by expanding the ability to preserve witness testimony through depositions. It authorizes the State to take depositions from material witnesses in criminal cases under specific conditions, such as when a witness is in danger, elderly, or unlikely to be available for trial. Defendants already have the right to depose witnesses who are infirm, incapacitated, or non-residents. The bill outlines procedures for these depositions, ensuring defendants receive notice, have the right to be present, and can have legal counsel.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands State's ability to preserve witness testimony under specific conditions, enhancing procedural fairness in criminal cases without restricting defendant rights.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 21: Drivers License Designation/Autism.

HB 21 creates a voluntary designation on North Carolina driver's licenses for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined by state law. People with a medical diagnosis of ASD can request this designation by providing acceptable documentation, such as a healthcare professional's certification, to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The designation appears only in the license record and is accessible solely to law enforcement during interactions to promote safety - no other use is permitted. Individuals may add or remove the designation at any time without affecting their license eligibility or rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeVoluntary autism designation on licenses improves law enforcement interactions during stops, enhancing officer awareness and public safety - aligns with police accountability in criminal justice context.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · North Carolina · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 52: Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act of 2025.

HB 52, the "Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act of 2025," increases penalties for assaults against public safety personnel and their animals. It creates a new Class I felony offense for throwing, spraying, or projecting substances (like water) at public safety officers or law enforcement/search and rescue animals while they are on duty or due to their role. The bill also prohibits intentionally pointing laser devices at these protected individuals or animals during duty. These changes update existing assault laws to explicitly cover a wider range of emergency workers (including firefighters, medical staff, National Guard members, and school employees) and add specific protections for animals used in public safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaults on officers and animals, strengthening law enforcement protection within criminal justice framework.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track