Bill > H1008

This bill enhances criminal penalties for sexual battery and stalking when the perpetrator is a local government elected official and the victim is either a fellow governing board member or a subordinate employee. Specifically, the bill modifies existing laws to upgrade the criminal classification from a misdemeanor to a Class H felony when the offense occurs between individuals serving on the same governing board or within an employee-official relationship. For sexual battery, the current penalty of a Class A1 misdemeanor would be elevated to a Class H felony under these specific circumstances. Similarly, for stalking, the bill adds a new provision that makes it a Class H felony when a public official commits stalking against someone on their governing board or in their employ. The bill also clarifies that these enhanced penalties apply to situations where the offender is a "public official" as defined in another state statute. The changes will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new, stricter penalties.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1008