Article 1. Organization and Management.

§ 148-1. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1262, s. 10.

Cross References.

For present provisions as to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, see G.S. 143B-701 et seq.

Prison Software Management Pilot Program.

Session Laws 2020-90, s. 3.2(a)-(d), provides: “(a) The purpose of the Prison Pilot Program funded in Section 3.1 of this act is to work with the most qualified technology vendors to (i) transform the State Prison Management Information Systems with software infrastructure and equipment upgrades and (ii) deploy a mobile inmate tracking system, both of which will enable the Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, to create a new shared database platform to replace the current OPUS System.

“(b) The Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, shall retain the Prison Pilot Program vendors necessitated by subdivisions (2) and (3) of Section 3.3 of this act and subdivision (9) of Section 3.4 of this act by August 15, 2020.

“(c) The Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, shall retain the Prison Pilot Program vendors necessitated by subdivision (1) of Section 3.3 of this act and subdivisions (1) through (8) of Section 3.4 of this act by September 15, 2020.

“(d) The Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, shall begin operating the Prison Pilot Program by October 15, 2020.”

Session Laws 2020-90, s. 3.5(a)-(c), provides: “(a) The Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, shall report to the Senate Select Committee on Prison Safety no later than January 8, 2021. The report shall be a project status update.

“(b) The Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, shall give a final report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety no later than April 1, 2021.

“(c) The final report required by Section 3.5(b) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

“(1) A strategic development plan for replacing the OPUS System with a fully integrated Correctional Management System that integrates (i) the Administrative Office of the Courts Case Management System, (ii) an Inmate Mobile Tracking System, and (iii) a Mail Management System.

“(2) Recommendations of how the Prison Pilot Program can be improved.

“(3) Recommendations of what resources would be needed to implement the Prison Pilot Program statewide.”

Session Laws 2020-90, s. 3.6, provides: “Part III of this act becomes effective July 1, 2020, and expires on July 1, 2022.”

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2010-31, s. 19.10(a) and (b), provides: “(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall not do either of the following on or after the effective date of this section:

“(1) Enter into any contract for maintenance services at prison facilities.

“(2) Expand any existing contract for maintenance services at prison facilities to additional prison facilities.

“(b) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section does not apply to the renewal of contracts existing at the time this section becomes effective.”

Session Laws 2010-31, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2010.’ ”

Session Laws 2010-31, s. 32.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2010-2011 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2010-31, s. 32.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2019-223, s. 1.2, provides: “The Department of Public Safety (Department) shall report quarterly beginning November 1, 2019, and continuing quarterly until the end of the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Department’s prison reform initiatives, including:

“(1) All modifications to Department rules, policies, and procedures related to disciplinary actions against correctional officers and other correctional staff.

“(2) All modifications to Department rules, policies, and procedures related to disciplinary actions against inmates.

“(3) The amount, content, quality, and frequency of staff training.

“(4) Modifications to inmate work assignments, including assessments of the appropriateness of particular work assignments based on inmate classification.

“(5) Facility infrastructure improvements made to emergency communication, location tracking capabilities, and installation of additional cameras.

“(6) Increased availability of staff personal safety equipment and institutional safety equipment.

“(7) Adequacy of staffing of prison facilities and actions taken to increase staffing levels.

“(8) Actions taken to increase retention efforts of staff.

“(9) Changes to the hiring and orientation processes and procedures for correctional officers.

“(10) Methods used to prevent delivery of contraband items to prisoners, including illegal drugs and mobile phones, and an evaluation or summary of the effectiveness of the methods.

“(11) Modifications to housing capacity to meet prison staffing requirements.”

§ 148-2. Prison moneys and earnings. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Persons authorized to collect or receive the moneys and earnings of the State prison system shall enter into bonds payable to the State of North Carolina in penal sums and with security approved by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, conditioned upon the faithful performance by these persons of their duties in collecting, receiving, and paying over prison moneys and earnings to the State Treasurer. Only corporate security with sureties licensed to do business in North Carolina shall be accepted.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 2007-280, s. 2, effective August 1, 2007.
  3. Notwithstanding G.S. 147-77 , Article 6A of Chapter 147 of the General Statutes, or any other provision of law, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may deposit revenue from prison canteens in local banks. The profits from prison canteens shall be deposited with the State Treasurer on a monthly basis in a fund denominated as the Correction Inmate Welfare Fund. Once the operating budget for the Correction Inmate Welfare Fund has been met, an amount equal to the funds allocated to each prison unit on a per inmate per year basis shall be credited to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund established in G.S. 15B-23 G as soon as practicable after the total amount paid to each unit per inmate per year has been determined.

History. 1901, c. 472, s. 7; Rev., s. 5389; C.S., s. 7704; 1923, c. 156; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 2; 1967, c. 996, s. 14; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 203; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 4; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 769, s. 21.5(a); 2007-280, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(tttttt).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 2, effective August 1, 2007, deleted subsection (b) which created a special revolving working-capital fund designated the “Prison Enterprises Fund” for prison earnings.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(tttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsections (a) and (c); and updated a reference in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsections (a) and (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

For article, “Capitalizing on Criminal Justice,” see 67 Duke L.J. 1381 (2018).

For article, “Deviancy, Dependency, and Disability: The Forgotten History of Eugenics and Mass Incarceration,” see 68 Duke L.J. 419 (2018).

For article, “Procedural Whipsaw: Allocating the Burden of Proving Reasonable Notice to Prisoners of Forfeiture Proceedings and the (Renewed) Call for Actual Notice,” see 99 N. C.L. Rev. 247 (2020).

For article, “Defund to Refund the Vote: Dismantling the Criminal Justice System’s Impact on Voting,” see 13 Elon L. Rev. 193 (2020).

For article, “A New Explanation for Equitable Tolling Under § 1983 and the Prison Litigation Reform Act,” see 99 N. C. L. Rev. Addendum 115 (2021).

For article, “Preventive Justice: How Algorithms, Parole Boards, and Limited Retributivism Could End Mass Incarceration,” see 56 Wake Forest L. Rev. 97 (2021).

§ 148-2. Prison moneys and earnings. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Persons authorized to collect or receive the moneys and earnings of the State prison system shall enter into bonds payable to the State of North Carolina in penal sums and with security approved by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, conditioned upon the faithful performance by these persons of their duties in collecting, receiving, and paying over prison moneys and earnings to the State Treasurer. Only corporate security with sureties licensed to do business in North Carolina shall be accepted.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 2007-280, s. 2, effective August 1, 2007.
  3. Notwithstanding G.S. 147-77 , Article 6A of Chapter 147 of the General Statutes, or any other provision of law, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may deposit revenue from prison canteens in local banks. The profits from prison canteens shall be deposited with the State Treasurer on a monthly basis in a fund denominated as the Correction Inmate Welfare Fund. Once the operating budget for the Correction Inmate Welfare Fund has been met, an amount equal to the funds allocated to each prison unit on a per inmate per year basis shall be credited to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund established in G.S. 15B-23 G as soon as practicable after the total amount paid to each unit per inmate per year has been determined.

History. 1901, c. 472, s. 7; Rev., s. 5389; C.S., s. 7704; 1923, c. 156; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 2; 1967, c. 996, s. 14; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 203; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 4; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 769, s. 21.5(a); 2007-280, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(tttttt); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 2, effective August 1, 2007, deleted subsection (b) which created a special revolving working-capital fund designated the “Prison Enterprises Fund” for prison earnings.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(tttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsections (a) and (c); and updated a reference in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsections (a) and (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

For article, “Capitalizing on Criminal Justice,” see 67 Duke L.J. 1381 (2018).

For article, “Deviancy, Dependency, and Disability: The Forgotten History of Eugenics and Mass Incarceration,” see 68 Duke L.J. 419 (2018).

For article, “Procedural Whipsaw: Allocating the Burden of Proving Reasonable Notice to Prisoners of Forfeiture Proceedings and the (Renewed) Call for Actual Notice,” see 99 N. C.L. Rev. 247 (2020).

For article, “Defund to Refund the Vote: Dismantling the Criminal Justice System’s Impact on Voting,” see 13 Elon L. Rev. 193 (2020).

For article, “A New Explanation for Equitable Tolling Under § 1983 and the Prison Litigation Reform Act,” see 99 N. C. L. Rev. Addendum 115 (2021).

For article, “Preventive Justice: How Algorithms, Parole Boards, and Limited Retributivism Could End Mass Incarceration,” see 56 Wake Forest L. Rev. 97 (2021).

§ 148-3. Prison property. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , have control and custody of all unexpended surplus highway funds previously allocated for prison purposes and all property of every kind and description now used by or considered a part of units of the State prison system, except vehicles used on a rental basis. The property coming within the provisions of this section shall be identified and agreed upon by the executive heads of the highway and prison systems, or by their duly authorized representatives. The Governor shall have final authority to decide whether or not particular property shall be transferred to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in event the executive heads of the two systems are unable to agree.
  2. Property, both real and personal, deemed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety to be necessary or convenient in the operation of the State prison system may, subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , be acquired by gift, devise, purchase, or lease. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may, subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , dispose of any prison property, either real or personal, or any interest or estate therein.

History. 1901, c. 472, ss. 2, 6; Rev., s. 5392; C.S., s. 7705; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 409; 1957, c. 349, s. 3; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuu).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-3 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Discretion as to Operation of Prison. —

Whether the maintenance and operation of a prison on a particular site shall be conducted either as at present, or as enlarged by the construction of additional buildings and facilities, or as a “minimum security prison” is a matter for determination by the State Prison Commission (now the Department of Correction) in the exercise of its discretion, and the court has no power to substitute its discretion for that of the Commission; and, in the absence of fraud, manifest abuse of discretion or conduct in excess of lawful authority, the court has no power to intervene. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Construction of a prison on a site selected by public officials pursuant to statutory authority will not be enjoined. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

§ 148-3. Prison property. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , have control and custody of all unexpended surplus highway funds previously allocated for prison purposes and all property of every kind and description now used by or considered a part of units of the State prison system, except vehicles used on a rental basis. The property coming within the provisions of this section shall be identified and agreed upon by the executive heads of the highway and prison systems, or by their duly authorized representatives. The Governor shall have final authority to decide whether or not particular property shall be transferred to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in event the executive heads of the two systems are unable to agree.
  2. Property, both real and personal, deemed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction to be necessary or convenient in the operation of the State prison system may, subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , be acquired by gift, devise, purchase, or lease. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may, subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , dispose of any prison property, either real or personal, or any interest or estate therein.

History. 1901, c. 472, ss. 2, 6; Rev., s. 5392; C.S., s. 7705; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 409; 1957, c. 349, s. 3; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuu); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-3 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Discretion as to Operation of Prison. —

Whether the maintenance and operation of a prison on a particular site shall be conducted either as at present, or as enlarged by the construction of additional buildings and facilities, or as a “minimum security prison” is a matter for determination by the State Prison Commission (now the Department of Correction) in the exercise of its discretion, and the court has no power to substitute its discretion for that of the Commission; and, in the absence of fraud, manifest abuse of discretion or conduct in excess of lawful authority, the court has no power to intervene. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Construction of a prison on a site selected by public officials pursuant to statutory authority will not be enjoined. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

§ 148-4. Control and custody of prisoners; authorizing prisoner to leave place of confinement. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety shall have control and custody of all prisoners serving sentence in the State prison system, and such prisoners shall be subject to all the rules and regulations legally adopted for the government thereof. Any sentence to imprisonment in any unit of the State prison system, or to jail to be assigned to work under the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, shall be construed as a commitment, for such terms of imprisonment as the court may direct, to the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety or his authorized representative, who shall designate the places of confinement within the State prison system where the sentences of all such persons shall be served. The authorized agents of the Secretary shall have all the authority of peace officers for the purpose of transferring prisoners from place to place in the State as their duties might require and for apprehending, arresting, and returning to prison escaped prisoners, and may be commissioned by the Governor, either generally or specially, as special officers for returning escaped prisoners or other fugitives from justice from outside the State, when such persons have been extradited or voluntarily surrendered. Employees of departments, institutions, agencies, and political subdivisions of the State hiring prisoners to perform work outside prison confines may be designated as the authorized agents of the Secretary of Public Safety for the purpose of maintaining control and custody of prisoners who may be placed under the supervision and control of such employees, including guarding and transferring such prisoners from place to place in the State as their duties might require, and apprehending and arresting escaped prisoners and returning them to prison. The governing authorities of the State prison system are authorized to determine by rules and regulations the manner of designating these agents and placing prisoners under their supervision and control, which rules and regulations shall be established in the same manner as other rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system.

The Secretary of Public Safety may extend the limits of the place of confinement of a prisoner, as to whom there is reasonable cause to believe he will honor his trust, by authorizing him, under prescribed conditions, to leave the confines of that place unaccompanied by a custodial agent for a prescribed period of time to

  1. Contact prospective employers; or
  2. Secure a suitable residence for use when released on parole or upon discharge; or
  3. Obtain medical services not otherwise available; or
  4. Participate in a training program in the community; or
  5. Visit or attend the funeral of a spouse, child (including stepchild, adopted child or child as to whom the prisoner, though not a natural parent, has acted in the place of a parent), parent (including a person though not a natural parent, has acted in the place of a parent), brother, or sister; or
  6. Participate in community-based programs of rehabilitation, including, but not limited to the existing community volunteer and home-leave programs, pre-release and after-care programs as may be provided for and administered by the Secretary of Public Safety and other programs determined by the Secretary of Public Safety to be consistent with the prisoner’s rehabilitation and return to society; or
  7. Be on maternity leave, for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. The county departments of social services are expected to cooperate with officials at the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women to coordinate prenatal care, financial services, and placement of the child; or
  8. Receive palliative care, only in the case of a terminally ill inmate or a permanently and totally disabled inmate that the Secretary finds no longer poses a significant public safety risk, and only after consultation with any victims of the inmate or the victims’ families. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “terminally ill” describes an inmate who, as determined by a licensed physician, has an incurable condition caused by illness or disease that was unknown at the time of sentencing and was not diagnosed upon entry to prison, that will likely produce death within six months, and that is so debilitating that it is highly unlikely that the inmate poses a significant public safety risk. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “permanently and totally disabled” describes an inmate who, as determined by a licensed physician, suffers from permanent and irreversible physical incapacitation as a result of an existing physical or medical condition that was unknown at the time of sentencing and was not diagnosed upon entry to prison, and that is so incapacitating that it is highly unlikely that the inmate poses a significant public safety risk. The Department’s medical director shall notify the Secretary immediately when an inmate has been classified as terminally ill and shall provide regular reports on inmates classified as permanently and totally disabled. The Secretary shall act expeditiously in determining whether to extend the limits of confinement under this subdivision upon receiving notice that an inmate has been classified as terminally ill or permanently and totally disabled and, in the case of a terminally ill inmate, the Secretary shall make a good faith effort to reach a determination within 30 days of receiving notice of the inmate’s terminal condition. The willful failure of a prisoner to remain within the extended limits of his confinement, or to return within the time prescribed to the place of confinement designated by the Secretary of Public Safety, shall be deemed an escape from the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety punishable as provided in G.S. 148-45 .

History. 1901, c. 472, s. 4; Rev., s. 5390; C.S., s. 7706; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, ss. 5, 18; 1935, c. 257, s. 2; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 2; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1959, c. 109; 1965, c. 1042; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 902; c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 5; 1985, c. 483; 2001-424, s. 25.9(a); 2005-276, s. 17.13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvv).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-4 .

Pilot Program — Conducting Court Proceedings Using Videoconferencing Technology for Persons in Custody.

Session Laws 2009-270, ss. 1-4, provide: “SECTION 1. The Administrative Office of the Courts, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall conduct a pilot program to test the feasibility of using videoconference or similar technology to conduct court proceedings involving defendants in the custody of the Department of Correction, instead of requiring live appearances in court for those defendants. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall designate two counties to participate in the pilot, and the Department of Correction shall designate one prison facility. The Administrative Office of the Courts may also designate one or more counties to participate in a pilot program involving persons in the custody of local confinement facilities to test the feasibility of using videoconferencing equipment to conduct proceedings authorized by this act but not otherwise authorized by law.

“SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the courts participating in the pilot program authorized by this act may conduct proceedings required under G.S. 15A-511 , Article 26 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes, G.S. 15A-601 , and G.S. 15A-941 by videoconference without the consent of the defendant. If a defendant voluntarily and knowingly waives his or her right to appear in person, the court may also accept guilty pleas and impose sentences in cases in which the plea is taken by videoconference, conduct hearings on motions, and conduct probation modification or revocation proceedings. The waiver may be taken by videoconference. In the jurisdictions participating in the pilot programs, no proceeding in which a person is charged with a capital felony may be conducted using videoconferencing equipment, but nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the use of testimony at a trial taken by videoconferencing equipment when the testimony is otherwise allowed by law to be taken in that manner.

“SECTION 3. The equipment used in conducting the videoconference proceedings authorized by this act shall be used in a manner that ensures that the judicial official conducting the proceeding and the defendant can see and hear each other and that ensures that the defendant and his or her attorney may communicate during the proceeding in a manner that preserves the defendant’s right to confidential communication with counsel.

“SECTION 4. The North Carolina Rural Courts Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Correction, shall study the effectiveness of the use of videoconferences for these proceedings and report its findings and recommendations for expansion or modification to the Chief Justice, the Secretary of Correction, [Secretary of Public Safety]the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. The study shall address the costs of implementing videoconferencing on a statewide basis for these purposes, as well as the cost savings obtained through the use of such equipment, the quality of the transmissions, the frequency of use, and any other relevant information the Commission deems appropriate. The report shall be submitted no later than May 1, 2010. The Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Correction may seek grant funds to offset any costs associated with the study that cannot be provided by appropriations to those agencies.”

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 17.13, effective July 1, 2005, rewrote subdivision (8).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the second sentence of the first undesignated paragraph in the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Power to Designate Places of Confinement. —

This section gives the Director of Prisons (now the Secretary of Correction) or his duly authorized agents or representatives the authority to designate the places of confinement within the State prison system where the sentences of prisoners shall be served. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

Recommendation as to Confinement Held Not to Constitute Cruel and Unusual Punishment. —

An attachment to commitment papers recommending “that the defendant not be placed upon work release or permitted to leave his place of confinement under this section or any other statute but be kept at all times in close security until the sentence is completed” was a mere recommendation and had no legal effect upon the type or place of incarceration of the petitioner, and it did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Harris v. North Carolina, 320 F. Supp. 770, 1970 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12236 (M.D.N.C. 1970), aff'd, 435 F.2d 1305, 1971 U.S. App. LEXIS 12507 (4th Cir. 1971).

Good Time, Gain Time, and Merit Time Credits. —

North Carolina Department of Corrections’ interpretation that petitioner’s good time, gain time, and merit time credits were not awarded to him for purposes of unconditional release was statutorily and constitutionally permissible where petitioner was convicted of murder and sentenced to life pursuant to G.S. 14-2 . Jones v. Keller, 364 N.C. 249 , 698 S.E.2d 49, 2010 N.C. LEXIS 587 (2010).

Instruction on Willfulness Under This Section Unnecessary in Prosecution Under G.S. 148-45 . —

In a prosecution for felonious escape under G.S. 148-45 , trial court was not required to instruct the jury pursuant to this section that one of the essential elements of felonious escape is that the failure to remain in or return to confinement must be willful, since defendant was not charged with escape while outside the place of his confinement pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Correction under this section, but was charged under G.S. 148-45 , which establishes the general escape offense, and that section does not contain the word “willful.” State v. Rose, 53 N.C. App. 608, 281 S.E.2d 404, 1981 N.C. App. LEXIS 2700 (1981).

