Bill > S176

This bill allows the Mitchell County and Yancey County Sheriff's Offices in North Carolina to enter into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Unicoi County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee, enabling law enforcement agencies to conduct special operations and cooperative law enforcement actions across state lines. The bill requires that any such MOU must clearly outline how liability for potential damages to persons or property during these joint operations will be shared or assigned, with a specific emphasis on minimizing liability for Mitchell County, Yancey County, and the State of North Carolina while maintaining public safety. Additionally, the bill mandates that these MOUs be reported to the Department of Justice no later than November 1st of the year they are executed, and the legislation will become effective immediately upon becoming law. This type of cross-state cooperation can be particularly valuable in border regions where criminal activities may span multiple jurisdictions, allowing law enforcement agencies to more effectively coordinate their efforts.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S176