Bill > H450

This bill strengthens private property protections by modifying two key areas of North Carolina law related to wildlife protectors and inspections. First, the bill requires wildlife protectors to obtain a search warrant or judicial order before conducting inspections within the curtilage (the area immediately surrounding) of a dwelling or living quarters, which previously was not explicitly mandated. Second, for non-public areas of food storage or eating establishments, the bill now requires protectors to secure an administrative search warrant if permission to inspect is denied, removing previous language that allowed discretionary warrant acquisition. Additionally, the bill removes a specific section of existing law (G.S. 14-196.3(b)(5)k.), though the specific details of this removal are not provided in the bill text. The legislation will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, providing a clear timeline for implementation and ensuring that property owners have enhanced legal protections against warrantless searches by wildlife protectors and inspectors.

Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H450