Criminal Justice

in committee · North Carolina · House May 6, 2026

HB 1223: Reenact Funding/Mecklenburg Emergency Pension Fund.

This bill renews and expands funding for the Emergency Pension Fund that supports sworn law enforcement officers in Mecklenburg County. It does this by reinstating a $2 fee on criminal court costs for convictions or guilty pleas, while excluding minor traffic violations with small fines or short jail sentences. The collected money must be turned over to the county's Officers Relief Board, and courts will need to submit detailed records of these fees. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026, and apply to cases occurring on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds emergency pension relief for sworn law enforcement officers, directly supporting the corrections and law enforcement sectors.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

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passed · North Carolina · House May 14, 2026

HB 1219: Memorandums of Understanding Tennessee Counties/Madison.

This bill allows Madison County in North Carolina to sign agreements with sheriff's offices in three neighboring Tennessee counties for joint law enforcement work. These agreements would enable the sheriff's offices to cooperate on special operations and other crime-fighting activities across state lines. The bill also requires that any such agreement include a plan for sharing liability for damages and mandates an annual report to the state Department of Justice.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables cross-state law enforcement cooperation and crime-fighting activities, directly strengthening criminal justice efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 797: Hands Free NC.

This bill, known as the Hands Free NC Act, makes it illegal for drivers in North Carolina to hold a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. The law prohibits texting, watching videos, or holding any electronic device, such as a cell phone or smartwatch, except when the vehicle is safely stationary or during specific emergencies like medical crises or unsafe road conditions. Drivers under 18 are allowed to use navigation systems if all destinations are entered before driving, while law enforcement, first responders, and emergency vehicle operators are exempt from these restrictions. Violations result in fines ranging from $100 to $200 depending on prior offenses within a 36-month period, and repeat offenders will face insurance points on their records. The legislation also prevents local governments from passing their own ordinances on this matter and requires driver education programs to include instructions on these new rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting distracted driving, reducing traffic offenses, and enhancing public safety.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts technology use by prohibiting drivers from holding wireless devices, limiting digital interaction while operating vehicles.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by prohibiting distracted driving, directly improving road safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Telecommunications Roads & Highways

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 875: No Firearm Possession After DV Misdemeanors.

This North Carolina bill prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms, machine guns, ammunition, or related permits. It expands the definition of domestic violence to include crimes committed against intimate partners, dating partners, and other individuals in similar relationships, not just spouses or parents. The legislation also allocates one million dollars to the state's Domestic Violence Commission to create an educational program on domestic violence. These provisions will take effect on December 1, 2026, and apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by prohibiting firearm possession for misdemeanor domestic violence offenders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 939: Drivers Education Modifications.

This bill updates North Carolina laws regarding driver education and commercial driver training to improve safety and oversight. It requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to provide free printed copies of the driver's license handbook to public schools, ensuring students learn about proper interactions with law enforcement during traffic stops. The legislation also imposes stricter rules on commercial driver training schools, mandating they meet public school education standards and keep their contracts available for inspection. Additionally, the bill establishes continuing education requirements for driver instructors, sets specific license renewal fees, and allocates $100,000 in state funds to help cover the costs of these new regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances public safety and police-community interaction by ensuring students learn proper traffic stop protocols.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates DMV provide free license handbooks to public schools and requires commercial driver training to meet public school standards, enhancing educational resources and curriculum.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by updating driver education and imposing stricter rules on commercial driver training schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licensing

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1202: First Responder Training Track.

HB 1202 allocates $6.1 million in state funds to Forsyth Technical Community College to create a law enforcement driving training center in King, North Carolina. This facility will feature a driving pad, roadway, and instructional building designed to support basic law enforcement training and ongoing education for police officers. The project is a partnership between the college and the City of Winston-Salem, with funding designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $6.1 million in state funds to fund a law enforcement training center, directly strengthening fiscal support for public safety education.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates funds to create a law enforcement training center, enhancing officer education and operational readiness.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $6.1M to a community college for a law enforcement training center, directly funding higher education infrastructure and professional development.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds a specialized driving training center for law enforcement, enhancing vehicle safety and operational skills for drivers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Higher Education Roads & Highways Tags Public Safety

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died · North Carolina · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 1007: Human Trafficking Omnibus.

This bill directs the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission to create a new digital reporting and response system to help identify and address suspected human trafficking cases. The system will allow the public and professionals to submit anonymous tips through various channels, such as mobile apps or text messages, and will use artificial intelligence to prioritize reports based on their severity before routing them to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that third-party contractors must provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees and allocates state funds to support the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office in its anti-trafficking task force.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a digital reporting system and uses AI to prioritize human trafficking cases, enhancing law enforcement capabilities and victim protection.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates a digital reporting system using AI to combat human trafficking, advancing technology application for public safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 4, 2026

HB 1150: NC Constitutional Rights Act/Funds.

This bill creates a new legal pathway in North Carolina allowing individuals to sue anyone, including federal officials, for violating their rights under the U.S. Constitution. It establishes a civil cause of action that permits victims to seek monetary compensation, court orders to stop the violation, and payment for legal fees. The law explicitly states that it does not allow lawsuits against the state itself or waive the state's immunity from being sued. Additionally, the bill appropriates $150,000 to fund public education efforts about these new rights, with the main provisions taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a legal pathway to sue for constitutional rights violations, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Civil Liberties

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in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 1108: Constitutional Amendment/Permitless Carry.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in North Carolina to allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms openly or concealed without needing a permit. The change would apply to any U.S. citizen who has not been convicted of a violent crime or drug offense and has not been declared mentally incompetent, unless they are on property that is legally posted against carrying weapons. While the amendment removes the requirement for a permit, it states that a permit system will still be maintained to help with reciprocity with other states and to facilitate purchasing weapons. The bill does not take effect immediately but must be approved by voters in a referendum scheduled for the November 3, 2026, general election.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes permitless carry for law-abiding citizens, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to reduce barriers to self-defense and protect civil rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

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died · North Carolina · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 995: Fix Republican Failures on Public Safety Act.

This North Carolina bill aims to address public safety staffing issues by increasing salaries for state law enforcement and correctional officers, with changes taking effect in July 2026. It establishes new mental health benefits, including 12 confidential annual visits per year, and creates peer support programs to assist officers with stress and burnout. The legislation also introduces retention bonuses for correctional officers and provides grants to help local governments offer comparable pay increases to their own employees. Funded through state appropriations, the bill requires regular reporting on staffing levels, vacancy rates, and the usage of mental health services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by increasing officer salaries, adding mental health benefits, and creating retention programs to reduce burnout and improve workforce stability.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes new mental health benefits and peer support programs for law enforcement, directly advancing mental health services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases salaries, adds mental health benefits, and creates retention bonuses for public safety workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Mental Health Tags Public Safety

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