Bill > S164

This bill amends North Carolina's existing emergency and looting laws to specifically address theft of temporary housing during a declared state of emergency. The bill first expands definitions in the state criminal code to clarify what constitutes "temporary housing" (including tents, trailers, mobile homes, vehicles used for living quarters, and associated equipment) and "emergency area" (the geographical area covered by a declared state of emergency). It then modifies penalties for looting, creating a more severe punishment for stealing temporary housing during an emergency. Specifically, if someone enters another person's property without legal justification during a declared state of emergency and steals or damages temporary housing, they will be charged with a Class F felony, which is more serious than the previous Class H felony for general looting. For other types of property, the looting charge remains a Class H felony. The bill also preserves existing provisions allowing victims to sue for three times actual damages plus legal costs. The new law will take effect on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, providing additional protection for vulnerable individuals during emergency situations.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S164