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Bill > S696


NC S696

NC S696
Limit No-Knock Warrant/Quick-Knock Entry


summary

Introduced
03/25/2025
In Committee
03/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT REQUIRING A JUDICIAL FINDING OF PROBABLE CAUSE TO EXECUTE A NO-KNOCK SEARCH WARRANT AND CLARIFYING THAT AN OFFICER SERVING A SEARCH WARRANT MUST WAIT LONG ENOUGH AFTER NOTICE FOR EITHER AN OCCUPANT TO RESPOND OR THE OFFICER TO DETERMINE THAT FORCED ENTRY IS NECESSARY.

AI Summary

This bill modifies North Carolina's search warrant laws to enhance judicial oversight and procedural safeguards for no-knock warrants and quick-entry searches. Specifically, the bill requires law enforcement to include in their search warrant application a detailed statement with factual allegations demonstrating probable cause that providing notice of the search would endanger someone's life or safety before a no-knock warrant can be issued. The bill also mandates that officers executing a search warrant must provide clear notice of their identity and purpose, and then wait a reasonable amount of time for an occupant to respond or for the officer to determine that forced entry is necessary. The law clarifies that officers can only break and enter a premises or vehicle under two circumstances: when admittance is being denied or unreasonably delayed, or when the warrant specifically includes the required statement about potential danger from giving notice. These changes aim to protect residents' rights and reduce the risks associated with sudden, unannounced law enforcement entries. The bill will become effective on October 1, 2025, and will apply to search warrants issued on or after that date, giving law enforcement and judicial systems time to adapt to the new requirements.

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (on 03/26/2025)

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