Court’s Sentencing Orders to be Followed by Department of Corrections. —

Since the superior court was authorized by G.S. 15A-1417 to enter an appropriate sentence upon granting defendant’s motion for appropriate relief, and since G.S. 148-4 provided that any sentencing order bound defendant to commitment with the North Carolina Department of Corrections under the terms of that appropriate sentence, the superior court’s authority to order the Department to change its records to reflect entry of the appropriate sentence was unaffected by defendant’s decision to file a motion for appropriate relief rather than a civil suit naming the Department as a party defendant; the Department could not refuse the superior court’s order to change defendant’s records to reflect concurrent instead of consecutive sentences simply because the sentencing order was entered following defendant’s motion for appropriate relief. State v. Ellis, 167 N.C. App. 276, 605 S.E.2d 168, 2004 N.C. App. LEXIS 2161 (2004), rev'd, 361 N.C. 200 , 639 S.E.2d 425, 2007 N.C. LEXIS 38 (2007) (remanded to allow defendant to withdraw his guilty plea).

Evidence Held Sufficient to Support Finding of Escape. —

Testimony of a sergeant with the North Carolina Department of Correction assigned to the prison camp in which defendant was confined that on the day in question defendant was given permission to leave the unit on a Community Volunteer Leave was sufficient to support the jury’s finding, and it was not necessary that the State present evidence to show that the Secretary of Correction, after making a determination that there was reasonable cause to believe that defendant would honor his trust, had personally authorized defendant’s release to participate in the community volunteer program and had personally prescribed the precise period of time during which the defendant was permitted to be absent from the prison unit. State v. Harris, 27 N.C. App. 15, 217 S.E.2d 729, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 1736 (1975).

A State prisoner has no legal right to the mitigation of his punishment. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

Question as to whether a particular inmate is entitled to honor grade status or parole involves policy decisions which should be made by the department and the Parole Board, not the courts. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

As to the status of a convicted person awaiting appeal, see opinion of the Attorney General to Mr. Martin R. Peterson, Director of Legal Services, N.C. Department of Correction, 40 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 163 (1969).

§ 148-4. Control and custody of prisoners; authorizing prisoner to leave place of confinement. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall have control and custody of all prisoners serving sentence in the State prison system, and such prisoners shall be subject to all the rules and regulations legally adopted for the government thereof. Any sentence to imprisonment in any unit of the State prison system, or to jail to be assigned to work under the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, shall be construed as a commitment, for such terms of imprisonment as the court may direct, to the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction or his authorized representative, who shall designate the places of confinement within the State prison system where the sentences of all such persons shall be served. The authorized agents of the Secretary shall have all the authority of peace officers for the purpose of transferring prisoners from place to place in the State as their duties might require and for apprehending, arresting, and returning to prison escaped prisoners, and may be commissioned by the Governor, either generally or specially, as special officers for returning escaped prisoners or other fugitives from justice from outside the State, when such persons have been extradited or voluntarily surrendered. Employees of departments, institutions, agencies, and political subdivisions of the State hiring prisoners to perform work outside prison confines may be designated as the authorized agents of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction for the purpose of maintaining control and custody of prisoners who may be placed under the supervision and control of such employees, including guarding and transferring such prisoners from place to place in the State as their duties might require, and apprehending and arresting escaped prisoners and returning them to prison. The governing authorities of the State prison system are authorized to determine by rules and regulations the manner of designating these agents and placing prisoners under their supervision and control, which rules and regulations shall be established in the same manner as other rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system.

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may extend the limits of the place of confinement of a prisoner, as to whom there is reasonable cause to believe he will honor his trust, by authorizing him, under prescribed conditions, to leave the confines of that place unaccompanied by a custodial agent for a prescribed period of time to

  1. Contact prospective employers; or
  2. Secure a suitable residence for use when released on parole or upon discharge; or
  3. Obtain medical services not otherwise available; or
  4. Participate in a training program in the community; or
  5. Visit or attend the funeral of a spouse, child (including stepchild, adopted child or child as to whom the prisoner, though not a natural parent, has acted in the place of a parent), parent (including a person though not a natural parent, has acted in the place of a parent), brother, or sister; or
  6. Participate in community-based programs of rehabilitation, including, but not limited to the existing community volunteer and home-leave programs, pre-release and after-care programs as may be provided for and administered by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction and other programs determined by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to be consistent with the prisoner’s rehabilitation and return to society; or
  7. Be on maternity leave, for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. The county departments of social services are expected to cooperate with officials at the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women to coordinate prenatal care, financial services, and placement of the child; or
  8. Receive palliative care, only in the case of a terminally ill inmate or a permanently and totally disabled inmate that the Secretary finds no longer poses a significant public safety risk, and only after consultation with any victims of the inmate or the victims’ families. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “terminally ill” describes an inmate who, as determined by a licensed physician, has an incurable condition caused by illness or disease that was unknown at the time of sentencing and was not diagnosed upon entry to prison, that will likely produce death within six months, and that is so debilitating that it is highly unlikely that the inmate poses a significant public safety risk. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “permanently and totally disabled” describes an inmate who, as determined by a licensed physician, suffers from permanent and irreversible physical incapacitation as a result of an existing physical or medical condition that was unknown at the time of sentencing and was not diagnosed upon entry to prison, and that is so incapacitating that it is highly unlikely that the inmate poses a significant public safety risk. The Department’s medical director shall notify the Secretary immediately when an inmate has been classified as terminally ill and shall provide regular reports on inmates classified as permanently and totally disabled. The Secretary shall act expeditiously in determining whether to extend the limits of confinement under this subdivision upon receiving notice that an inmate has been classified as terminally ill or permanently and totally disabled and, in the case of a terminally ill inmate, the Secretary shall make a good faith effort to reach a determination within 30 days of receiving notice of the inmate’s terminal condition. The willful failure of a prisoner to remain within the extended limits of his confinement, or to return within the time prescribed to the place of confinement designated by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, shall be deemed an escape from the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction punishable as provided in G.S. 148-45 .

History. 1901, c. 472, s. 4; Rev., s. 5390; C.S., s. 7706; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, ss. 5, 18; 1935, c. 257, s. 2; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 2; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1959, c. 109; 1965, c. 1042; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 902; c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 5; 1985, c. 483; 2001-424, s. 25.9(a); 2005-276, s. 17.13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvv); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-4 .

Pilot Program — Conducting Court Proceedings Using Videoconferencing Technology for Persons in Custody.

Session Laws 2009-270, ss. 1-4, provide: “SECTION 1. The Administrative Office of the Courts, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall conduct a pilot program to test the feasibility of using videoconference or similar technology to conduct court proceedings involving defendants in the custody of the Department of Correction, instead of requiring live appearances in court for those defendants. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall designate two counties to participate in the pilot, and the Department of Correction shall designate one prison facility. The Administrative Office of the Courts may also designate one or more counties to participate in a pilot program involving persons in the custody of local confinement facilities to test the feasibility of using videoconferencing equipment to conduct proceedings authorized by this act but not otherwise authorized by law.

“SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the courts participating in the pilot program authorized by this act may conduct proceedings required under G.S. 15A-511 , Article 26 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes, G.S. 15A-601 , and G.S. 15A-941 by videoconference without the consent of the defendant. If a defendant voluntarily and knowingly waives his or her right to appear in person, the court may also accept guilty pleas and impose sentences in cases in which the plea is taken by videoconference, conduct hearings on motions, and conduct probation modification or revocation proceedings. The waiver may be taken by videoconference. In the jurisdictions participating in the pilot programs, no proceeding in which a person is charged with a capital felony may be conducted using videoconferencing equipment, but nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the use of testimony at a trial taken by videoconferencing equipment when the testimony is otherwise allowed by law to be taken in that manner.

“SECTION 3. The equipment used in conducting the videoconference proceedings authorized by this act shall be used in a manner that ensures that the judicial official conducting the proceeding and the defendant can see and hear each other and that ensures that the defendant and his or her attorney may communicate during the proceeding in a manner that preserves the defendant’s right to confidential communication with counsel.

“SECTION 4. The North Carolina Rural Courts Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Correction, shall study the effectiveness of the use of videoconferences for these proceedings and report its findings and recommendations for expansion or modification to the Chief Justice, the Secretary of Correction, [Secretary of Public Safety]the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. The study shall address the costs of implementing videoconferencing on a statewide basis for these purposes, as well as the cost savings obtained through the use of such equipment, the quality of the transmissions, the frequency of use, and any other relevant information the Commission deems appropriate. The report shall be submitted no later than May 1, 2010. The Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Correction may seek grant funds to offset any costs associated with the study that cannot be provided by appropriations to those agencies.”

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 17.13, effective July 1, 2005, rewrote subdivision (8).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the second sentence of the first undesignated paragraph in the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Power to Designate Places of Confinement. —

This section gives the Director of Prisons (now the Secretary of Correction) or his duly authorized agents or representatives the authority to designate the places of confinement within the State prison system where the sentences of prisoners shall be served. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

Recommendation as to Confinement Held Not to Constitute Cruel and Unusual Punishment. —

An attachment to commitment papers recommending “that the defendant not be placed upon work release or permitted to leave his place of confinement under this section or any other statute but be kept at all times in close security until the sentence is completed” was a mere recommendation and had no legal effect upon the type or place of incarceration of the petitioner, and it did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Harris v. North Carolina, 320 F. Supp. 770, 1970 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12236 (M.D.N.C. 1970), aff'd, 435 F.2d 1305, 1971 U.S. App. LEXIS 12507 (4th Cir. 1971).

Good Time, Gain Time, and Merit Time Credits. —

North Carolina Department of Corrections’ interpretation that petitioner’s good time, gain time, and merit time credits were not awarded to him for purposes of unconditional release was statutorily and constitutionally permissible where petitioner was convicted of murder and sentenced to life pursuant to G.S. 14-2 . Jones v. Keller, 364 N.C. 249 , 698 S.E.2d 49, 2010 N.C. LEXIS 587 (2010).

Instruction on Willfulness Under This Section Unnecessary in Prosecution Under G.S. 148-45 . —

In a prosecution for felonious escape under G.S. 148-45 , trial court was not required to instruct the jury pursuant to this section that one of the essential elements of felonious escape is that the failure to remain in or return to confinement must be willful, since defendant was not charged with escape while outside the place of his confinement pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Correction under this section, but was charged under G.S. 148-45 , which establishes the general escape offense, and that section does not contain the word “willful.” State v. Rose, 53 N.C. App. 608, 281 S.E.2d 404, 1981 N.C. App. LEXIS 2700 (1981).

Court’s Sentencing Orders to be Followed by Department of Corrections. —

Since the superior court was authorized by G.S. 15A-1417 to enter an appropriate sentence upon granting defendant’s motion for appropriate relief, and since G.S. 148-4 provided that any sentencing order bound defendant to commitment with the North Carolina Department of Corrections under the terms of that appropriate sentence, the superior court’s authority to order the Department to change its records to reflect entry of the appropriate sentence was unaffected by defendant’s decision to file a motion for appropriate relief rather than a civil suit naming the Department as a party defendant; the Department could not refuse the superior court’s order to change defendant’s records to reflect concurrent instead of consecutive sentences simply because the sentencing order was entered following defendant’s motion for appropriate relief. State v. Ellis, 167 N.C. App. 276, 605 S.E.2d 168, 2004 N.C. App. LEXIS 2161 (2004), rev'd, 361 N.C. 200 , 639 S.E.2d 425, 2007 N.C. LEXIS 38 (2007) (remanded to allow defendant to withdraw his guilty plea).

Evidence Held Sufficient to Support Finding of Escape. —

Testimony of a sergeant with the North Carolina Department of Correction assigned to the prison camp in which defendant was confined that on the day in question defendant was given permission to leave the unit on a Community Volunteer Leave was sufficient to support the jury’s finding, and it was not necessary that the State present evidence to show that the Secretary of Correction, after making a determination that there was reasonable cause to believe that defendant would honor his trust, had personally authorized defendant’s release to participate in the community volunteer program and had personally prescribed the precise period of time during which the defendant was permitted to be absent from the prison unit. State v. Harris, 27 N.C. App. 15, 217 S.E.2d 729, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 1736 (1975).

A State prisoner has no legal right to the mitigation of his punishment. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

Question as to whether a particular inmate is entitled to honor grade status or parole involves policy decisions which should be made by the department and the Parole Board, not the courts. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

As to the status of a convicted person awaiting appeal, see opinion of the Attorney General to Mr. Martin R. Peterson, Director of Legal Services, N.C. Department of Correction, 40 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 163 (1969).

§ 148-4.1. Release of inmates. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Whenever the Secretary of Public Safety determines from data compiled by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety that it is necessary to reduce the prison population to a more manageable level or to meet the State’s obligations under law, he shall direct the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission to release on parole over a reasonable period of time a number of prisoners sufficient to that purpose. From the time the Secretary directs the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission until the prison population has been reduced to a more manageable level, the Secretary may not accept any inmates ordered transferred from local confinement facilities to the State prison system under G.S. 148-32.1(b). Further, the Secretary may return any inmate housed in the State prison system under an order entered pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b) to the local confinement facility from which the inmate was transferred. In order to meet the requirements of this section, the Parole Commission shall not parole any person convicted under Article 7B of Chapter 14 of a sex offense, under G.S. 14-39 , 14-41, or 14-43.3, under G.S. 90-95(h) of a drug trafficking offense, or under G.S. 14-17 , or any other violent felon as defined in subsection (a1) of this section. The Parole Commission may continue to consider the suitability for release of such persons in accordance with the criteria set forth in Articles 85 and 85A of Chapter 15A. (a1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall at all times secure the necessary prison space to house any violent felon or habitual felon for the full active sentence imposed by the court. For purposes of this subsection, the term “violent felon” means any person convicted of the following felony offenses: first or second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, first or second degree rape, first or second degree sexual offense, any sexual offense involving a minor, robbery, kidnapping, or assault, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit any of those offenses.
  2. Except as provided in subsection (c), only inmates who are otherwise eligible for parole pursuant to Article 85 of Chapter 15A or pursuant to Article 3B of this Chapter may be released under this section.
  3. Persons eligible for parole under Article 85A of Chapter 15A shall be eligible for early parole under this section nine months prior to the discharge date otherwise applicable, and six months prior to the date of automatic 90-day parole authorized by G.S. 15A-1380.2. (c1) through (g). Repealed by 1995 Session Laws, c. 324, s. 19.9(e).

    (g1) Expired July 1, 1996.

    (h) A person sentenced under Article 81B of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes shall not be released pursuant to this section.

    (i) This section does not apply to inmates released pursuant to G.S. 148-64.1 .

History. 1983, c. 557, s. 1; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 197(a); 1987, c. 7, ss. 1, 3, 4; c. 879, s. 1.2; 1989, c. 1, s. 1; 1990, Ex. Sess., c. 1, ss. 1-3.3; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 933, ss. 10-13; 1991, c. 187, s. 2; c. 217, ss. 6, 7; c. 437, ss. 1-9; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1036, ss. 5-7; 1993, c. 91, ss. 1-9; c. 538, s. 31; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 64; c. 15, ss. 1-4; c. 24, s. 14(b), (e); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.9(a)-(e); 2008-199, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2015-181, s. 47; 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwww).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-4.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Effective March 15, 1994, Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 15, s. 2 repealed Session Laws 1993, c. 91, ss. 7-9, which would have been effective April 1, 1994, and would have increased the figure “21,400” in subsections (d), (e), and (f) to 21,500, pursuant to ss. 7-9 of Session Laws 1993, c. 91.

This section was amended by Session Laws 1994, Extra Session, c. 15, s. 1, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . In this amendment, the section was set out in full and added a new (c1) but did not include (h). It has been set out in the form above at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2015-181, s. 47, provides: “The Revisor of Statutes may correct statutory references, as required by this act, throughout the General Statutes. In making the changes authorized by this act, the Revisor may also adjust the order of lists of multiple statutes to maintain statutory order, correct terms, make conforming changes to catch lines and references to catch lines, and adjust subject and verb agreement and the placement of conjunctions.” Pursuant to this authority the Revisor of Statutes substituted “Article 7B of Chapter 14” for “Article 7A of Chapter 14” in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2015-181, s. 48, provides: “This act becomes effective December 1, 2015, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of this act are not abated or affected by this act, and the statutes that would be applicable but for this act remain applicable to those prosecutions.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to subsections (a) and (a1) of this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(cccc), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-199, s. 1, effective August 8, 2008, added subsection (i).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsections (a) and (a1).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(cccc), in the first sentence of subsection (a), substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction determines from data compiled by the Division of Prisons” for “the Secretary of Public Safety determines from data compiled by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety”, and “the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety may direct the Post Release” for “he shall direct the Post Release”; and substituted “the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall” in subsection (a1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Parole Commission has the authority to select fair-sentence inmates to be paroled pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Ben G. Irons, II, Senior Administrative Assistant, North Carolina Department of Correction, 53 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 106 (1984).

§ 148-4.1. Release of inmates. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Whenever the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction determines from data compiled by the Division of Prisons that it is necessary to reduce the prison population to a more manageable level or to meet the State’s obligations under law, the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety may direct the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission to release on parole over a reasonable period of time a number of prisoners sufficient to that purpose. From the time the Secretary directs the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission until the prison population has been reduced to a more manageable level, the Secretary may not accept any inmates ordered transferred from local confinement facilities to the State prison system under G.S. 148-32.1(b). Further, the Secretary may return any inmate housed in the State prison system under an order entered pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b) to the local confinement facility from which the inmate was transferred. In order to meet the requirements of this section, the Parole Commission shall not parole any person convicted under Article 7B of Chapter 14 of a sex offense, under G.S. 14-39 , 14-41, or 14-43.3, under G.S. 90-95(h) of a drug trafficking offense, or under G.S. 14-17 , or any other violent felon as defined in subsection (a1) of this section. The Parole Commission may continue to consider the suitability for release of such persons in accordance with the criteria set forth in Articles 85 and 85A of Chapter 15A. (a1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall at all times secure the necessary prison space to house any violent felon or habitual felon for the full active sentence imposed by the court. For purposes of this subsection, the term “violent felon” means any person convicted of the following felony offenses: first or second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, first or second degree rape, first or second degree sexual offense, any sexual offense involving a minor, robbery, kidnapping, or assault, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit any of those offenses.
  2. Except as provided in subsection (c), only inmates who are otherwise eligible for parole pursuant to Article 85 of Chapter 15A or pursuant to Article 3B of this Chapter may be released under this section.
  3. Persons eligible for parole under Article 85A of Chapter 15A shall be eligible for early parole under this section nine months prior to the discharge date otherwise applicable, and six months prior to the date of automatic 90-day parole authorized by G.S. 15A-1380.2. (c1) through (g). Repealed by 1995 Session Laws, c. 324, s. 19.9(e).

    (g1) Expired July 1, 1996.

    (h) A person sentenced under Article 81B of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes shall not be released pursuant to this section.

    (i) This section does not apply to inmates released pursuant to G.S. 148-64.1 .

History. 1983, c. 557, s. 1; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 197(a); 1987, c. 7, ss. 1, 3, 4; c. 879, s. 1.2; 1989, c. 1, s. 1; 1990, Ex. Sess., c. 1, ss. 1-3.3; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 933, ss. 10-13; 1991, c. 187, s. 2; c. 217, ss. 6, 7; c. 437, ss. 1-9; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1036, ss. 5-7; 1993, c. 91, ss. 1-9; c. 538, s. 31; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 64; c. 15, ss. 1-4; c. 24, s. 14(b), (e); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.9(a)-(e); 2008-199, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2015-181, s. 47; 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwww); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(cccc).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-4.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Effective March 15, 1994, Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 15, s. 2 repealed Session Laws 1993, c. 91, ss. 7-9, which would have been effective April 1, 1994, and would have increased the figure “21,400” in subsections (d), (e), and (f) to 21,500, pursuant to ss. 7-9 of Session Laws 1993, c. 91.

