Bill > S365

This bill establishes new criminal penalties for stealing or damaging temporary housing during a state of emergency, specifically in counties within an emergency area. The legislation creates a new Class F felony offense for individuals who enter another person's premises without legal justification during a declared state of emergency and who obtain, damage, or destroy temporary housing. The bill provides detailed definitions of "temporary housing," which includes tents, trailers, mobile homes, vehicular living quarters, transportation equipment, and associated power or climate control systems. The law defines an "emergency area" and "state of emergency" by referencing existing definitions in North Carolina General Statute 166A-19.3. Unlike existing trespass and looting laws, this specific provision targets temporary housing during emergencies, potentially offering additional protection to vulnerable populations who may be using temporary shelters after natural disasters or other emergency situations. The new law will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. Additionally, the bill allows victims to sue violators for three times the actual damages, plus court costs and attorneys' fees.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S365