New North Carolina State Laws Effective in 2023
New year, comes new laws. That’s right, as we have officially kicked off 2023 we are looking into some of the new state laws that are now in effect as of 2023. Knowing your state laws can be very important if you want to be sure to stay out of trouble. It is very different varying from state to state. But, even more of a need to know is state laws that make take place every new year.
The Dispatch released some of the new state laws effective in 2023 that we should all be aware of. If you have not looked into some of the state laws that have come about, then you may want to be sure to keep on reading. Check out some of the new state laws taking effect this year to ensure you are not breaking any laws this year!
Taxes
As stated in November, the North Carolina Department of Revenue released that the gas tax rate will increase in 2023. The gas tax rate will increase from 38.5 cents to 40.5 cents per gallon. On the other hand, the inspection tax will remain the same at 0.0025 cents per gallon.
The North Carolina individual tax rate will drop to 4.75% starting 2023.
Criminal Justice Reform
Parts of the Senate Bill 300 will go into effect in 2023 that did not go into effect when it first passed in 2021. As of January 1, 2023, North Carolina law enforcement agencies will have to conduct more intensive background checks for anyone applying for a job. Applications and fingerprints for job candidates will now be submitted for a criminal background check. The new bill will also require more mandatory trainings for officers in implicit bias.
Also now in effect, House Bill 674 requires a DNA sample for further analysis when a person is convicted of a felony or found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Victim’s Rights
The bill will also effect victims of rape or other sexual offenses. Victims will no longer get a bill for rape kits and medical examinations, billed through their insurance, or have debts turned to collection agencies. Effective in December and going into 2023, House Bill 615 allows a judge to extend domestic violence protective order temporarily beyond its expiration date to fill in the gap until the court hearing.
Retail Theft & Arson Crimes
House Bill 1005 will amend the organized retail theft statues. This bill will increase the penalty for retail theft of property valued over $50,000 to a Class F felony. This felony carries a sentence between 10 – 41 months in prison. Property valued over $100,000 to a Class C felony which will carry a sentence of 44 – 182 months in prison.
Business owners will also be able to recover stolen goods quicker and sue thieves for specific damages.
With the new year is so many different bills and laws being put into action, so it is always good to stay up to date as much as possible. Click here to check out their full article for more in depth information regarding some of the new laws in effect for 2023.