This section was amended by Session Laws 1994, Extra Session, c. 15, s. 1, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . In this amendment, the section was set out in full and added a new (c1) but did not include (h). It has been set out in the form above at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2015-181, s. 47, provides: “The Revisor of Statutes may correct statutory references, as required by this act, throughout the General Statutes. In making the changes authorized by this act, the Revisor may also adjust the order of lists of multiple statutes to maintain statutory order, correct terms, make conforming changes to catch lines and references to catch lines, and adjust subject and verb agreement and the placement of conjunctions.” Pursuant to this authority the Revisor of Statutes substituted “Article 7B of Chapter 14” for “Article 7A of Chapter 14” in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2015-181, s. 48, provides: “This act becomes effective December 1, 2015, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of this act are not abated or affected by this act, and the statutes that would be applicable but for this act remain applicable to those prosecutions.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to subsections (a) and (a1) of this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(cccc), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-199, s. 1, effective August 8, 2008, added subsection (i).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsections (a) and (a1).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(cccc), in the first sentence of subsection (a), substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction determines from data compiled by the Division of Prisons” for “the Secretary of Public Safety determines from data compiled by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety”, and “the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety may direct the Post Release” for “he shall direct the Post Release”; and substituted “the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall” in subsection (a1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Parole Commission has the authority to select fair-sentence inmates to be paroled pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Ben G. Irons, II, Senior Administrative Assistant, North Carolina Department of Correction, 53 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 106 (1984).

§ 148-5. Secretary to manage prison property. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety shall manage and have charge of all the property and effects of the State prison system, and conduct all its affairs subject to the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations legally adopted for the government thereof.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 4; 1955, c. 238, s. 3; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-5 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 18, s. 20.1 provides that in conjunction with the closing of small expensive prison units recommended for consolidation by the Government Performance Audit Committee, the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall consult with the county or municipality in which the unit is located or any private for-profit or nonprofit firm about the possibility of converting that unit to other use. The Department may provide for the lease of any of these units to counties, municipalities, or private firms wishing to convert them to other use and the Department may also consider converting some of the units from medium security to minimum security, where that conversion would be cost-effective.

Furthermore, the Department of Correction shall report quarterly to the Joint Legislative Corrections Oversight Committee on the conversion of these units to other use.

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2010-31, s. 19.10(a) and (b).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-5. Secretary to manage prison property. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall manage and have charge of all the property and effects of the State prison system, and conduct all its affairs subject to the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations legally adopted for the government thereof.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 4; 1955, c. 238, s. 3; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-5 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 18, s. 20.1 provides that in conjunction with the closing of small expensive prison units recommended for consolidation by the Government Performance Audit Committee, the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall consult with the county or municipality in which the unit is located or any private for-profit or nonprofit firm about the possibility of converting that unit to other use. The Department may provide for the lease of any of these units to counties, municipalities, or private firms wishing to convert them to other use and the Department may also consider converting some of the units from medium security to minimum security, where that conversion would be cost-effective.

Furthermore, the Department of Correction shall report quarterly to the Joint Legislative Corrections Oversight Committee on the conversion of these units to other use.

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2010-31, s. 19.10(a) and (b).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-5.1. Confining inmates away from victims.

If a victim or immediate family member of a victim requests that, for the safety of the victim or family member, an inmate be confined outside the county where the victim or family member resides or is employed, the Department shall make a reasonable effort to house the inmate in a facility in another county. If the inmate is not so housed in another county, the Department shall notify the victim or family member in writing.

History. 2001-433, s. 10; 2001-487, s. 120.

§§ 148-5.2 through 148-5.4.

Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 148-5.5. (Contingent expiration - see note) Training and authority of security guards.

Any security guard and patrol professional that is licensed pursuant to Chapter 74C of the General Statutes and is employed to provide security services related to entry and exit, direction and movement of individuals at entry and exit, security working towers, or perimeter security patrols at a State prison facility, shall receive training on State prison policies, including policies on the use of force, prior to providing any security services at a State prison. Security guard and patrol professionals trained pursuant to this section shall have the authority to detain and use necessary force pursuant to State prison policies to prevent contraband entry or inmate escape.

History. 2020-3, s. 4.15(b); 2020-15, s. 2; 2021-180, s. 19D.2.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2020-3, s. 4.15(c), as amended by Session Laws 2020-15, s. 2, and as amended by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19D.2, made this section, as added by Session Laws 2020-3, s. 4.15(b), effective May 4, 2020, and provided for its expiration upon the earlier of August 1, 2023, or the date of completion of the Youth Development Center in Rockingham County.

Session Laws 2020-3, s. 5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

§ 148-6. Custody, employment and hiring out of convicts. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall provide for receiving, and keeping in custody until discharged by law, all such convicts as may be now confined in the prison and such as may be hereafter sentenced to imprisonment therein by the several courts of this State. The Division shall have full power and authority to provide for employment of such convicts, either in the prison or on farms leased or owned by the State of North Carolina, or elsewhere, or otherwise; and may contract for the hire or employment of any able-bodied convicts upon such terms as may be just and fair, but such convicts so hired, or employed, shall remain under the actual management, control and care of the Division.

History. 1895, c. 194, s. 5; 1897, c. 270; 1901, c. 472, ss. 5, 6; Rev., s. 5391; C.S., s. 7707; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2007-398, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxx).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-6 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 2, effective August 21, 2007, deleted the former last sentence which read: “Provided, however, that no female convict shall be worked on public roads or streets in any manner.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

CASE NOTES

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 148-26 and 148-33.1, as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Employers of work release inmates are not required to supervise and control inmate employees outside the scope of their work release employment. O'Connor v. Corbett Lumber Corp., 84 N.C. App. 178, 352 S.E.2d 267, 1987 N.C. App. LEXIS 2478 (1987).

Treatment of Prisoner Whose Conviction Was Overturned. —

Where the Court of Appeals reversed defendant’s conviction, and where after receiving a copy of the Court of Appeals’ certified judgment the Department of Correction released defendant to the custody of the county jail, and where, on the same day, the county jailer obtained a safekeeping order transferring defendant back to the custody of the Department of Correction, the Secretary of the Department of Correction was not responsible for failing to implement a policy directing Department of Correction employees as to the proper manner with which to deal with prisoners whose convictions had been overturned on appeal; the department personnel were not on notice of the circumstances leading to the issuance of the safekeeping order and had no reason to question its sufficiency, and given the lack of discretion allowed to the Department and state law, there was no reasonable way that the Secretary could have detailed a policy that would have avoided defendant’s misfortunes. Allen v. Lowder, 875 F.2d 82, 1989 U.S. App. LEXIS 7384 (4th Cir. 1989).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Martin Peterson, Department of Correction, 41 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 291 (1971).

§ 148-6. Custody, employment and hiring out of convicts. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall provide for receiving, and keeping in custody until discharged by law, all such convicts as may be now confined in the prison and such as may be hereafter sentenced to imprisonment therein by the several courts of this State. The Division shall have full power and authority to provide for employment of such convicts, either in the prison or on farms leased or owned by the State of North Carolina, or elsewhere, or otherwise; and may contract for the hire or employment of any able-bodied convicts upon such terms as may be just and fair, but such convicts so hired, or employed, shall remain under the actual management, control and care of the Division.

History. 1895, c. 194, s. 5; 1897, c. 270; 1901, c. 472, ss. 5, 6; Rev., s. 5391; C.S., s. 7707; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2007-398, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxx); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-6 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 2, effective August 21, 2007, deleted the former last sentence which read: “Provided, however, that no female convict shall be worked on public roads or streets in any manner.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

CASE NOTES

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 148-26 and 148-33.1, as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Employers of work release inmates are not required to supervise and control inmate employees outside the scope of their work release employment. O'Connor v. Corbett Lumber Corp., 84 N.C. App. 178, 352 S.E.2d 267, 1987 N.C. App. LEXIS 2478 (1987).

Treatment of Prisoner Whose Conviction Was Overturned. —

Where the Court of Appeals reversed defendant’s conviction, and where after receiving a copy of the Court of Appeals’ certified judgment the Department of Correction released defendant to the custody of the county jail, and where, on the same day, the county jailer obtained a safekeeping order transferring defendant back to the custody of the Department of Correction, the Secretary of the Department of Correction was not responsible for failing to implement a policy directing Department of Correction employees as to the proper manner with which to deal with prisoners whose convictions had been overturned on appeal; the department personnel were not on notice of the circumstances leading to the issuance of the safekeeping order and had no reason to question its sufficiency, and given the lack of discretion allowed to the Department and state law, there was no reasonable way that the Secretary could have detailed a policy that would have avoided defendant’s misfortunes. Allen v. Lowder, 875 F.2d 82, 1989 U.S. App. LEXIS 7384 (4th Cir. 1989).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Martin Peterson, Department of Correction, 41 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 291 (1971).

§ 148-7. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 233, s. 1.

§ 148-8. [Transferred]

Transferred to § 66-58(b)(15) by Session Laws 1975, c. 730, s. 2.

§ 148-8.1. [Transferred]

Transferred to § 66-58(b)(16) by Session Laws 1975, c. 730, s. 3.

§ 148-9. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 476, s. 138.

§ 148-10. Department of Public Safety to supervise sanitary and health conditions of prisoners. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Department of Public Safety shall have general supervision over the sanitary and health conditions of the central prison, over the prison camps, or other places of confinement of prisoners under the jurisdiction of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 8; 1919, c. 80, s. 4; C.S., s. 7714; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 22; 1943, c. 409; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(37); 1997-443, s. 11A.111; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2015-241, s. 14.30(u); 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyy); 2021-158, s. 9.

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-10 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 14.30(u), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Department of Environmental Quality” for “Department of Environment and Natural Resources” in the section heading and section text.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-158, s. 9, effective September 16, 2021, in the section heading and the section, substituted “Public Safety” for “Environmental Quality”; and substituted the last occurrence of “Department” for “Department of Public Safety, and shall make periodic examinations of the same and report to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety the conditions found there with respect to the sanitary and hygienic care of such prisoners.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “A New Explanation for Equitable Tolling Under § 1983 and the Prison Litigation Reform Act,” see 99 N. C. L. Rev. Addendum 115 (2021).

§ 148-10. Department of Public Safety to supervise sanitary and health conditions of prisoners. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Department of Public Safety shall have general supervision over the sanitary and health conditions of the central prison, over the prison camps, or other places of confinement of prisoners under the jurisdiction of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 8; 1919, c. 80, s. 4; C.S., s. 7714; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 22; 1943, c. 409; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(37); 1997-443, s. 11A.111; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2015-241, s. 14.30(u); 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyy); 2021-158, s. 9; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-10 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

At the direction of the Revisor of Statutes, “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” was substituted for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department” at the end of this section to give effect to the intent of Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 14.30(u), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Department of Environmental Quality” for “Department of Environment and Natural Resources” in the section heading and section text.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-158, s. 9, effective September 16, 2021, in the section heading and the section, substituted “Public Safety” for “Environmental Quality”; and substituted the last occurrence of “Department” for “Department of Public Safety, and shall make periodic examinations of the same and report to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety the conditions found there with respect to the sanitary and hygienic care of such prisoners.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “A New Explanation for Equitable Tolling Under § 1983 and the Prison Litigation Reform Act,” see 99 N. C. L. Rev. Addendum 115 (2021).

§ 148-10.1. Employment of clinical chaplains for inmates. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety is authorized and directed to employ clinical chaplains to provide moral, spiritual and social counselling and ministerial services to inmates in the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall seek to employ a diversity of qualified persons having differing faiths which are to the extent practicable reflective of the professed religious composition of the inmate population.

History. 1977, c. 950, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzz).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the end of the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.1. Employment of clinical chaplains for inmates. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction is authorized and directed to employ clinical chaplains to provide moral, spiritual and social counselling and ministerial services to inmates in the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall seek to employ a diversity of qualified persons having differing faiths which are to the extent practicable reflective of the professed religious composition of the inmate population.

History. 1977, c. 950, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzz); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the end of the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.2. Policy: Certain inmates not to contact family members of victims. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. It shall be the policy of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety to prohibit death row inmates from contacting the surviving family members of the victims without the written consent of the family members being contacted. For purposes of this subsection, the term “contact” includes arranging for a third party to forward communications from the inmate to the surviving family members of the victim.
  2. At the request of the victim or a family member of the victim, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall prohibit an inmate convicted of an offense listed in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7) from contacting the requesting party. For purposes of this subsection, the term “contact” includes arranging for a third party to forward communications from the inmate to the victim or family member.
  3. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall develop and impose sanctions against any inmate who violates the provisions of this section.

History. 1999-358, s. 1; 2001-433, s. 9; 2001-487, s. 120; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaa).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1999-358, s. 1 was codified as this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Subsection (b) contains the reference “convicted of an offense listed in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7).” The list of offenses in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7) was deleted by Session Laws 2019-216, s. 2, effective August 31, 2019. See G.S. 15A-830(a)(6a), which contains the list of “offenses against the person.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.2. Policy: Certain inmates not to contact family members of victims. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. It shall be the policy of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction to prohibit death row inmates from contacting the surviving family members of the victims without the written consent of the family members being contacted. For purposes of this subsection, the term “contact” includes arranging for a third party to forward communications from the inmate to the surviving family members of the victim.
  2. At the request of the victim or a family member of the victim, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall prohibit an inmate convicted of an offense listed in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7) from contacting the requesting party. For purposes of this subsection, the term “contact” includes arranging for a third party to forward communications from the inmate to the victim or family member.
  3. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall develop and impose sanctions against any inmate who violates the provisions of this section.

History. 1999-358, s. 1; 2001-433, s. 9; 2001-487, s. 120; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaa); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1999-358, s. 1 was codified as this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Subsection (b) contains the reference “convicted of an offense listed in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7).” The list of offenses in G.S. 15A-830(a)(7) was deleted by Session Laws 2019-216, s. 2, effective August 31, 2019. See G.S. 15A-830(a)(6a), which contains the list of “offenses against the person.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.3. Electronic monitoring costs. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Personnel, equipment, and other costs of providing electronic monitoring of pretrial or sentenced offenders shall be reimbursed to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety by the State or local agency requesting the service in an amount not exceeding the actual costs.

History. 2002-126, s. 17.10(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbb).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2005-276, ss. 17.19(a) and (b), provide: “(a) The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall report by March 1 of each year to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on its efforts to increase the use of electronic monitoring of sentenced offenders in the community as an alternative to the incarceration of probation violators. The report shall also document the geographical distribution of electronic monitoring use compared to other intermediate sanctions. The Department shall also analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the electronic monitoring program and include its findings in the report.

“(b) The Department of Correction shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2005, on the following:

“(1) The Department’s evaluation of its 2004 pilot program for monitoring sex offenders and domestic violence offenders using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.

“(2) The results of the Request for Proposal issued in the 2004-2005 fiscal year for GPS monitoring of offenders supervised by the Division of Community Corrections [Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice].

“(3) The Department’s recommendations for implementing GPS monitoring of sex offenders, including:

“a. An evaluation of the costs and benefits of passive versus active GPS technology.

“b. The proposed coverage areas for GPS monitoring and the location of any geographic or technological limitations that prevent statewide coverage.

“c. The size and characteristics of the targeted offender population and the proposed number of offenders to be monitored.

“d. The contractual and internal costs of the monitoring program.

“e. The proposed caseloads for probation officers who would supervise offenders using GPS technology.

“The Department shall also explore funding options through grants and other sources, including the possibility of charging a fee to offenders to partially offset the costs of the program. Funds made available for federal grant matching purposes by Section 17.9 of this act may be used to match grants for GPS supervision. The Department shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee on any funds identified.”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2005.’ ”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 46.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2005-2007 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2005-2007 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 46.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.12(d), provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall report by March 1 of each year to the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the Chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee on the following:

“(1) The number of sex offenders enrolled on active and passive GPS monitoring.

“(2) The caseloads of probation officers assigned to GPS-monitored sex offenders.

“(3) The number of violations.

“(4) The number of absconders.

“(5) The projected number of offenders to be enrolled by the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year and the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“(6) The total cost of the program, including a per-offender cost.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.14.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2009.’ ”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.3. Electronic monitoring costs. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Personnel, equipment, and other costs of providing electronic monitoring of pretrial or sentenced offenders shall be reimbursed to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction by the State or local agency requesting the service in an amount not exceeding the actual costs.

History. 2002-126, s. 17.10(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbb); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2005-276, ss. 17.19(a) and (b), provide: “(a) The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall report by March 1 of each year to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on its efforts to increase the use of electronic monitoring of sentenced offenders in the community as an alternative to the incarceration of probation violators. The report shall also document the geographical distribution of electronic monitoring use compared to other intermediate sanctions. The Department shall also analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the electronic monitoring program and include its findings in the report.

“(b) The Department of Correction shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2005, on the following:

“(1) The Department’s evaluation of its 2004 pilot program for monitoring sex offenders and domestic violence offenders using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.

“(2) The results of the Request for Proposal issued in the 2004-2005 fiscal year for GPS monitoring of offenders supervised by the Division of Community Corrections [Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice].

“(3) The Department’s recommendations for implementing GPS monitoring of sex offenders, including:

“a. An evaluation of the costs and benefits of passive versus active GPS technology.

“b. The proposed coverage areas for GPS monitoring and the location of any geographic or technological limitations that prevent statewide coverage.

“c. The size and characteristics of the targeted offender population and the proposed number of offenders to be monitored.

“d. The contractual and internal costs of the monitoring program.

“e. The proposed caseloads for probation officers who would supervise offenders using GPS technology.

“The Department shall also explore funding options through grants and other sources, including the possibility of charging a fee to offenders to partially offset the costs of the program. Funds made available for federal grant matching purposes by Section 17.9 of this act may be used to match grants for GPS supervision. The Department shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee on any funds identified.”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2005.’ ”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 46.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2005-2007 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2005-2007 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 46.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.12(d), provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall report by March 1 of each year to the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the Chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee on the following:

“(1) The number of sex offenders enrolled on active and passive GPS monitoring.

“(2) The caseloads of probation officers assigned to GPS-monitored sex offenders.

“(3) The number of violations.

“(4) The number of absconders.

“(5) The projected number of offenders to be enrolled by the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year and the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“(6) The total cost of the program, including a per-offender cost.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.14.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2009.’ ”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.4. Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Definitions. —  The following definitions apply in this section:
    1. Division. — Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.
    2. Fund. — The Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established by this section.
    3. Program. — Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established under G.S. 148-32.1(b3) [G.S. 148-32.1(b2)].
    4. Sheriffs’ Association. — North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc.
  2. Intent and Purpose. —  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the funds in the Fund established by this section be used to reimburse local governments for expenses incurred for housing misdemeanants under the Program, and other related expenses; and to cover administrative costs incurred by the Sheriffs’ Association for services provided by it regarding the housing of these misdemeanants.
  3. Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established. —  There is created within the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice a special nonreverting fund called the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund.
  4. Fund Uses. —  Moneys in the Fund may be used for the following:
    1. Reimbursements by the Sheriffs’ Association to counties for the costs of housing misdemeanants under the Program, including the care, supervision, and transportation of those misdemeanants.
    2. Reimbursements to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice for the cost of housing misdemeanants transferred to the Division pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b3), including the care, supervision, and transportation of those misdemeanants.
    3. To pay the Sheriffs’ Association for administrative and operating expenses pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
    4. To pay the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice for administrative and operating expenses pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b), effective July 1, 2016.
  6. Upon notification from the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice that an amount owed by a county for safekeeper reimbursements authorized under G.S. 162-39 is more than 120 days overdue, the Sheriffs’ Association shall withhold funds from any reimbursements due to a county under this section and transmit those funds to the Division until that overdue safekeeper reimbursement is satisfied.

History. 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-192, s. 7(h); 2013-360, s. 16C.6(a); 2015-241, ss. 16C.6(c), 16C.12; 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b); 2017-186, ss. 2(ccccccc), 3(a).

Editor’s Note.

