New Laws Now in Effect in North Carolina as of Dec. 1, 2024
As of Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, more than a dozen new laws are now in effect across North Carolina, impacting areas like human trafficking, juvenile justice, agriculture, and public health. Here’s what you need to know about the changes:
‘Raise the Age’ Updates
Under new provisions to the “Raise the Age” initiative, young adults aged 16 to 17 who commit certain felonies may now be automatically charged as adults. This marks a shift from the initiative’s original goal of keeping young offenders out of the adult criminal justice system. Before 2019, North Carolina was the last state in the nation to charge all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults for any crime. The updated law also outlines procedures for transferring juvenile cases to adult court. Law enforcement has noted an increase in serious crimes involving youth. Learn more about HB 834 here.
Human Trafficking Awareness
A new measure requires the Department of Labor to develop human trafficking awareness training starting Dec. 1. The law also toughens penalties for a first-time offense of soliciting a prostitute and expands the definition of a human trafficking victim. These changes aim to increase awareness and reduce exploitation. Read about House Bill 971 here.
Agriculture Regulations
Changes to agriculture laws now clarify that the term “agriculture” includes horse boarding activities, such as the raising, care, management, and training of horses. Additional provisions require identification for transporting swine and mandate license suspensions for individuals convicted of certain offenses tied to agricultural activities. Details about Senate Bill 355 are here.
Ban on ‘Gas Station Heroin’
Tianeptine, a drug often referred to as “gas station heroin,” has been banned in North Carolina as of Dec. 1. Known for its highly addictive properties, tianeptine has been linked to serious health risks, including confusion, rapid heartbeat, coma, and even death, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Retailers are now prohibited from selling this dangerous substance.
For a comprehensive list of all the laws that took effect on Dec. 1, visit this link.
Stay informed about how these updates may impact you or your community.