(The Center Square) – Some parts of juvenile delinquent law in North Carolina changed Sunday, a proposal that has drawn criticism from the governor for running “afoul” of the Raise the Age law.
Proponents are not against that law, but they say high-level felonies headed to adult court anyway have clogged the justice system and relief is sought. It is one of a dozen new laws enacted Sunday, with more coming in January – including those related to juvenile justice.
Lawmakers in this two-year session have made more than 1,400 modifications to general statutes.
Among the changes now law within the legislation Juvenile Justice Modifications, also known as House Bill 834, are changes to punishments; language in the definition of a delinquent juvenile; modification of the transfer process for those indicted; creation of a new process to remove a case to juvenile court; and changes to what information schools can use.
There are technical corrections that become law Jan. 1.
Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, led the push for the law. He said high-level felonies headed to adult court anyway are clogging the system. He also supported, and still does, the Raise the Age law. A former prosecutor himself, as is Gov. Roy Cooper, Britt is seeking efficiency in the justice system.
“The Legislature should invest significantly more in our juvenile justice system to ensure resources are available to help prevent crimes and appropriately deal with children who break the law,” Cooper said in his veto message.
The juvenile delinquent law applies to 16- and 17-year-olds accused of serious crimes. Supporters said the law benefits teens by allowing automatic prosecution in adult court and keeping teen mistakes for a lifetime. Other pluses include resources and protection of criminal records.
Portions or entireties of other legislation also went into effect as law on Sunday. The list includes the Regulatory Reform Act of 2024, also known as Senate Bill 607; and Human Trafficking Changes, also known as House Bill 971.
Also, Revise Money Laundering/Retail Crime, House Bill 495; Recording of Court-Filed Documents, Senate Bill 445; Modernize Sex Crimes, HB591; Certain CIHS Partners/Regulate Tobacco Prod., HB900; DMV Proposed Legislative Changes.-AB, HB199; DOT Legislative Changes.-AB, HB198; Public Safety/Other Changes, HB250; Various Criminal and Election Law Changes, HB237; North Carolina Farm Act of 2024, SB355; and Bldg. Code Regulatory Reform, SB166.
DOT Legislative Changes was notable in that lawmakers worked alongside Cooper’s transportation secretary before final passage. The governor issued a veto, and lawmakers, by override, put the proposal into law.
The legislation was centered around changes to tree-cutting around highway billboards.