The bracketed reference to “[ G.S. 148-32.1(b2)]” in subdivision (a)(3), has been inserted at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(m), repealed Session Laws 2011-145, s. 31.26(a). Session Laws 2011-145, s. 31.26(a) would have enacted a different G.S. 148-10.4 . Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(m), was contingent on House Bill 200, 2011 Regular Session, becoming law. House Bill 200 was enacted as Session Laws 2011-145.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report monthly by the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report by October 1, 2015, to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

For similar prior provisions, see Session Laws 2013-36 s. 16C.6(b).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(a), provides: “Recurring funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be used for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. These funds shall not be transferred to a special fund. This subsection shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 fiscal year and shall remain in effect beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d) amends G.S. 148-32.1 to delete a reference to that fund and a provision continuing the Program only as long as funds were available through that fund.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 16B.2, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 148-10.4 , for fiscal year 2018-2019, the sum of sixteen million five hundred thousand dollars ($16,500,000) nonrecurring shall be transferred from Budget Code 24550, Fund Code 2325, to Budget Code 14550, Fund Code 1414, to be used to upgrade and support North Carolina’s Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) and to be allocated as follows:

“(1) Eight million seven hundred thousand dollars ($8,700,000) for GTR base station hardware upgrades.

“(2) Five million dollars ($5,000,000) for Service Upgrade Assurance catch-up.

“(3) One million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for long-term contract for Service Upgrade Assurance.

“(4) One million three hundred thousand dollars ($1,300,000) for MOSCAD security monitoring.”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2018.’ ”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2018-2019 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, ss. 16C.6(c), 16C.12, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “funds” for “monthly receipts collected and” twice in subsection (e); and added subsection (f).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(c), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “funds” for “monthly receipts collected and” twice in subsection (e).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.12, effective July 1, 2015, added subsection (f).

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b), effective July 1, 2016, deleted former subsection (e) which read: “Operating and Administrative Expenses. — Five percent (5%) of the funds credited to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund, not to exceed the sum of one million dollars ($ 1,000,000) annually, shall be transferred on a monthly basis to the Sheriffs’ Association to be used to support the Program and for administrative and operating expenses of the Association and its staff. One percent (1%) of the funds credited to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be transferred on a monthly basis to the General Fund to be allocated to the Division of Adult Correction for its administrative and operating expenses for the Program.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(cccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in subdivision (a)(1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.4. Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Definitions. —  The following definitions apply in this section:
    1. Division. — Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.
    2. Fund. — The Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established by this section.
    3. Program. — Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established under G.S. 148-32.1(b3) [G.S. 148-32.1(b2)].
    4. Sheriffs’ Association. — North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc.
  2. Intent and Purpose. —  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the funds in the Fund established by this section be used to reimburse local governments for expenses incurred for housing misdemeanants under the Program, and other related expenses; and to cover administrative costs incurred by the Sheriffs’ Association for services provided by it regarding the housing of these misdemeanants.
  3. Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established. —  There is created within the Division of Prisons a special nonreverting fund called the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund.
  4. Fund Uses. —  Moneys in the Fund may be used for the following:
    1. Reimbursements by the Sheriffs’ Association to counties for the costs of housing misdemeanants under the Program, including the care, supervision, and transportation of those misdemeanants.
    2. Reimbursements to the Division of Prisons for the cost of housing misdemeanants transferred to the Division pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b3), including the care, supervision, and transportation of those misdemeanants.
    3. To pay the Sheriffs’ Association for administrative and operating expenses pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
    4. To pay the Division of Prisons for administrative and operating expenses pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b), effective July 1, 2016.
  6. Upon notification from the Division of Prisons that an amount owed by a county for safekeeper reimbursements authorized under G.S. 162-39 is more than 120 days overdue, the Sheriffs’ Association shall withhold funds from any reimbursements due to a county under this section and transmit those funds to the Division until that overdue safekeeper reimbursement is satisfied.

History. 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-192, s. 7(h); 2013-360, s. 16C.6(a); 2015-241, ss. 16C.6(c), 16C.12; 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b); 2017-186, ss. 2(ccccccc), 3(a); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q).

Editor’s Note.

The bracketed reference to “[ G.S. 148-32.1(b2)]” in subdivision (a)(3), has been inserted at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(m), repealed Session Laws 2011-145, s. 31.26(a). Session Laws 2011-145, s. 31.26(a) would have enacted a different G.S. 148-10.4 . Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(m), was contingent on House Bill 200, 2011 Regular Session, becoming law. House Bill 200 was enacted as Session Laws 2011-145.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report monthly by the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report by October 1, 2015, to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

For similar prior provisions, see Session Laws 2013-36 s. 16C.6(b).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(a), provides: “Recurring funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be used for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. These funds shall not be transferred to a special fund. This subsection shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 fiscal year and shall remain in effect beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d) amends G.S. 148-32.1 to delete a reference to that fund and a provision continuing the Program only as long as funds were available through that fund.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 16B.2, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 148-10.4 , for fiscal year 2018-2019, the sum of sixteen million five hundred thousand dollars ($16,500,000) nonrecurring shall be transferred from Budget Code 24550, Fund Code 2325, to Budget Code 14550, Fund Code 1414, to be used to upgrade and support North Carolina’s Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) and to be allocated as follows:

“(1) Eight million seven hundred thousand dollars ($8,700,000) for GTR base station hardware upgrades.

“(2) Five million dollars ($5,000,000) for Service Upgrade Assurance catch-up.

“(3) One million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for long-term contract for Service Upgrade Assurance.

“(4) One million three hundred thousand dollars ($1,300,000) for MOSCAD security monitoring.”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2018.’ ”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2018-2019 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2018-5, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, ss. 16C.6(c), 16C.12, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “funds” for “monthly receipts collected and” twice in subsection (e); and added subsection (f).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(c), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “funds” for “monthly receipts collected and” twice in subsection (e).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.12, effective July 1, 2015, added subsection (f).

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b), effective July 1, 2016, deleted former subsection (e) which read: “Operating and Administrative Expenses. — Five percent (5%) of the funds credited to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund, not to exceed the sum of one million dollars ($ 1,000,000) annually, shall be transferred on a monthly basis to the Sheriffs’ Association to be used to support the Program and for administrative and operating expenses of the Association and its staff. One percent (1%) of the funds credited to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be transferred on a monthly basis to the General Fund to be allocated to the Division of Adult Correction for its administrative and operating expenses for the Program.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(cccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in subdivision (a)(1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.5. Facilitation of reentry. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

In order to facilitate successful reentry and improve judicial efficiency, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall work with law enforcement, the district attorneys’ offices, and the courts to develop a process by which, both at intake and before release, effort is made, for each inmate in custody, to identify all outstanding warrants on the inmate. The plan should seek to resolve inmates’ outstanding warrants while in custody, whenever feasible. In the course of resolving an outstanding warrant while in custody, an inmate shall be notified of the outstanding warrant and his or her right to counsel if such a right exists.

History. 2015-48, s. 2; 2017-186, s. 2(ddddddd).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ddddddd), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-10.5. Facilitation of reentry. [Effective January 1, 2023]

In order to facilitate successful reentry and improve judicial efficiency, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall work with law enforcement, the district attorneys’ offices, and the courts to develop a process by which, both at intake and before release, effort is made, for each inmate in custody, to identify all outstanding warrants on the inmate. The plan should seek to resolve inmates’ outstanding warrants while in custody, whenever feasible. In the course of resolving an outstanding warrant while in custody, an inmate shall be notified of the outstanding warrant and his or her right to counsel if such a right exists.

History. 2015-48, s. 2; 2017-186, s. 2(ddddddd); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ddddddd), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 2. Prison Regulations.

§ 148-11. Authority to adopt rules; authority to designate uniforms. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Secretary shall adopt rules for the government of the State prison system. The Secretary shall have the rules that pertain to enforcing discipline read to every prisoner when received in the State prison system and a printed copy of these rules made available to the prisoners.
  2. The Secretary of Public Safety has sole authority to designate the uniforms worn by inmates confined in the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 15; Code, s. 3444; Rev., s. 5401; C.S., s. 7721; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 4; 1957, c. 349, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, ss. 14, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1983, c. 147, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1991, c. 418, s. 15; c. 477, ss. 6, 8; 1995, c. 507, s. 27.8(u); 1999-109, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeee).

Cross References.

As to the authority of agencies to adopt rules, see Article 2A of Chapter 150B.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1999-109, s. 2, was codified as subsection (b) of this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeee), effective December 1, 2017, added “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (b).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (r), in subsection (b), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Health” and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

For article, “Capitalizing on Criminal Justice,” see 67 Duke L.J. 1381 (2018).

CASE NOTES

This section is constitutional. State v. Revis, 193 N.C. 192 , 136 S.E. 346, 1927 N.C. LEXIS 300 (1927); State v. Carpenter, 231 N.C. 229 , 56 S.E.2d 713, 1949 N.C. LEXIS 540 (1949).

The prison rules authorized by this section are administrative and not judicial. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Application of Rules Cannot Affect Sentences. —

The administrative application of the rules authorized by this section by prison authorities cannot affect sentences imposed by the courts. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Credits. —

Lower courts erred in ruling that defendant’s credits should be applied to his sentence, including an unconditional release date, because defendant — whose death sentence had been vacated and replaced with a life sentence — was lawfully incarcerated, the nature and severity of his offenses remained the same and the Department of Correction had discretion in governing him and had never applied credits towards the calculation of an unconditional release date for similar inmates. State v. Bowden, 367 N.C. 680 , 766 S.E.2d 320, 2014 N.C. LEXIS 954 (2014), cert. denied, 577 U.S. 1029, 136 S. Ct. 583, 193 L. Ed. 2d 467, 2015 U.S. LEXIS 7702 (2015).

Courts are not authorized to deal with the giving or withholding of privileges or rewards under the rules authorized by this section. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Fact that disciplinary punishment inflicted on a prisoner by a prison official was administered in accordance with the rules and regulations of the former State Highway and Public Works Commission did not render the prison official immune to prosecution for assault unless the particular regulation relied on was within the statutory authority of the Commission. State v. Carpenter, 231 N.C. 229 , 56 S.E.2d 713, 1949 N.C. LEXIS 540 (1949).

Public Official Immunity for Enforcement of Rules. —

Prison officials acted within the scope of their authority and were therefore protected by public official immunity from prisoner’s action claiming that officials violated this section and prison regulations by depriving him of pens and other materials. Price v. Davis, 132 N.C. App. 556, 512 S.E.2d 783, 1999 N.C. App. LEXIS 228 (1999).

Fair Sentencing Act. —

Although the principal provisions of the Fair Sentencing Act are codified in Chapter 15A, Article 81A of the General Statutes, the act resulted in revisions to other portions of the General Statutes. See, e.g., Chapter 14, Articles 1, 2, 2A, 33; Chapter 15A, Articles 58, 81A, 82, 83, 85, 85A, 89, 91; Chapter 148, Article 2, and Chapter 162, Article 4. State v. Ahearn, 307 N.C. 584 , 300 S.E.2d 689, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1120 (1983).

For discussion of the historical background, policies, purposes, and implementation of the new Fair Sentencing Act, see State v. Ahearn, 307 N.C. 584 , 300 S.E.2d 689, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1120 (1983).

Obtaining Medical Care Outside of Prison. —

North Carolina law bars all but minimum-security prisoners from exercising an option to go outside the prison and obtain medical care of their choice at their own expense or funded by family resources or private health insurance. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 108 S. Ct. 2250, 101 L. Ed. 2d 40, 1988 U.S. LEXIS 2744 (1988).

§ 148-11. Authority to adopt rules; authority to designate uniforms. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Secretary shall adopt rules for the government of the State prison system. The Secretary shall have the rules that pertain to enforcing discipline read to every prisoner when received in the State prison system and a printed copy of these rules made available to the prisoners.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction has sole authority to designate the uniforms worn by inmates confined in the Division of Prisons.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 15; Code, s. 3444; Rev., s. 5401; C.S., s. 7721; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 4; 1957, c. 349, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, ss. 14, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1983, c. 147, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1991, c. 418, s. 15; c. 477, ss. 6, 8; 1995, c. 507, s. 27.8(u); 1999-109, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeee); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (r).

Cross References.

As to the authority of agencies to adopt rules, see Article 2A of Chapter 150B.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1999-109, s. 2, was codified as subsection (b) of this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeee), effective December 1, 2017, added “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (b).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (r), in subsection (b), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Health” and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

For article, “Capitalizing on Criminal Justice,” see 67 Duke L.J. 1381 (2018).

CASE NOTES

This section is constitutional. State v. Revis, 193 N.C. 192 , 136 S.E. 346, 1927 N.C. LEXIS 300 (1927); State v. Carpenter, 231 N.C. 229 , 56 S.E.2d 713, 1949 N.C. LEXIS 540 (1949).

The prison rules authorized by this section are administrative and not judicial. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Application of Rules Cannot Affect Sentences. —

The administrative application of the rules authorized by this section by prison authorities cannot affect sentences imposed by the courts. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Credits. —

Lower courts erred in ruling that defendant’s credits should be applied to his sentence, including an unconditional release date, because defendant — whose death sentence had been vacated and replaced with a life sentence — was lawfully incarcerated, the nature and severity of his offenses remained the same and the Department of Correction had discretion in governing him and had never applied credits towards the calculation of an unconditional release date for similar inmates. State v. Bowden, 367 N.C. 680 , 766 S.E.2d 320, 2014 N.C. LEXIS 954 (2014), cert. denied, 577 U.S. 1029, 136 S. Ct. 583, 193 L. Ed. 2d 467, 2015 U.S. LEXIS 7702 (2015).

Courts are not authorized to deal with the giving or withholding of privileges or rewards under the rules authorized by this section. State v. Shoemaker, 273 N.C. 475 , 160 S.E.2d 281, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 621 (1968).

Fact that disciplinary punishment inflicted on a prisoner by a prison official was administered in accordance with the rules and regulations of the former State Highway and Public Works Commission did not render the prison official immune to prosecution for assault unless the particular regulation relied on was within the statutory authority of the Commission. State v. Carpenter, 231 N.C. 229 , 56 S.E.2d 713, 1949 N.C. LEXIS 540 (1949).

Public Official Immunity for Enforcement of Rules. —

Prison officials acted within the scope of their authority and were therefore protected by public official immunity from prisoner’s action claiming that officials violated this section and prison regulations by depriving him of pens and other materials. Price v. Davis, 132 N.C. App. 556, 512 S.E.2d 783, 1999 N.C. App. LEXIS 228 (1999).

Fair Sentencing Act. —

Although the principal provisions of the Fair Sentencing Act are codified in Chapter 15A, Article 81A of the General Statutes, the act resulted in revisions to other portions of the General Statutes. See, e.g., Chapter 14, Articles 1, 2, 2A, 33; Chapter 15A, Articles 58, 81A, 82, 83, 85, 85A, 89, 91; Chapter 148, Article 2, and Chapter 162, Article 4. State v. Ahearn, 307 N.C. 584 , 300 S.E.2d 689, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1120 (1983).

For discussion of the historical background, policies, purposes, and implementation of the new Fair Sentencing Act, see State v. Ahearn, 307 N.C. 584 , 300 S.E.2d 689, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1120 (1983).

Obtaining Medical Care Outside of Prison. —

North Carolina law bars all but minimum-security prisoners from exercising an option to go outside the prison and obtain medical care of their choice at their own expense or funded by family resources or private health insurance. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 108 S. Ct. 2250, 101 L. Ed. 2d 40, 1988 U.S. LEXIS 2744 (1988).

§ 148-12. Diagnostic and classification programs. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall, as soon as practicable, establish diagnostic centers to make social, medical, and psychological studies of persons committed to the Division. Full diagnostic studies shall be made before initial classification in cases where such studies have not been made.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33, effective July 1, 1978.
  3. Any prisoner confined in the State prison system while under a sentence of imprisonment imposed upon conviction of a felony shall be classified and treated as a convicted felon even if, before beginning service of the felony sentence, such prisoner has time remaining to be served in the State prison system on a sentence or sentences imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or misdemeanors.

History. 1917, c. 278, s. 2; 1919, c. 191, s. 2; C.S., s. 7750; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 5; 1959, c. 50; 1967, c. 996, s. 2; 1973, c. 1446, s. 27; 1977, c. 711, s. 33; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(fffffff).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1973, c. 803, s. 44, purported to repeal “the third unnumbered paragraph” of this section. The 1973 act apparently intended to amend G.S. 158-12 .

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 732, s. 6, provided that all commitments to the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] under former G.S. 148-49.3 should be treated as commitments under subsection (b) of this section. However, subsection (b) was repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33, effective July 1, 1978.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(fffffff), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article discussing the presentence diagnostic program in North Carolina, see 9 N.C. Cent. L.J. 133 (1978).

CASE NOTES

Power of Judge Other Than Trial Judge to Impose Sentence. —

Where sentencing was delayed for the purpose of a diagnostic evaluation of the defendant under this section, it was not error for a judge other than the trial judge to impose sentence upon the defendant. State v. Sampson, 34 N.C. App. 305, 237 S.E.2d 883, 1977 N.C. App. LEXIS 1661 (1977), cert. denied, 294 N.C. 185 , 241 S.E.2d 520, 1978 N.C. LEXIS 1212 (1978).

§ 148-12. Diagnostic and classification programs. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Corrections shall, as soon as practicable, establish diagnostic centers to make social, medical, and psychological studies of persons committed to the Division. Full diagnostic studies shall be made before initial classification in cases where such studies have not been made.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33, effective July 1, 1978.
  3. Any prisoner confined in the State prison system while under a sentence of imprisonment imposed upon conviction of a felony shall be classified and treated as a convicted felon even if, before beginning service of the felony sentence, such prisoner has time remaining to be served in the State prison system on a sentence or sentences imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or misdemeanors.

History. 1917, c. 278, s. 2; 1919, c. 191, s. 2; C.S., s. 7750; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 5; 1959, c. 50; 1967, c. 996, s. 2; 1973, c. 1446, s. 27; 1977, c. 711, s. 33; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(fffffff); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1973, c. 803, s. 44, purported to repeal “the third unnumbered paragraph” of this section. The 1973 act apparently intended to amend G.S. 158-12 .

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 732, s. 6, provided that all commitments to the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] under former G.S. 148-49.3 should be treated as commitments under subsection (b) of this section. However, subsection (b) was repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33, effective July 1, 1978.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(fffffff), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article discussing the presentence diagnostic program in North Carolina, see 9 N.C. Cent. L.J. 133 (1978).

CASE NOTES

Power of Judge Other Than Trial Judge to Impose Sentence. —

Where sentencing was delayed for the purpose of a diagnostic evaluation of the defendant under this section, it was not error for a judge other than the trial judge to impose sentence upon the defendant. State v. Sampson, 34 N.C. App. 305, 237 S.E.2d 883, 1977 N.C. App. LEXIS 1661 (1977), cert. denied, 294 N.C. 185 , 241 S.E.2d 520, 1978 N.C. LEXIS 1212 (1978).

§ 148-13. Regulations as to custody grades, privileges, gain time credit, etc. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Secretary of Public Safety may issue regulations regarding the grades of custody in which State prisoners are kept, the privileges and restrictions applicable to each custody grade, and the amount of cash, clothing, etc., to be awarded to State prisoners after their discharge or parole. The amount of cash awarded to a prisoner upon discharge or parole after being incarcerated for two years or longer shall be at least forty-five dollars ($45.00). (a1) The Secretary of Public Safety shall adopt rules to specify the rates at, and circumstances under, which earned time authorized by G.S. 15A-1340.13(d) and G.S. 15A-1340.20(d) may be earned or forfeited by persons serving activated sentences of imprisonment for felony or misdemeanor convictions. Such rules shall include any person serving an activated sentence of imprisonment who is confined in a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.
  2. With respect to prisoners who are serving sentences for impaired driving offenses under G.S. 20-138.1 , the Secretary of Public Safety may, in his discretion, issue regulations regarding deductions of time from the terms of such prisoners for good behavior, meritorious conduct, work or study, participation in rehabilitation programs, and the like.
  3. , (d) Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 538, s. 32, effective January 1, 1995.

    (e) The Secretary’s regulations concerning earned time and good time credits authorized by this section shall be distributed to and followed by local jail administrators and by personnel of the Juvenile Justice Section or personnel approved by the Juvenile Justice Section with regard to sentenced jail prisoners, including prisoners housed in a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

    (f) The provisions of this section do not apply to persons sentenced to a term of special probation under G.S. 15A-1344(e) or G.S. 15A-1351(a).

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 23; 1935, c. 414, s. 15; 1937, c. 88, s. 1; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 6; 1979, c. 760, s. 4; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, ss. 43-47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; c. 662, ss. 8, 9; 1983, c. 560, s. 3; 1985, c. 310, ss. 1-4; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1086, s. 120(a); 1991, c. 187, s. 3; 1993, c. 538, s. 32; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e); 2020-83, s. 8(l).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-13 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(g), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e), applicable to (i) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20 138.1 on or after January 1, 2015, and (ii) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for all other misdemeanors other than impaired driving under G.S. 20 138.1 on or after October 1, 2014.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(p), made the amendment of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8( l ), effective August 1, 2020, and applicable to offenses committed, sentences imposed, and any other orders of imprisonment issued on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(dddd), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e), effective July 1, 2014, substituted “sentences” for “prison or jail terms” in subsection (b); and inserted “and good time” in subsection (e). See Editor’s note for applicability.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8( l ), added the second sentence in subsection (a1); and rewrote subsection (e). For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(dddd), in subsections (a), (a1) and (b), substituted “The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “The Secretary of Public Safety”; substituted “the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” for “the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” at the end of subsection (a1); substituted “in the Secretary’s discretion,” for “in his discretion” in subsection (b); and, in subsection (e), substituted “Division of Juvenile Justice” for “Juvenile Justice Section” twice, and substituted “Division of Juvenile Justice” for “Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” at the end. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “The Fair Sentencing Act: Exploring Solutions to Unintended Interpretations of Law,” see 32 N.C. Cent. L. Rev. 115 (2009).

CASE NOTES

Editor’s Note. —

Most of the cases cited below were decided under this section as it read prior to the 1979 amendment thereto.

Rules as to “Good Time” Rewards Are Strictly Administrative. —

Prison rules and regulations respecting rewards and privileges for good conduct (“good time”) are strictly administrative and not judicial. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965); State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968); Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

As Are Grades Established for “Gain Time.” —

The grades established for “gain time” based on differences in work assignment are matters of prison administration, to be disturbed only if clearly arbitrary or capricious. Ham v. North Carolina, 471 F.2d 406, 1973 U.S. App. LEXIS 12212 (4th Cir. 1973).

Allowance of Gained Time. —

Allowance of gained time is a discretionary act of the State prison administrative body, and decisions as to its allowance will not be upset by the federal courts unless clearly arbitrary or capricious. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Courts Are Not Authorized to Deal with Giving or Withholding Such Rewards. —

Giving or withholding of the rewards and privileges under these rules is not a matter with which the courts are authorized to deal. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965); Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

The giving or withholding of the rewards and privileges under rules and regulations authorized by § 148-11 is not a matter with which the courts are authorized to deal. State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968).

Discretion of Secretary to Determine Allowance and Forfeiture of Gained Time. —

State law vests authority to determine allowance and forfeiture of gained time in the Director of Prisons (now Secretary of Correction) to be exercised in his sound discretion. Patton v. Ross, 267 F. Supp. 387, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8322 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Service on a vacated sentence must be considered in determining defendant’s gained time, if any, on account of good behavior. Patton v. Ross, 267 F. Supp. 387, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8322 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Benefits Depend on Conduct. —

Whether a prisoner shall benefit by the rules and regulations authorized by G.S. 148-11 depends on his own conduct. State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968).

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole Are Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

In Mitigation of Terms of Judgment. —

The grant of honor-grade status, work release, and parole is by way of mitigating the terms of the judgment which the court has entered. The legality and propriety of the trial and sentence have already been determined after the prisoner has been heard and his constitutional rights have been accorded him. The merits of the trial and the validity of the judgment may not again be raised before the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (now Parole Commission). Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Involving Policy Decisions. —

Whether a prisoner is entitled to honor-grade status, work release, or parole involves policy decisions which should be decided by the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (Parole Commission). These agencies are charged with the duty of making such decisions and are properly given means of discharging it not available to the courts. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Mitigation of Sentence Not the Right of the Prisoner. —

While a prisoner takes with him into the prison certain rights which may not be denied him, the legal right to the mitigation of his punishment is not one of them. It is contemplated as a part of his rehabilitation that he earn his right to honor-grade status, work release, or parole. The decision is not in the nature of an adversary proceeding under rules of evidence. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Inmate Being Considered for Honor-Grade Status or Work Release Is Not Entitled to Procedural Due Process. —

An inmate being considered for honor-grade status or work release is not entitled, either under the State or federal Constitutions, to procedural due process rights. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

Judges still have discretion to increase or reduce sentences from the presumptive term upon findings of aggravating or mitigating factors, the weighing of which is a matter within their sound discretion. The balance struck by the trial judge will not be disturbed if there is support in the record for his determination. State v. Stone, 71 N.C. App. 417, 322 S.E.2d 413, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3861 (1984).

Trial judge’s remarks concerning the effect of “good time” and “gain time”, which were not an expression of dissatisfaction with the length of time convicted criminals must serve in prison, but were made in an effort to respond to defense counsel’s impassioned argument concerning the fact that the defendant would be required to serve other sentences totalling four years at the expiration of the sentence at issue, could not be said to indicate that the trial court was using the sentencing process to thwart the Fair Sentencing Act. State v. Swimm, 316 N.C. 24 , 340 S.E.2d 65, 1986 N.C. LEXIS 1903 (1986).

Life Sentences. —

Trial court erred in finding that two inmates were eligible to reduce their Class C life sentences by gain and meritorious time credits for the purpose of determining their parole eligibility dates, as (1) sentence reduction credit regulations promulgated under former G.S. 148-13(c) and (d) did not apply to Class C life sentences, and (2) the Secretary of Correction had not passed regulations under former G.S. 148-13(b) to apply good, gain, and meritorious time credits to life sentences. Teasley v. Beck, 155 N.C. App. 282, 574 S.E.2d 137, 2002 N.C. App. LEXIS 1600 (2002).

Lower courts erred in ruling that defendant’s credits should be applied to his sentence, including an unconditional release date, because defendant — whose death sentence had been vacated and replaced with a life sentence — was lawfully incarcerated, the nature and severity of his offenses remained the same and the Department of Correction had discretion in governing him and had never applied credits towards the calculation of an unconditional release date for similar inmates. State v. Bowden, 367 N.C. 680 , 766 S.E.2d 320, 2014 N.C. LEXIS 954 (2014), cert. denied, 577 U.S. 1029, 136 S. Ct. 583, 193 L. Ed. 2d 467, 2015 U.S. LEXIS 7702 (2015).

§ 148-13. Regulations as to custody grades, privileges, gain time credit, etc. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may issue regulations regarding the grades of custody in which State prisoners are kept, the privileges and restrictions applicable to each custody grade, and the amount of cash, clothing, etc., to be awarded to State prisoners after their discharge or parole. The amount of cash awarded to a prisoner upon discharge or parole after being incarcerated for two years or longer shall be at least forty-five dollars ($45.00). (a1) The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall adopt rules to specify the rates at, and circumstances under, which earned time authorized by G.S. 15A-1340.13(d) and G.S. 15A-1340.20(d) may be earned or forfeited by persons serving activated sentences of imprisonment for felony or misdemeanor convictions. Such rules shall include any person serving an activated sentence of imprisonment who is confined in a detention facility approved by the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.
  2. With respect to prisoners who are serving sentences for impaired driving offenses under G.S. 20-138.1 , the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may, in the Secretary’s discretion, issue regulations regarding deductions of time from the terms of such prisoners for good behavior, meritorious conduct, work or study, participation in rehabilitation programs, and the like.
  3. ,  (d) Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 538, s. 32, effective January 1, 1995.

    (e) The Secretary’s regulations concerning earned time and good time credits authorized by this section shall be distributed to and followed by local jail administrators and by personnel of the Division of Juvenile Justice or personnel approved by the Division of Juvenile Justice with regard to sentenced jail prisoners, including prisoners housed in a detention facility approved by the Division of Juvenile Justice.

    (f) The provisions of this section do not apply to persons sentenced to a term of special probation under G.S. 15A-1344(e) or G.S. 15A-1351(a).

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 23; 1935, c. 414, s. 15; 1937, c. 88, s. 1; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 6; 1979, c. 760, s. 4; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, ss. 43-47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; c. 662, ss. 8, 9; 1983, c. 560, s. 3; 1985, c. 310, ss. 1-4; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1086, s. 120(a); 1991, c. 187, s. 3; 1993, c. 538, s. 32; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e); 2020-83, s. 8(l); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(dddd).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-13 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(g), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e), applicable to (i) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20 138.1 on or after January 1, 2015, and (ii) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for all other misdemeanors other than impaired driving under G.S. 20 138.1 on or after October 1, 2014.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(p), made the amendment of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8( l ), effective August 1, 2020, and applicable to offenses committed, sentences imposed, and any other orders of imprisonment issued on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(dddd), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(e), effective July 1, 2014, substituted “sentences” for “prison or jail terms” in subsection (b); and inserted “and good time” in subsection (e). See Editor’s note for applicability.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8( l ), added the second sentence in subsection (a1); and rewrote subsection (e). For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(dddd), in subsections (a), (a1) and (b), substituted “The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “The Secretary of Public Safety”; substituted “the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” for “the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” at the end of subsection (a1); substituted “in the Secretary’s discretion,” for “in his discretion” in subsection (b); and, in subsection (e), substituted “Division of Juvenile Justice” for “Juvenile Justice Section” twice, and substituted “Division of Juvenile Justice” for “Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” at the end. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “The Fair Sentencing Act: Exploring Solutions to Unintended Interpretations of Law,” see 32 N.C. Cent. L. Rev. 115 (2009).

CASE NOTES

Editor’s Note. —

Most of the cases cited below were decided under this section as it read prior to the 1979 amendment thereto.

Rules as to “Good Time” Rewards Are Strictly Administrative. —

Prison rules and regulations respecting rewards and privileges for good conduct (“good time”) are strictly administrative and not judicial. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965); State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968); Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

As Are Grades Established for “Gain Time.” —

The grades established for “gain time” based on differences in work assignment are matters of prison administration, to be disturbed only if clearly arbitrary or capricious. Ham v. North Carolina, 471 F.2d 406, 1973 U.S. App. LEXIS 12212 (4th Cir. 1973).

Allowance of Gained Time. —

Allowance of gained time is a discretionary act of the State prison administrative body, and decisions as to its allowance will not be upset by the federal courts unless clearly arbitrary or capricious. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Courts Are Not Authorized to Deal with Giving or Withholding Such Rewards. —

Giving or withholding of the rewards and privileges under these rules is not a matter with which the courts are authorized to deal. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965); Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

The giving or withholding of the rewards and privileges under rules and regulations authorized by § 148-11 is not a matter with which the courts are authorized to deal. State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968).

Discretion of Secretary to Determine Allowance and Forfeiture of Gained Time. —

State law vests authority to determine allowance and forfeiture of gained time in the Director of Prisons (now Secretary of Correction) to be exercised in his sound discretion. Patton v. Ross, 267 F. Supp. 387, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8322 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Service on a vacated sentence must be considered in determining defendant’s gained time, if any, on account of good behavior. Patton v. Ross, 267 F. Supp. 387, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8322 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Benefits Depend on Conduct. —

Whether a prisoner shall benefit by the rules and regulations authorized by G.S. 148-11 depends on his own conduct. State v. McCall, 273 N.C. 135 , 159 S.E.2d 316, 1968 N.C. LEXIS 574 (1968).

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole Are Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

In Mitigation of Terms of Judgment. —

The grant of honor-grade status, work release, and parole is by way of mitigating the terms of the judgment which the court has entered. The legality and propriety of the trial and sentence have already been determined after the prisoner has been heard and his constitutional rights have been accorded him. The merits of the trial and the validity of the judgment may not again be raised before the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (now Parole Commission). Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Involving Policy Decisions. —

Whether a prisoner is entitled to honor-grade status, work release, or parole involves policy decisions which should be decided by the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (Parole Commission). These agencies are charged with the duty of making such decisions and are properly given means of discharging it not available to the courts. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Mitigation of Sentence Not the Right of the Prisoner. —

While a prisoner takes with him into the prison certain rights which may not be denied him, the legal right to the mitigation of his punishment is not one of them. It is contemplated as a part of his rehabilitation that he earn his right to honor-grade status, work release, or parole. The decision is not in the nature of an adversary proceeding under rules of evidence. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

Inmate Being Considered for Honor-Grade Status or Work Release Is Not Entitled to Procedural Due Process. —

An inmate being considered for honor-grade status or work release is not entitled, either under the State or federal Constitutions, to procedural due process rights. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

Judges still have discretion to increase or reduce sentences from the presumptive term upon findings of aggravating or mitigating factors, the weighing of which is a matter within their sound discretion. The balance struck by the trial judge will not be disturbed if there is support in the record for his determination. State v. Stone, 71 N.C. App. 417, 322 S.E.2d 413, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3861 (1984).

Trial judge’s remarks concerning the effect of “good time” and “gain time”, which were not an expression of dissatisfaction with the length of time convicted criminals must serve in prison, but were made in an effort to respond to defense counsel’s impassioned argument concerning the fact that the defendant would be required to serve other sentences totalling four years at the expiration of the sentence at issue, could not be said to indicate that the trial court was using the sentencing process to thwart the Fair Sentencing Act. State v. Swimm, 316 N.C. 24 , 340 S.E.2d 65, 1986 N.C. LEXIS 1903 (1986).

Life Sentences. —

Trial court erred in finding that two inmates were eligible to reduce their Class C life sentences by gain and meritorious time credits for the purpose of determining their parole eligibility dates, as (1) sentence reduction credit regulations promulgated under former G.S. 148-13(c) and (d) did not apply to Class C life sentences, and (2) the Secretary of Correction had not passed regulations under former G.S. 148-13(b) to apply good, gain, and meritorious time credits to life sentences. Teasley v. Beck, 155 N.C. App. 282, 574 S.E.2d 137, 2002 N.C. App. LEXIS 1600 (2002).

Lower courts erred in ruling that defendant’s credits should be applied to his sentence, including an unconditional release date, because defendant — whose death sentence had been vacated and replaced with a life sentence — was lawfully incarcerated, the nature and severity of his offenses remained the same and the Department of Correction had discretion in governing him and had never applied credits towards the calculation of an unconditional release date for similar inmates. State v. Bowden, 367 N.C. 680 , 766 S.E.2d 320, 2014 N.C. LEXIS 954 (2014), cert. denied, 577 U.S. 1029, 136 S. Ct. 583, 193 L. Ed. 2d 467, 2015 U.S. LEXIS 7702 (2015).

§§ 148-14 through 148-17. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1943, c. 409.

§ 148-18. Wages, allowances and loans. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Prisoners employed by Correction Enterprises shall be compensated as set forth in Article 14 of this Chapter. Prisoners participating in work assignments established by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be compensated at rates fixed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety’s rules and regulations; provided, that no prisoner so paid shall receive more than one dollar ($1.00) per day, unless the Secretary determines that the work assignment requires special skills or training. Upon approval of the Secretary, inmates working in job assignments requiring special skills or training may be paid up to three dollars ($3.00) per day. The Correction Enterprises Fund shall be the source of wages and allowances provided to inmates who are employed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in work assignments established by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.
  2. A prisoner shall be required to contribute to the support of any of his dependents residing in North Carolina who may be receiving public assistance during the period of commitment if funds available to the prisoner are adequate for such purpose. The dependency status and need shall be determined by the department of social services in the county of North Carolina in which such dependents reside.
  3. Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 233, s. 2.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 19; 1967, c. 996, s. 3; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 506, s. 3; c. 716, s. 7; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 5; 1993, c. 321, s. 175; 1995, c. 233, s. 2; 2007-280, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, ss. 2(ggggggg), 3(a).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, which amended G.S. 148-26 and added G.S. 148-26.1 through 148-26.5, provided in s. 4: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26 (b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 3, effective August 1, 2007, rewrote subsection (a).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ggggggg), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (r), throughout subsection (a), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

§ 148-18. Wages, allowances and loans. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Prisoners employed by Correction Enterprises shall be compensated as set forth in Article 14 of this Chapter. Prisoners participating in work assignments established by the Division of Prisons shall be compensated at rates fixed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction’s rules and regulations; provided, that no prisoner so paid shall receive more than one dollar ($1.00) per day, unless the Secretary determines that the work assignment requires special skills or training. Upon approval of the Secretary, inmates working in job assignments requiring special skills or training may be paid up to three dollars ($3.00) per day. The Correction Enterprises Fund shall be the source of wages and allowances provided to inmates who are employed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in work assignments established by the Division of Prisons.
  2. A prisoner shall be required to contribute to the support of any of his dependents residing in North Carolina who may be receiving public assistance during the period of commitment if funds available to the prisoner are adequate for such purpose. The dependency status and need shall be determined by the department of social services in the county of North Carolina in which such dependents reside.
  3. Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 233, s. 2.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 19; 1967, c. 996, s. 3; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 506, s. 3; c. 716, s. 7; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 5; 1993, c. 321, s. 175; 1995, c. 233, s. 2; 2007-280, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, ss. 2(ggggggg), 3(a); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (r).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, which amended G.S. 148-26 and added G.S. 148-26.1 through 148-26.5, provided in s. 4: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26 (b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 3, effective August 1, 2007, rewrote subsection (a).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ggggggg), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (r), throughout subsection (a), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

§ 148-18.1. Confiscation of unauthorized articles. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Any item of personal property which a prisoner in any correctional facility is prohibited from possessing by State law or which is not authorized by rules adopted by the Secretary of Public Safety shall, when found in the possession of a prisoner, be confiscated and destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the Secretary may direct. Any unauthorized funds confiscated under this section or funds from the sale of confiscated property shall be deposited to Inmate Welfare Fund maintained by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1983, c. 289, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhh).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Constitutionality. —

This section and the regulations of the North Carolina Department of Correction which implement the statute do not violate petitioner’s rights under U.S. Const., Amend. XIV or the law of the land clause of N.C. Const., Art. I, § 19. In re Smith, 82 N.C. App. 107, 345 S.E.2d 423, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 2406 (1986).

This section and the Department of Correction regulations implementing the statute provide necessary due process procedural safeguards and meet substantive due process requirements. In re Smith, 82 N.C. App. 107, 345 S.E.2d 423, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 2406 (1986).

§ 148-18.1. Confiscation of unauthorized articles. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Any item of personal property which a prisoner in any correctional facility is prohibited from possessing by State law or which is not authorized by rules adopted by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall, when found in the possession of a prisoner, be confiscated and destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the Secretary may direct. Any unauthorized funds confiscated under this section or funds from the sale of confiscated property shall be deposited to Inmate Welfare Fund maintained by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1983, c. 289, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhh); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the main volume.

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Constitutionality. —

This section and the regulations of the North Carolina Department of Correction which implement the statute do not violate petitioner’s rights under U.S. Const., Amend. XIV or the law of the land clause of N.C. Const., Art. I, § 19. In re Smith, 82 N.C. App. 107, 345 S.E.2d 423, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 2406 (1986).

This section and the Department of Correction regulations implementing the statute provide necessary due process procedural safeguards and meet substantive due process requirements. In re Smith, 82 N.C. App. 107, 345 S.E.2d 423, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 2406 (1986).

§ 148-19. Health services. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The general policies, rules, and regulations of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall prescribe standards for health services to prisoners, which shall include preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures on both an outpatient and a hospital basis, for all types of patients. A prisoner may be taken, when necessary, to a medical facility outside the State prison system. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall seek the cooperation of public and private agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals in the development of adequate health services to prisoners.
  2. Upon request of the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may detail personnel employed by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of supervising and furnishing medical, psychiatric, psychological, dental, and other technical and scientific services to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. The compensation, allowances, and expenses of the personnel detailed under this section may be paid from applicable appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, and may be reimbursed from applicable appropriations to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. The Secretary of Public Safety may make similar arrangements with any other agency of State government able and willing to aid the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety to meet the needs of prisoners for health services.
  3. Each prisoner committed to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall receive a physical and mental examination by a health care professional authorized by the North Carolina Medical Board to perform the examinations as soon as practicable after admission and before being assigned to work. The prisoner’s work and other assignments shall be made with due regard for the prisoner’s physical and mental condition.
  4. The Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall adopt standards for the delivery of mental health and intellectual and other developmental disability services to inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. The Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall give the Secretary of Public Safety an opportunity to review and comment on proposed standards prior to promulgation of the standards; however, final authority to determine the standards remains with the Commission. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall designate an agency or agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services to monitor the implementation by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety of these standards and of substance abuse standards adopted by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 22; C.S., s. 7727; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 4; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 332; c. 679, s. 7; 1981, c. 51, s. 6; c. 707, ss. 1, 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 55.1; 1991, c. 405, s. 1; 1995, c. 94, s. 36; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-266, s. 1.17(b); 2012-83, s. 61; 2013-360, s. 12A.12; 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiii); 2019-76, s. 28.

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-19 .

Telemedicine Pilot Program for Inmates.

Session Laws 2019-135, s. 6(a)-(d), provides: “(a) By August 1, 2019, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety on the feasibility study of telehealth services referenced in the February 2019 Memorandum of Agreement between the Department and UNC Health Care.

“(b) The Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall establish a telemedicine pilot program to provide physical health services to inmates in remote correctional facilities. The pilot program shall be established with consideration of the results of the study referenced in subsection (a) of this section. The goal of the pilot program is to assess whether the use of telemedicine decreases costs for inmate transportation, custody, and outside providers while improving access to care. While designing the telemedicine pilot program, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall consult UNC Health Care; the 2012 University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School report on telemedicine; and Finding 6, Report Number 2018-08, from the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee. The telemedicine pilot program shall initially be established in two correctional facilities serving male inmates. One pilot site shall be located in a correctional facility in the eastern portion of the State and one pilot site shall be located in a correctional facility in the western portion of the State. The pilot program design must connect the two correctional facility pilot sites with the Central Prison Healthcare Complex and its contracted providers’ facilities and shall be operational on or before January 1, 2020.

“(c) The ability to assess, measure, and evaluate the telemedicine pilot program shall be integral to the pilot program design. Assessment of the pilot program shall include, but is not limited to, the following measures for each correctional facility pilot site:

“(1) Number and cost of telemedicine encounters by service area.

“(2) Comparison of the number and cost of telemedicine encounters, by service area, to:

“a. The number of in-person encounters provided the previous year to inmates housed at that facility; and

“b. The number of in-person encounters provided during the pilot period at similar correctional facilities not participating in the pilot.

“(3) Comparison of the number of days lapsed between referral date and treatment date, by service area, to:

“a. The number of days lapsed the previous year in that facility; and

“b. The number of days lapsed during the pilot period at similar correctional facilities not participating in the pilot.

“(4) Amount of inmate transportation and custody costs avoided from receiving telemedicine.

“(5) Amount of provider transportation costs avoided from providing telemedicine.

“(6) Cost of initial telemedicine equipment and other related costs with descriptions.

“(7) Obstacles and concerns related to expanding telemedicine to other correctional facilities.

“(d) On or before January 1, 2020, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall provide an interim report on the assessment criteria outlined in subsection (c) of this section, including any additional findings and recommendations, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services. On or before January 1, 2021, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the assessment criteria outlined in subsection (c) of this section, including any additional findings, and shall make recommendations on whether to expand the telemedicine pilot program to additional sites, including accompanying costs and anticipated savings, and recommendations on which correctional facilities would be most advantageous to include in the pilot due to lack of access or costs associated with transportation and custody.”

Nurse Staffing at State Prisons Report.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.5(a), (b), provides: “(a) The Department of Public Safety shall report the following information to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety by February 1, 2022, and by February 1, 2023:

“(1) The total number of permanent nursing positions allocated to the Department, the number of filled positions, the number of positions that have been vacant for more than six months, and information regarding the location of both filled and vacant positions.

“(2) The extent to which temporary contract services are being used to staff vacant nursing positions, the method for funding the contract services, and any cost differences between the use of permanent employees versus contract employees.

“(3) A progress report on the implementation of its plan to (i) reduce the use of contract services to provide nursing in State prisons and (ii) attract and retain qualified nurses for employment in permanent positions in State prisons.

“(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Public Safety may, in its discretion and subject to the approval of the Office of State Budget and Management, convert funds appropriated for contractual nursing services to permanent nursing positions when it is determined to promote security, generate cost savings, and improve health care quality. The Department shall report on any such conversions to the Fiscal Research Division.”

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 33, provides: “Parts I and II of this act do not affect the coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or provision of State or federal services or benefits for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental retardation and whose diagnosis has not been changed to a diagnosis of intellectual disability.”

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 34, made the amendments by Session Laws 2019-76, s. 28, effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to proceedings commenced or services rendered on or after that date.

Session Laws 2019-135, s. 1(a), (b), provides: “(a) To contain medical costs for inmates as required by G.S. 143B-707.3(b), the Department of Public Safety shall develop a plan to increase the use of the Central Prison Healthcare Complex (hereinafter ‘CPHC’) which shall include all of the following:

“(1) Strategies, policies, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that non-life-threatening emergencies for male inmates within a 60-mile radius of Raleigh are treated at the CPHC urgent care facility. As part of this effort, DPS shall consider the use of telemedicine.

“(2) A cost comparison of health care services performed at CPHC and the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (hereinafter ‘NCCIW’) and health care services performed by outside contracted providers. The cost comparison shall include the cost of transporting inmates to and from outside contracted providers.

“(3) A comprehensive review of the current usage of health care facilities at CPHC and NCCIW and the potential to maximize usage of those facilities through (i) increasing the usage of CPHC’s facilities for general anesthesia procedures and increasing usage of existing on-site equipment, (ii) selling equipment no longer in use or not in use due to staffing changes, (iii) increasing the provision of health care services available at CPHC to female inmates, and (iv) identifying potential CPHC expenditures that would ultimately result in demonstrated cost savings.

“(4) Methods to contain costs for palliative and long-term health care services for inmates.”

“(b) By December 1, 2019, the Department of Public Safety shall submit the plan required by subsection (a) of this section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety shall also submit its progress made in achieving cost savings under the plan, the amount of any actual and estimated cost savings, and any obstacles to increasing the usage of the health services facilities at CPHC and NCCIW.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.5, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-266, s. 1.17(b), effective July 1, 2011, deleted “upon the advice of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council established pursuant to G.S. 143B-270 ” from the end of the third sentence in subsection (d).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiii), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 28, effective October 1, 2019, inserted “may be” preceding “reimbursed from” in the second sentence of subsection (b); substituted “intellectual and other developmental disability” for “mental retardation” in the first sentence of subsection (c); and made stylistic changes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Basic Health Services for Prisoners. —

In compliance with this section, 5 N.C. Admin. Code § 02E.0201 (1987) charges the director, division of prisons, with the responsibility of providing each prisoner the services necessary to maintain basic health. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 108 S. Ct. 2250, 101 L. Ed. 2d 40, 1988 U.S. LEXIS 2744 (1988).

Prison Health Clinician Was Agent of Sheriff. —

Because a sheriff had a nondelegable duty to provide medical care to inmates, defendant, who was employed by prison health services as a mental health clinician, was an agent of the sheriff as a matter of law; in a prosecution for sexual activity by a custodian, the trial court did not err in barring in limine the introduction of a contract, which according to defendant showed that he was an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the sheriff’s office, because as a matter of law defendant was acting as an agent of the sheriff when the crimes were allegedly committed. State v. Wilson, 183 N.C. App. 100, 643 S.E.2d 620, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 844 (2007), modified, aff'd, 362 N.C. 162 , 655 S.E.2d 359, 2008 N.C. LEXIS 32 (2008).

The Department of Correction has a duty to provide adequate medical care to inmates in its custody, and the duty is of such great importance that the State cannot avoid liability by contracting with someone else to perform it. Medley v. North Carolina Dep't of Cor., 330 N.C. 837 , 412 S.E.2d 654, 1992 N.C. LEXIS 65 (1992).

Decision to Employ Physicians Policy Decision. —

In an inmate’s action alleging medical malpractice against physicians employed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the trial court did not err in denying the physicians’ motions to dismiss on the ground of public official immunity because the physicians were not public officials entitled to immunity; DPS’s decision to employ its own physicians appears to be a policy decision. Leonard v. Bell, 254 N.C. App. 694, 803 S.E.2d 445, 2017 N.C. App. LEXIS 638 (2017).

Additional Examinations. —

Whenever there is a change of physical or mental condition, it would seem to logically follow that a further examination is required under this section; however, the frequency of such examinations must, as a practical matter, be left to the sound discretion of prison authorities. Threatt v. North Carolina, 221 F. Supp. 858, 1963 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6735 (W.D.N.C. 1963).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Although Substance Abuse Advisory Council was not given any rule making authority of its own, the clear intent of the General Assembly was to give Council an active role in the formulation of policy governing the substance abuse program. Thus, Council was directed to give advice to Secretary of Correction as to any rules and regulations and on any other matters pertaining to program; however, 1987 legislation did not impose a duty upon the Commission for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to consult directly with Council; the Commission’s responsibility as set out in subsection (d) of this section was left untouched and is fulfilled by giving Secretary of Correction opportunity to review and comment on proposed standards for delivery of substance abuse services to inmates. Secretary of Correction should then consult with the Council under G.S. 143B-270 and 143B-271 in order to effectuate the legislatively intended role of the Council. See opinion of Attorney General to Substance Abuse Council, 60 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 27 (1990).

§ 148-19. Health services. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The general policies, rules, and regulations of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall prescribe standards for health services to prisoners, which shall include preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures on both an outpatient and a hospital basis, for all types of patients. A prisoner may be taken, when necessary, to a medical facility outside the State prison system. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall seek the cooperation of public and private agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals in the development of adequate health services to prisoners.
  2. Upon request of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may detail personnel employed by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for the purpose of supervising and furnishing medical, psychiatric, psychological, dental, and other technical and scientific services to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. The compensation, allowances, and expenses of the personnel detailed under this section may be paid from applicable appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, and may be reimbursed from applicable appropriations to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may make similar arrangements with any other agency of State government able and willing to aid the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction to meet the needs of prisoners for health services.
  3. Each prisoner committed to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall receive a physical and mental examination by a health care professional authorized by the North Carolina Medical Board to perform the examinations as soon as practicable after admission and before being assigned to work. The prisoner’s work and other assignments shall be made with due regard for the prisoner’s physical and mental condition.
  4. The Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall adopt standards for the delivery of mental health and intellectual and other developmental disability services to inmates in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. The Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall give the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction an opportunity to review and comment on proposed standards prior to promulgation of the standards; however, final authority to determine the standards remains with the Commission. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall designate an agency or agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services to monitor the implementation by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction of these standards and of substance abuse standards adopted by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 22; C.S., s. 7727; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 4; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 332; c. 679, s. 7; 1981, c. 51, s. 6; c. 707, ss. 1, 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 55.1; 1991, c. 405, s. 1; 1995, c. 94, s. 36; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-266, s. 1.17(b); 2012-83, s. 61; 2013-360, s. 12A.12; 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiii); 2019-76, s. 28; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-19 .

Telemedicine Pilot Program for Inmates.

Session Laws 2019-135, s. 6(a)-(d), provides: “(a) By August 1, 2019, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety on the feasibility study of telehealth services referenced in the February 2019 Memorandum of Agreement between the Department and UNC Health Care.

“(b) The Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall establish a telemedicine pilot program to provide physical health services to inmates in remote correctional facilities. The pilot program shall be established with consideration of the results of the study referenced in subsection (a) of this section. The goal of the pilot program is to assess whether the use of telemedicine decreases costs for inmate transportation, custody, and outside providers while improving access to care. While designing the telemedicine pilot program, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall consult UNC Health Care; the 2012 University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School report on telemedicine; and Finding 6, Report Number 2018-08, from the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee. The telemedicine pilot program shall initially be established in two correctional facilities serving male inmates. One pilot site shall be located in a correctional facility in the eastern portion of the State and one pilot site shall be located in a correctional facility in the western portion of the State. The pilot program design must connect the two correctional facility pilot sites with the Central Prison Healthcare Complex and its contracted providers’ facilities and shall be operational on or before January 1, 2020.

“(c) The ability to assess, measure, and evaluate the telemedicine pilot program shall be integral to the pilot program design. Assessment of the pilot program shall include, but is not limited to, the following measures for each correctional facility pilot site:

“(1) Number and cost of telemedicine encounters by service area.

“(2) Comparison of the number and cost of telemedicine encounters, by service area, to:

“a. The number of in-person encounters provided the previous year to inmates housed at that facility; and

“b. The number of in-person encounters provided during the pilot period at similar correctional facilities not participating in the pilot.

“(3) Comparison of the number of days lapsed between referral date and treatment date, by service area, to:

“a. The number of days lapsed the previous year in that facility; and

“b. The number of days lapsed during the pilot period at similar correctional facilities not participating in the pilot.

“(4) Amount of inmate transportation and custody costs avoided from receiving telemedicine.

“(5) Amount of provider transportation costs avoided from providing telemedicine.

“(6) Cost of initial telemedicine equipment and other related costs with descriptions.

“(7) Obstacles and concerns related to expanding telemedicine to other correctional facilities.

“(d) On or before January 1, 2020, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall provide an interim report on the assessment criteria outlined in subsection (c) of this section, including any additional findings and recommendations, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services. On or before January 1, 2021, the Department of Public Safety, Health Services Section, shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the assessment criteria outlined in subsection (c) of this section, including any additional findings, and shall make recommendations on whether to expand the telemedicine pilot program to additional sites, including accompanying costs and anticipated savings, and recommendations on which correctional facilities would be most advantageous to include in the pilot due to lack of access or costs associated with transportation and custody.”

Nurse Staffing at State Prisons Report.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.5(a), (b), provides: “(a) The Department of Public Safety shall report the following information to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety by February 1, 2022, and by February 1, 2023:

“(1) The total number of permanent nursing positions allocated to the Department, the number of filled positions, the number of positions that have been vacant for more than six months, and information regarding the location of both filled and vacant positions.

“(2) The extent to which temporary contract services are being used to staff vacant nursing positions, the method for funding the contract services, and any cost differences between the use of permanent employees versus contract employees.

“(3) A progress report on the implementation of its plan to (i) reduce the use of contract services to provide nursing in State prisons and (ii) attract and retain qualified nurses for employment in permanent positions in State prisons.

“(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Public Safety may, in its discretion and subject to the approval of the Office of State Budget and Management, convert funds appropriated for contractual nursing services to permanent nursing positions when it is determined to promote security, generate cost savings, and improve health care quality. The Department shall report on any such conversions to the Fiscal Research Division.”

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 33, provides: “Parts I and II of this act do not affect the coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or provision of State or federal services or benefits for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental retardation and whose diagnosis has not been changed to a diagnosis of intellectual disability.”

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 34, made the amendments by Session Laws 2019-76, s. 28, effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to proceedings commenced or services rendered on or after that date.

Session Laws 2019-135, s. 1(a), (b), provides: “(a) To contain medical costs for inmates as required by G.S. 143B-707.3(b), the Department of Public Safety shall develop a plan to increase the use of the Central Prison Healthcare Complex (hereinafter ‘CPHC’) which shall include all of the following:

“(1) Strategies, policies, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that non-life-threatening emergencies for male inmates within a 60-mile radius of Raleigh are treated at the CPHC urgent care facility. As part of this effort, DPS shall consider the use of telemedicine.

“(2) A cost comparison of health care services performed at CPHC and the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (hereinafter ‘NCCIW’) and health care services performed by outside contracted providers. The cost comparison shall include the cost of transporting inmates to and from outside contracted providers.

“(3) A comprehensive review of the current usage of health care facilities at CPHC and NCCIW and the potential to maximize usage of those facilities through (i) increasing the usage of CPHC’s facilities for general anesthesia procedures and increasing usage of existing on-site equipment, (ii) selling equipment no longer in use or not in use due to staffing changes, (iii) increasing the provision of health care services available at CPHC to female inmates, and (iv) identifying potential CPHC expenditures that would ultimately result in demonstrated cost savings.

“(4) Methods to contain costs for palliative and long-term health care services for inmates.”

“(b) By December 1, 2019, the Department of Public Safety shall submit the plan required by subsection (a) of this section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety shall also submit its progress made in achieving cost savings under the plan, the amount of any actual and estimated cost savings, and any obstacles to increasing the usage of the health services facilities at CPHC and NCCIW.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.5, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-266, s. 1.17(b), effective July 1, 2011, deleted “upon the advice of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council established pursuant to G.S. 143B-270 ” from the end of the third sentence in subsection (d).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiii), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 28, effective October 1, 2019, inserted “may be” preceding “reimbursed from” in the second sentence of subsection (b); substituted “intellectual and other developmental disability” for “mental retardation” in the first sentence of subsection (c); and made stylistic changes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Basic Health Services for Prisoners. —

In compliance with this section, 5 N.C. Admin. Code § 02E.0201 (1987) charges the director, division of prisons, with the responsibility of providing each prisoner the services necessary to maintain basic health. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 108 S. Ct. 2250, 101 L. Ed. 2d 40, 1988 U.S. LEXIS 2744 (1988).

Prison Health Clinician Was Agent of Sheriff. —

Because a sheriff had a nondelegable duty to provide medical care to inmates, defendant, who was employed by prison health services as a mental health clinician, was an agent of the sheriff as a matter of law; in a prosecution for sexual activity by a custodian, the trial court did not err in barring in limine the introduction of a contract, which according to defendant showed that he was an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the sheriff’s office, because as a matter of law defendant was acting as an agent of the sheriff when the crimes were allegedly committed. State v. Wilson, 183 N.C. App. 100, 643 S.E.2d 620, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 844 (2007), modified, aff'd, 362 N.C. 162 , 655 S.E.2d 359, 2008 N.C. LEXIS 32 (2008).

The Department of Correction has a duty to provide adequate medical care to inmates in its custody, and the duty is of such great importance that the State cannot avoid liability by contracting with someone else to perform it. Medley v. North Carolina Dep't of Cor., 330 N.C. 837 , 412 S.E.2d 654, 1992 N.C. LEXIS 65 (1992).

Decision to Employ Physicians Policy Decision. —

In an inmate’s action alleging medical malpractice against physicians employed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the trial court did not err in denying the physicians’ motions to dismiss on the ground of public official immunity because the physicians were not public officials entitled to immunity; DPS’s decision to employ its own physicians appears to be a policy decision. Leonard v. Bell, 254 N.C. App. 694, 803 S.E.2d 445, 2017 N.C. App. LEXIS 638 (2017).

Additional Examinations. —

Whenever there is a change of physical or mental condition, it would seem to logically follow that a further examination is required under this section; however, the frequency of such examinations must, as a practical matter, be left to the sound discretion of prison authorities. Threatt v. North Carolina, 221 F. Supp. 858, 1963 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6735 (W.D.N.C. 1963).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Although Substance Abuse Advisory Council was not given any rule making authority of its own, the clear intent of the General Assembly was to give Council an active role in the formulation of policy governing the substance abuse program. Thus, Council was directed to give advice to Secretary of Correction as to any rules and regulations and on any other matters pertaining to program; however, 1987 legislation did not impose a duty upon the Commission for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to consult directly with Council; the Commission’s responsibility as set out in subsection (d) of this section was left untouched and is fulfilled by giving Secretary of Correction opportunity to review and comment on proposed standards for delivery of substance abuse services to inmates. Secretary of Correction should then consult with the Council under G.S. 143B-270 and 143B-271 in order to effectuate the legislatively intended role of the Council. See opinion of Attorney General to Substance Abuse Council, 60 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 27 (1990).

§ 148-19.1. Exemption from licensure and certificate of need. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse facilities that provide services exclusively to inmates of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall be exempt from licensure by the Department of Health and Human Services under Chapter 122C of the General Statutes. If an inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse facility provides services both to inmates of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and to members of the general public, the portion of the facility that serves inmates shall be exempt from licensure.
  2. Any person who contracts to provide inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse services to inmates of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may construct and operate a new chemical dependency or substance abuse facility for that purpose without first obtaining a certificate of need from the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Article 9 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes. However, a new facility or addition developed for that purpose without a certificate of need shall not be licensed pursuant to Chapter 122C of the General Statutes and shall not admit anyone other than inmates unless the owner or operator first obtains a certificate of need.

History. 2001-424, s. 25.19(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjj).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-19.1 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(eeee), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjj), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(eeee), in subsection (a), substituted “the Department of Adult Correction or offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence and, in the last sentence, inserted “or offenders under supervision” twice and deleted “of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” following “both to inmates”; and substituted “Department of Adult Correction or to offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (b).

§ 148-19.1. Exemption from licensure and certificate of need. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse facilities that provide services exclusively to inmates of the Department of Adult Correction or offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction shall be exempt from licensure by the Department of Health and Human Services under Chapter 122C of the General Statutes. If an inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse facility provides services both to inmates or offenders under supervision and to members of the general public, the portion of the facility that serves inmates or offenders under supervision shall be exempt from licensure.
  2. Any person who contracts to provide inpatient chemical dependency or substance abuse services to inmates of the Department of Adult Correction or to offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction may construct and operate a new chemical dependency or substance abuse facility for that purpose without first obtaining a certificate of need from the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Article 9 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes. However, a new facility or addition developed for that purpose without a certificate of need shall not be licensed pursuant to Chapter 122C of the General Statutes and shall not admit anyone other than inmates unless the owner or operator first obtains a certificate of need.

History. 2001-424, s. 25.19(a); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjj); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(eeee).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-19.1 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(eeee), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjj), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(eeee), in subsection (a), substituted “the Department of Adult Correction or offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence and, in the last sentence, inserted “or offenders under supervision” twice and deleted “of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” following “both to inmates”; and substituted “Department of Adult Correction or to offenders under the supervision of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (b).

§ 148-19.2. Mandatory HIV testing. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Each person sentenced to imprisonment and committed to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall be tested to determine whether the person is HIV positive.

Each inmate who has not previously tested positive for HIV shall also be tested:

  1. Not less than once every four years from the date of that inmate’s initial testing.
  2. Prior to the inmate’s release from the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, except that testing is not mandatory prior to the release of an inmate who has been tested within one year of the inmate’s release date.In each case, the results of the test shall be reported to the inmate. If an inmate tests positive for HIV, that inmate shall be referred to public health officials for counseling.

History. 2013-360, s. 16C.15(a); 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkk).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkk), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the first paragraph and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in paragraph (2). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-19.2. Mandatory HIV testing. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Each person sentenced to imprisonment and committed to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall be tested to determine whether the person is HIV positive.

Each inmate who has not previously tested positive for HIV shall also be tested:

  1. Not less than once every four years from the date of that inmate’s initial testing.
  2. Prior to the inmate’s release from the custody of the Division of Prisons, except that testing is not mandatory prior to the release of an inmate who has been tested within one year of the inmate’s release date.In each case, the results of the test shall be reported to the inmate. If an inmate tests positive for HIV, that inmate shall be referred to public health officials for counseling.

History. 2013-360, s. 16C.15(a); 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkk); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkk), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the first paragraph and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in paragraph (2). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-19.3. Health care services to county prisoners.

  1. All charges that are the responsibility of the transferring county for health care services provided to prisoners held under a safekeeping order pursuant to G.S. 162-39 , or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1 , shall not be paid by the Department and shall be submitted by the health care provider to the Inmate Medical Costs Management Plan through the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association for the Plan to review and negotiate all charges for health care services to avoid overpayment and reduce overall health care service costs. The Department shall notify the health care provider when services are being provided to the prisoner that the invoice for health care services shall be submitted by the provider directly to the Plan. In the event an invoice is sent to the Department by a health care provider for health care services provided to a safekeeper under this section or G.S. 148-32.1 , the Department shall forward the invoice to the Plan within three days of receipt. All unreimbursed charges for health care services provided shall be documented and presented to the county for payment in accordance with G.S. 162-39 or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program in accordance with G.S. 148-32.1. Upon expiration of the terms of the order and a determination that the prisoner may be safely returned to the custody of the county, the Department shall notify the sheriff, or the sheriff’s designee, by telephone and electronic mail and request the transfer of the prisoner to the custody of the county.
  2. The Department shall update the medical services schedule of charges assessed to counties for the provision of health care services to county prisoners housed in the State prison system pursuant to safekeeping orders under G.S. 162-39 or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program under G.S. 148-32.1 . In updating the schedule of charges, at a minimum, the Department shall consider the actual rate for services provided and current established Medicaid rates for respective services. The schedule of charges shall be updated annually and shall be included in the Department’s policies and procedures. The Department shall assess charges to counties for health care services provided to county prisoners at all State prison facilities.

History. 2019-171, s. 2(a); 2020-83, s. 9(a).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2019-171, s. 3 made this section effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to all prisoners transferred on or after that date.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(c), made the amendment of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(a), effective July 1, 2020, and applicable to all prisoners transferred on or after that date.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(a), in subsection (a), inserted “or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1 ” in the first sentence, inserted “or G.S. 148-32.1 ” in the third sentence, and added “or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program in accordance with G.S. 148-32.1” in the next to last sentence; and added “or the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program under G.S. 148-32.1” in the first sentence of subsection (b). For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

§ 148-20. Corporal punishment of prisoners prohibited. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

It is unlawful for the Secretary of Public Safety or any other person having the care, custody, or control of any prisoner in this State to make or enforce any rule or regulation providing for the whipping, flogging, or administration of any similar corporal punishment of any prisoner, or to give any specific order for or cause to be administered or personally to administer or inflict any such corporal punishment.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 7; C.S., s. 7728; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1963, c. 1174, s. 1; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Striking Prisoner with Key Ring and Kicking Him into Cell Not Countenanced. —

Nothing contained in this section can be said to countenance striking the prisoner with a key ring or kicking him into his cell. Threatt v. North Carolina, 221 F. Supp. 858, 1963 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6735 (W.D.N.C. 1963).

For construction of section prior to 1963 as permitting whipping, see State v. Nipper, 166 N.C. 272 , 81 S.E. 164, 1914 N.C. LEXIS 394 (1914); State v. Mincher, 172 N.C. 895 , 90 S.E. 429, 1916 N.C. LEXIS 442 (1916); State v. Revis, 193 N.C. 192 , 136 S.E. 346, 1927 N.C. LEXIS 300 (1927).

§ 148-20. Corporal punishment of prisoners prohibited. [Effective January 1, 2023]

It is unlawful for the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction or any other person having the care, custody, or control of any prisoner in this State to make or enforce any rule or regulation providing for the whipping, flogging, or administration of any similar corporal punishment of any prisoner, or to give any specific order for or cause to be administered or personally to administer or inflict any such corporal punishment.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 7; C.S., s. 7728; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1963, c. 1174, s. 1; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Striking Prisoner with Key Ring and Kicking Him into Cell Not Countenanced. —

Nothing contained in this section can be said to countenance striking the prisoner with a key ring or kicking him into his cell. Threatt v. North Carolina, 221 F. Supp. 858, 1963 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6735 (W.D.N.C. 1963).

For construction of section prior to 1963 as permitting whipping, see State v. Nipper, 166 N.C. 272 , 81 S.E. 164, 1914 N.C. LEXIS 394 (1914); State v. Mincher, 172 N.C. 895 , 90 S.E. 429, 1916 N.C. LEXIS 442 (1916); State v. Revis, 193 N.C. 192 , 136 S.E. 346, 1927 N.C. LEXIS 300 (1927).

§ 148-21. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1963, c. 1174, s. 5.

§ 148-22. Treatment programs. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The general policies, rules, and regulations of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall provide for humane treatment of prisoners and for programs to effect their correction and return to the community as promptly as practicable. Visits and correspondence between prisoners and approved friends shall be authorized under reasonable conditions, and family members shall be permitted and encouraged to maintain close contact with the prisoners unless the contacts prove to be hurtful. Casework, counseling, and psychotherapy services provided to prisoners may be extended to include members of the prisoner’s family if practicable and necessary to achieve the purposes of the programs. Education, library, recreation, and vocational training programs shall be developed so as to coordinate with corresponding services and opportunities which will be available to the prisoner when he or she is released. Programs may be established for the treatment and training of prisoners with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and other special groups. These programs may be operated in segregated sections of facilities housing other prisoners or in separate facilities.
  2. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may cooperate with and seek the cooperation of public and private agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals in the development and conduct of programs designed to give persons committed to the Division opportunities for physical, mental, and moral improvement. The Division may enter into agreements with other agencies of federal, State, or local government and with private agencies to promote the most effective use of available resources.Specifically the Secretary of Public Safety may enter into contracts or agreements with appropriate public or private agencies offering needed services including health, mental health, behavioral health, intellectual and other developmental disability, substance abuse, rehabilitative, or training services for such inmates of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as the Secretary may deem eligible. These agencies shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for services rendered at a rate not to exceed that which the agencies normally receive for serving their regular clients.The Secretary may contract for the housing of work-release inmates at county jails and local confinement facilities. Inmates may be placed in the care of the agencies but shall remain the responsibility of the Division and shall be subject to the complete supervision of the Division. The Division may reimburse the agencies for the support of the inmates at a rate not in excess of the average daily cost of inmate care in the corrections unit to which the inmate would otherwise be assigned.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 15; C.S., s. 7732; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 5; 1975, c. 679, ss. 1, 2; 1977, c. 297; 1983, c. 376; 1985, c. 589, s. 55; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(lllllll); 2019-76, s. 29.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 33, provides: “Parts I and II of this act do not affect the coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or provision of State or federal services or benefits for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental retardation and whose diagnosis has not been changed to a diagnosis of intellectual disability.”

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 34, made the amendments by Session Laws 2019-76, s. 29, effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to proceedings commenced or services rendered on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2( lllllll ), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 29, effective October 1, 2019, in subsection (a), substituted “prisoners with intellectual or other developmental disabilities” for “mentally retarded prisoners”; in subsection (b), substituted “behavioral health, intellectual and other developmental disability” for “mental retardation” in the second paragraph; and made stylistic changes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-22. Treatment programs. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The general policies, rules, and regulations of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall provide for humane treatment of prisoners and for programs to effect their correction and return to the community as promptly as practicable. Visits and correspondence between prisoners and approved friends shall be authorized under reasonable conditions, and family members shall be permitted and encouraged to maintain close contact with the prisoners unless the contacts prove to be hurtful. Casework, counseling, and psychotherapy services provided to prisoners may be extended to include members of the prisoner’s family if practicable and necessary to achieve the purposes of the programs. Education, library, recreation, and vocational training programs shall be developed so as to coordinate with corresponding services and opportunities which will be available to the prisoner when he or she is released. Programs may be established for the treatment and training of prisoners with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and other special groups. These programs may be operated in segregated sections of facilities housing other prisoners or in separate facilities.
  2. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may cooperate with and seek the cooperation of public and private agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals in the development and conduct of programs designed to give persons committed to the Division opportunities for physical, mental, and moral improvement. The Division may enter into agreements with other agencies of federal, State, or local government and with private agencies to promote the most effective use of available resources.Specifically the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may enter into contracts or agreements with appropriate public or private agencies offering needed services including health, mental health, behavioral health, intellectual and other developmental disability, substance abuse, rehabilitative, or training services for such inmates of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction as the Secretary may deem eligible. These agencies shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for services rendered at a rate not to exceed that which the agencies normally receive for serving their regular clients.The Secretary may contract for the housing of work-release inmates at county jails and local confinement facilities. Inmates may be placed in the care of the agencies but shall remain the responsibility of the Division and shall be subject to the complete supervision of the Division. The Division may reimburse the agencies for the support of the inmates at a rate not in excess of the average daily cost of inmate care in the corrections unit to which the inmate would otherwise be assigned.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 15; C.S., s. 7732; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 5; 1975, c. 679, ss. 1, 2; 1977, c. 297; 1983, c. 376; 1985, c. 589, s. 55; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(lllllll); 2019-76, s. 29; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 33, provides: “Parts I and II of this act do not affect the coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or provision of State or federal services or benefits for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental retardation and whose diagnosis has not been changed to a diagnosis of intellectual disability.”

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 34, made the amendments by Session Laws 2019-76, s. 29, effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to proceedings commenced or services rendered on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2( lllllll ), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2019-76, s. 29, effective October 1, 2019, in subsection (a), substituted “prisoners with intellectual or other developmental disabilities” for “mentally retarded prisoners”; in subsection (b), substituted “behavioral health, intellectual and other developmental disability” for “mental retardation” in the second paragraph; and made stylistic changes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-22.1. Educational facilities and programs for selected inmates. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety is authorized to take advantage of aid available from any source in establishing facilities and developing programs to provide inmates of the State prison system with such academic and vocational and technical education as seems most likely to facilitate the rehabilitation of these inmates and their return to free society with attitudes, knowledge, and skills that will improve their prospects of becoming law-abiding and self-supporting citizens. The State Department of Public Instruction is authorized to cooperate with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in planning academic and vocational and technical education of prison system inmates, but the State Department of Public Instruction is not authorized to expend any funds in this connection.
  2. In expending funds that may be made available for facilities and programs to provide inmates of the State prison system with academic and vocational and technical education, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall give priority to meeting the needs of inmates who are less than 21 years of age when received in the prison system with a sentence or sentences under which they will be held for not less than six months nor more than five years before becoming eligible to be considered for a parole or unconditional release. These inmates shall be given appropriate tests to determine their educational needs and aptitudes. When the necessary arrangements can be made, they shall receive such instruction as may be deemed practical and advisable for them.
  3. The Secretary of Public Safety, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources, shall set the salary supplement paid to teachers, instructional support personnel, and school-based administrators who are Division of Prison employees and are licensed by the State Board of Education. The salary supplement shall be at least five percent (5%), but not more than the percentage supplement they would receive if they were employed in the local school administrative unit where the job site is located. These salary supplements shall not be paid to central office staff. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to include “merit pay” under the term “salary supplement”.

History. 1959, c. 431; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 1; 1993, c. 180, s. 8; 2005-276, s. 29.19(c); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2013-382, s. 9.1(c); 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmm).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1995, c. 269, s. 1, provides that a pilot correction education program that would allow prison inmates to participate in community college capital construction projects is established. The State Board of Community Colleges shall report to the General Assembly prior to January 1, 1997, on the progress of the program.

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(b), provides: “The following entities and positions created by Chapter 126 of the General Statutes are hereby renamed by this act:

  1. The State Personnel Commission is renamed the ‘North Carolina Human Resources Commission.’
  2. The Office of State Personnel is renamed the ‘North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’
  3. The State Personnel Director is renamed the ‘Director of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(c), provides: “Modification of References. — The Revisor of Statutes shall delete any references in the General Statutes to the State Personnel Act, State Personnel Commission, the State Personnel Director, and the Office of State Personnel (or any derivatives thereof) and substitute references to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, the State Human Resources Commission, the Director of the Office of State Human Resources, and the Office of Human Resources (or the appropriate derivative thereof) to effectuate the renaming set forth in this section wherever conforming changes are necessary.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 29.19(c), effective July 1, 2005, added subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmm), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s.19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice in subsection (a) and in the first sentence of subsection (b); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-22.1. Educational facilities and programs for selected inmates. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction is authorized to take advantage of aid available from any source in establishing facilities and developing programs to provide inmates of the State prison system with such academic and vocational and technical education as seems most likely to facilitate the rehabilitation of these inmates and their return to free society with attitudes, knowledge, and skills that will improve their prospects of becoming law-abiding and self-supporting citizens. The State Department of Public Instruction is authorized to cooperate with the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in planning academic and vocational and technical education of prison system inmates, but the State Department of Public Instruction is not authorized to expend any funds in this connection.
  2. In expending funds that may be made available for facilities and programs to provide inmates of the State prison system with academic and vocational and technical education, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall give priority to meeting the needs of inmates who are less than 21 years of age when received in the prison system with a sentence or sentences under which they will be held for not less than six months nor more than five years before becoming eligible to be considered for a parole or unconditional release. These inmates shall be given appropriate tests to determine their educational needs and aptitudes. When the necessary arrangements can be made, they shall receive such instruction as may be deemed practical and advisable for them.
  3. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources, shall set the salary supplement paid to teachers, instructional support personnel, and school-based administrators who are Division of Prison employees and are licensed by the State Board of Education. The salary supplement shall be at least five percent (5%), but not more than the percentage supplement they would receive if they were employed in the local school administrative unit where the job site is located. These salary supplements shall not be paid to central office staff. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to include “merit pay” under the term “salary supplement”.

History. 1959, c. 431; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 1; 1993, c. 180, s. 8; 2005-276, s. 29.19(c); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2013-382, s. 9.1(c); 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmm); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1995, c. 269, s. 1, provides that a pilot correction education program that would allow prison inmates to participate in community college capital construction projects is established. The State Board of Community Colleges shall report to the General Assembly prior to January 1, 1997, on the progress of the program.

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(b), provides: “The following entities and positions created by Chapter 126 of the General Statutes are hereby renamed by this act:

  1. The State Personnel Commission is renamed the ‘North Carolina Human Resources Commission.’
  2. The Office of State Personnel is renamed the ‘North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’
  3. The State Personnel Director is renamed the ‘Director of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(c), provides: “Modification of References. — The Revisor of Statutes shall delete any references in the General Statutes to the State Personnel Act, State Personnel Commission, the State Personnel Director, and the Office of State Personnel (or any derivatives thereof) and substitute references to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, the State Human Resources Commission, the Director of the Office of State Human Resources, and the Office of Human Resources (or the appropriate derivative thereof) to effectuate the renaming set forth in this section wherever conforming changes are necessary.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2005-276, s. 29.19(c), effective July 1, 2005, added subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmm), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s.19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice in subsection (a) and in the first sentence of subsection (b); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-22.2. Procedure when surgical operations on inmates are necessary.

The medical staff of any penal institution of the State of North Carolina is hereby authorized to perform or cause to be performed by competent and skillful surgeons surgical operations upon any inmate when such operation is necessary for the improvement of the physical condition of the inmate. The decision to perform an operation shall be made by the chief medical officer of the institution, with the approval of the superintendent of the institution, and with the advice of the medical staff of the institution. No operation shall be performed without the consent of the inmate; or, if the inmate is a minor, without the consent of a responsible member of the inmate’s family, a guardian, or one having legal custody of the minor; or, if the inmate be non compos mentis, then the consent of a responsible member of the inmate’s family or of a guardian shall be obtained. Any surgical operations on inmates of State penal institutions shall also be subject to the provisions of Article 1A of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes, G.S. 90-21.13 , and G.S. 90-21.16 .

If the operation on the inmate is determined by the chief medical officer to be an emergency situation in which immediate action is necessary to preserve the life or health of the inmate, and the inmate, if sui juris, is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated so as to be incapable of giving consent or in the case of a minor or inmate non compos mentis, the consent of a responsible member of the inmate’s family, guardian, or one having legal custody of the inmate cannot be obtained within the time necessitated by the nature of the emergency situation, then the decision to proceed with the operation shall be made by the chief medical officer and the superintendent of the institution with the advice of the medical staff of the institution.

In all cases falling under this section, the chief medical officer of the institution and the medical staff of the institution shall keep a careful and complete record of the measures taken to obtain the permission for the operation and a complete medical record signed by the medical superintendent or director, the surgeon performing the operation and all surgical consultants of the operation performed.

History. 1919, c. 281, ss. 1, 2; C.S., ss. 7221, 7222; 1947, c. 537, s. 24; 1951, c. 775; 1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1981, c. 307, ss. 2, 3; 2003-13, s. 8; 2004-203, s. 53(a).

Cross References.

As to procedure for sterilization of mentally ill or intellectually disabled in case of medical necessity, see G.S. 35A-1245 .

Editor’s Note.

This section was formerly G.S. 130-191. It was amended and transferred to Chapter 148 by Session Laws 1981, c. 307, s. 8, which originally designated the transferred section as G.S. 148-22.1 ; since that number had already been assigned, the section was renumbered as G.S. 148-22.2 .

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2004-203, s. 53(a), effective August 17, 2004, in the last sentence of the first paragraph, substituted “G.S. 90-21.16” for “G.S. 90-21.14” and made minor punctuation and stylistic changes; and substituted “section” for “Article” in the last paragraph.

§ 148-23. Prison employees not to use intoxicants, narcotic drugs or profanity. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

No one addicted to the use of alcoholic beverages, or narcotic drugs, shall be employed as superintendent, warden, guard, or in any other position connected with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, where such position requires the incumbent to have any charge or direction of the prisoners; and anyone holding such position, or anyone who may be employed in any other capacity in the State prison system, who shall come under the influence of alcoholic beverages during hours of employment, or reports for duty under the effect of intoxicants, or narcotic drugs, or who shall become intoxicated, or uses narcotic drugs, under circumstances that bring discredit on the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, shall be subject to immediate dismissal from employment by any of the institutions and shall not be eligible for reinstatement to such position or be employed in any other position in any of the institutions. Any superintendent, warden, correctional officer, supervisor, or other person holding any position in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety who curses a prisoner under his charge shall be subject to immediate dismissal from employment and shall not be eligible for reinstatement.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 16; 1919, c. 80, s. 8; C.S., s. 7733; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1969, c. 382; 1981, c. 412, s. 4(4); c. 747, s. 66; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2016-77, s. 8(c); 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnn).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-23 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2016-77, s. 8(c), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “correctional officer” for “guard” in the last sentence.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnn), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout the section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-23. Prison employees not to use intoxicants, narcotic drugs or profanity. [Effective January 1, 2023]

No one addicted to the use of alcoholic beverages, or narcotic drugs, shall be employed as superintendent, warden, guard, or in any other position connected with the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, where such position requires the incumbent to have any charge or direction of the prisoners; and anyone holding such position, or anyone who may be employed in any other capacity in the State prison system, who shall come under the influence of alcoholic beverages during hours of employment, or reports for duty under the effect of intoxicants, or narcotic drugs, or who shall become intoxicated, or uses narcotic drugs, under circumstances that bring discredit on the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, shall be subject to immediate dismissal from employment by any of the institutions and shall not be eligible for reinstatement to such position or be employed in any other position in any of the institutions. Any superintendent, warden, correctional officer, supervisor, or other person holding any position in the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction who curses a prisoner under his charge shall be subject to immediate dismissal from employment and shall not be eligible for reinstatement.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 16; 1919, c. 80, s. 8; C.S., s. 7733; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1969, c. 382; 1981, c. 412, s. 4(4); c. 747, s. 66; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2016-77, s. 8(c); 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnn); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-23 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2016-77, s. 8(c), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “correctional officer” for “guard” in the last sentence.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnn), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout the section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-23.1. Tobacco products prohibited on State correctional facilities premises. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The General Assembly finds that in order to protect the health, welfare, and comfort of inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and to reduce the costs of inmate health care, it is necessary to prohibit inmates from using tobacco products on the premises of State correctional facilities and to ensure that employees and visitors do not use tobacco products on the premises of those facilities.
  2. No person may use tobacco products on the premises of a State correctional facility, except for authorized religious purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and persons facilitating religious observances may use and possess tobacco products for religious purposes consistent with the policies of the Division.

    (b1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person may possess tobacco products on the premises of a State correctional facility. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, an employee or visitor may possess tobacco products within the confines of a motor vehicle located in a designated parking area of a correctional facility’s premises if the tobacco product remains in the vehicle and the vehicle is locked when the employee or visitor has exited the vehicle.

  3. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section. Inmates in violation of this section are subject to disciplinary measures to be determined by the Division, including the potential loss of sentence credits earned prior to that violation. Employees in violation of this section are subject to disciplinary action by the Division. Visitors in violation of this section are subject to removal from the facility and loss of visitation privileges.
  4. As used in this section, the following terms mean:
    1. State correctional facility. —  All buildings and grounds of a State correctional institution operated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.
    2. Tobacco products. —  Cigars, cigarettes, snuff, loose tobacco, or similar goods made with any part of the tobacco plant that are prepared or used for smoking, chewing, dipping, or other personal use. The term includes vapor products.
    3. Vapor products. —  Nonlighted, noncombustible products that employ a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit regardless of shape or size and that can be used to heat a liquid nicotine solution contained in a vapor cartridge. The term includes electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic cigarillos, and electronic pipes. The term does not include any product regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration under Chapter V of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

History. 2005-372, s. 2; 2009-560, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2014-3, s. 15.2(a); 2017-186, s. 2(ooooooo).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-23.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2005-372, ss. 3 and 4 provided for a pilot program banning smoking on the grounds of State correctional institutions as well as inside the institutions.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 4, provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and local confinement facilities shall ensure that sufficient notice is provided to inmates, staff, and the public of the prohibitions and penalties established in this act through the posting of signs in prominent places at all State correctional facilities and local confinement facilities and any other measures the Department and local confinement facilities deem necessary to sufficiently publicize those prohibitions and penalties.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 1, effective March 1, 2010, and applicable to acts committed on or after that date, rewrote the section heading; substituted “on the premises of” for “inside” throughout subsections (a) and (b); added the second sentence in subsection (b); added subsection (b1); and inserted “and grounds” in subdivision (d)(1).

Session Laws 2014-3, s. 15.2(a), effective July 1, 2014, added the last sentence in subdivision (d)(2), and added subdivision (d)(3).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ooooooo), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-23.1. Tobacco products prohibited on State correctional facilities premises. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The General Assembly finds that in order to protect the health, welfare, and comfort of inmates in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and to reduce the costs of inmate health care, it is necessary to prohibit inmates from using tobacco products on the premises of State correctional facilities and to ensure that employees and visitors do not use tobacco products on the premises of those facilities.
  2. No person may use tobacco products on the premises of a State correctional facility, except for authorized religious purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, inmates in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and persons facilitating religious observances may use and possess tobacco products for religious purposes consistent with the policies of the Division.

    (b1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person may possess tobacco products on the premises of a State correctional facility. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, an employee or visitor may possess tobacco products within the confines of a motor vehicle located in a designated parking area of a correctional facility’s premises if the tobacco product remains in the vehicle and the vehicle is locked when the employee or visitor has exited the vehicle.

  3. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section. Inmates in violation of this section are subject to disciplinary measures to be determined by the Division, including the potential loss of sentence credits earned prior to that violation. Employees in violation of this section are subject to disciplinary action by the Division. Visitors in violation of this section are subject to removal from the facility and loss of visitation privileges.
  4. As used in this section, the following terms mean:
    1. State correctional facility. —  All buildings and grounds of a State correctional institution operated by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.
    2. Tobacco products. —  Cigars, cigarettes, snuff, loose tobacco, or similar goods made with any part of the tobacco plant that are prepared or used for smoking, chewing, dipping, or other personal use. The term includes vapor products.
    3. Vapor products. —  Nonlighted, noncombustible products that employ a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit regardless of shape or size and that can be used to heat a liquid nicotine solution contained in a vapor cartridge. The term includes electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic cigarillos, and electronic pipes. The term does not include any product regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration under Chapter V of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

History. 2005-372, s. 2; 2009-560, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2014-3, s. 15.2(a); 2017-186, s. 2(ooooooo); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-23.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2005-372, ss. 3 and 4 provided for a pilot program banning smoking on the grounds of State correctional institutions as well as inside the institutions.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 4, provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and local confinement facilities shall ensure that sufficient notice is provided to inmates, staff, and the public of the prohibitions and penalties established in this act through the posting of signs in prominent places at all State correctional facilities and local confinement facilities and any other measures the Department and local confinement facilities deem necessary to sufficiently publicize those prohibitions and penalties.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 1, effective March 1, 2010, and applicable to acts committed on or after that date, rewrote the section heading; substituted “on the premises of” for “inside” throughout subsections (a) and (b); added the second sentence in subsection (b); added subsection (b1); and inserted “and grounds” in subdivision (d)(1).

Session Laws 2014-3, s. 15.2(a), effective July 1, 2014, added the last sentence in subdivision (d)(2), and added subdivision (d)(3).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ooooooo), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-23.2. Mobile phones prohibited on State correctional facilities premises. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Except as authorized by Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety policy, no person shall possess a mobile telephone or other wireless communications device on the premises of a State correctional facility. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an employee or visitor may possess a mobile telephone or other wireless communications device within the confines of a motor vehicle located in a designated parking area of a correctional facility’s premises if the mobile telephone or other wireless communications device remains in the vehicle and the vehicle is locked when the employee or visitor has exited the vehicle.

History. 2009-560, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(ppppppp).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-23.2 .

Cross References.

As to furnishing tobacco products or mobile phones to inmates, see G.S. 14-258.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 4, provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and local confinement facilities shall ensure that sufficient notice is provided to inmates, staff, and the public of the prohibitions and penalties established in this act through the posting of signs in prominent places at all State correctional facilities and local confinement facilities and any other measures the Department and local confinement facilities deem necessary to sufficiently publicize those prohibitions and penalties.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ppppppp), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-23.2. Mobile phones prohibited on State correctional facilities premises. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Except as authorized by Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction policy, no person shall possess a mobile telephone or other wireless communications device on the premises of a State correctional facility. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an employee or visitor may possess a mobile telephone or other wireless communications device within the confines of a motor vehicle located in a designated parking area of a correctional facility’s premises if the mobile telephone or other wireless communications device remains in the vehicle and the vehicle is locked when the employee or visitor has exited the vehicle.

History. 2009-560, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(ppppppp); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-23.2 .

Cross References.

As to furnishing tobacco products or mobile phones to inmates, see G.S. 14-258.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2009-560, s. 4, provides: “The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and local confinement facilities shall ensure that sufficient notice is provided to inmates, staff, and the public of the prohibitions and penalties established in this act through the posting of signs in prominent places at all State correctional facilities and local confinement facilities and any other measures the Department and local confinement facilities deem necessary to sufficiently publicize those prohibitions and penalties.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ppppppp), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-24. Religious services. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The general policies, rules and regulations of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall provide for religious services to be held in all units of the State prison system on Sunday and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate. Attendance of prisoners at religious services shall be voluntary. The Secretary of Public Safety shall if possible secure the visits of some minister at the prison hospitals to administer to the spiritual wants of the sick.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 18; 1883, c. 349; Code, s. 3446; Rev., s. 5405; 1915, c. 125, ss. 1, 2; 1917, c. 286, s. 15; C.S., s. 7735; 1925, c. 163; c. 275, s. 6; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 6; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqq).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqq), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-24. Religious services. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The general policies, rules and regulations of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall provide for religious services to be held in all units of the State prison system on Sunday and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate. Attendance of prisoners at religious services shall be voluntary. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall if possible secure the visits of some minister at the prison hospitals to administer to the spiritual wants of the sick.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 18; 1883, c. 349; Code, s. 3446; Rev., s. 5405; 1915, c. 125, ss. 1, 2; 1917, c. 286, s. 15; C.S., s. 7735; 1925, c. 163; c. 275, s. 6; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 6; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqq); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqq), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-25. Secretary to investigate death of convicts. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety, upon information of the death of a convict other than by natural causes, shall investigate the cause thereof and report the result of such investigation to the Governor, and for this purpose the Secretary may administer oaths and send for persons and papers.

History. 1885, c. 379, s. 2; Rev., s. 5409; C.S., s. 7746; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-25. Secretary to investigate death of convicts. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, upon information of the death of a convict other than by natural causes, shall investigate the cause thereof and report the result of such investigation to the Governor, and for this purpose the Secretary may administer oaths and send for persons and papers.

History. 1885, c. 379, s. 2; Rev., s. 5409; C.S., s. 7746; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 2B. Dignity for Women Incarcerated in Prison Facilities.

§ 148-25.1. Definitions.

As used in this Article, the following definitions apply:

  1. Body cavity searches. — The probing of body orifices in search of contraband.
  2. Correctional facility. — Any unit of the State prison system, juvenile detention facility, or other entity under the authority of the State that has the power to detain or restrain a person under the laws of this State.
  3. Correctional facility employee. — Any person who is employed by the State and who works at or in a correctional facility.
  4. Escape risk. — An incarcerated person who is determined to be at high risk for escape based on an individualized risk assessment.
  5. Important circumstance. — There has been an individualized determination that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the female incarcerated person presents a threat of harming herself, the fetus, or any other person, or an escape risk that cannot be reasonably contained by other means, including the use of additional personnel.
  6. Incarcerated person. — Any person incarcerated or detained in any facility who is accused of, convicted of, sentenced for, or adjudicated delinquent for violations of criminal law or the terms and conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, or a diversionary program.
  7. Menstrual products. — Products that women use during their menstrual cycle. These include tampons and sanitary napkins.
  8. Postpartum recovery. — The six-week period following delivery, or longer, as determined by the health care professional responsible for the health and safety of the female incarcerated person.
  9. Restraints. — Any physical or mechanical device used to restrict or control the movement of an incarcerated person’s body, limbs, or both.
  10. Restrictive housing. — Any type of detention that involves removal from general population and an inability to leave a room or cell for the vast majority of the day. This term shall not include any of the following:
    1. Single-cell accommodations in facilities that provide those accommodations to all incarcerated persons.
    2. Single-cell accommodations in facilities that provide those accommodations to all persons of a certain sex or gender.
    3. Single-cell accommodations provided for medical reasons, except when pregnancy, alone, is the medical reason for the single-cell accommodations.
    4. Single-cell accommodations provided when an individualized determination has been made that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there exists a threat of harm to the female incarcerated person or the fetus.
    5. Single-cell accommodations provided at the request of the incarcerated person.
  11. State of undress. — A situation when an incarcerated person is partially or fully naked, either in the shower, toilet areas, a medical examination room, or while having a body cavity search conducted.

History. 2021-143, s. 2(a).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2021-143, s. 1, provides: “This act shall be known as the Dignity for Women who are Incarcerated Act.”

Session Laws 2021-143, s. 4, made this Article, as added by Session Laws 2021-143, s. 2(a), effective December 1, 2021, and applicable to individuals in custody on or after that date.

A hyphen was inserted in the reference to “single-cell accommodations” at the end of sub-subdivision (10)c. at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

§ 148-25.2. Care for female incarcerated persons related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

  1. Limitation on Use of Restraints. —  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Department of Public Safety and correctional facility employees shall not apply restraints on a pregnant female incarcerated person during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and during the postpartum recovery period.A female incarcerated person who is in the postpartum recovery period may only be restrained if a correctional facility employee makes an individualized determination that an important circumstance exists. In this case, only wrist handcuffs held in front of the female incarcerated person’s body may be used and only when she is ambulatory. The correctional facility employee ordering use of restraints on any female incarcerated person while in the postpartum recovery period shall submit a written report to the warden or administrator of the correctional facility within five days following the use of restraints. The report shall contain the justification for restraining the female incarcerated person during postpartum recovery.Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of handcuffs or wrist restraints held in front of the female incarcerated person’s body when in transport outside of the correctional facility, except that these restraints shall not be used in transport when the female incarcerated person is in labor or is suspected to be in labor.Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of medical restraints by a licensed health care professional to ensure the medical safety of a pregnant female incarcerated person.
  2. Body Cavity Searches. —  No correctional facility employee, other than a certified health care professional, shall conduct body cavity searches of a female incarcerated person who is pregnant or in the postpartum recovery period unless the correctional facility employee has probable cause to believe that the female incarcerated person is concealing contraband that presents an immediate threat of harm to the female incarcerated person, the fetus, or another person. In this case, the correctional facility employee shall submit a written report to the warden or administrator of the correctional facility within five days following the body cavity search, containing the justification for the body cavity search and the presence or absence of any contraband.
  3. Nutrition. —  The Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall ensure that pregnant female incarcerated persons are provided sufficient food and dietary supplements and are provided access to food at appropriate times of day, as ordered by a physician, a physician staff member, or a correctional facility nutritionist to meet generally accepted prenatal nutritional guidelines for pregnant female incarcerated persons. While in the hospital, pregnant female incarcerated persons and female incarcerated persons in the postpartum recovery period shall have access to the full range of meal options provided by the hospital to ensure that each meal meets the female incarcerated person’s nutritional needs.
  4. Restrictive Housing. —  The Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall not place any pregnant female incarcerated person, or any female incarcerated person who is in the postpartum recovery period, in restrictive housing unless a correctional facility employee makes an individualized determination that an important circumstance exists. In this case, the correctional facility employee authorizing the placement of the female incarcerated person in restrictive housing shall submit a written report to the warden or administrator of the correctional facility within five days following the transfer. The report shall contain the justification for confining the female incarcerated person in restrictive housing.
  5. Bed Assignments. —  The Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall not assign any female incarcerated person who is pregnant or in postpartum recovery to any bed that is elevated more than 3 feet from the floor of the correctional facility.
  6. Cost of Care. —  While a pregnant female incarcerated person is incarcerated, the pregnant female incarcerated person shall be provided necessary prenatal, labor, and delivery care as needed at no cost to the pregnant female incarcerated person.
  7. Bonding Period. —  Following the delivery of a newborn by a female incarcerated person, the Department of Public Safety or the administrator of the correctional facility shall permit the newborn to remain with the female incarcerated person while the female incarcerated person is in the hospital, unless the medical provider has a reasonable belief that remaining with the female incarcerated person poses a health or safety risk to the newborn.
  8. Nutritional and Hygiene Products During the Postpartum Period. —  During the period of postpartum recovery, the Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall make available the necessary nutritional and hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, underwear, and hygiene products for the postpartum female incarcerated person. The products shall be provided at no cost to the female incarcerated person.
  9. Placement of Female Incarcerated Person. —  To the greatest extent practicable, after accounting for security and capacity, the Department of Public Safety shall place a female incarcerated person who is in the custody of the State prison system and who is the mother of a minor child under the age of 1 within 250 miles of the child’s permanent address of record.
  10. Visitation of Incarcerated Mothers. —  The Department of Public Safety shall authorize visitation of incarcerated mothers held in State prisons with low- or minimum-security classifications, who are mothers of a minor child under the age of 1, by the incarcerated mother’s minor child under the age of 1. These visitations shall be allowed at least twice per week unless a correctional facility employee has a reasonable belief that the child may be harmed during visitation. These visitations shall be allowed by contact visit. The employee denying visitation shall submit a written report to the warden or administrator of the correctional facility within five days following the denial of visitation. The report shall contain the justification for denying the visitation.
  11. Reporting. —  The warden or administrator of the correctional facility shall compile a monthly summary of all written reports received pursuant to this section and G.S. 148-25.3 . The warden or administrator of the correctional facility shall submit the summary to the Chief Deputy Secretary of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

History. 2021-143, s. 2(a).

§ 148-25.3. Inspection by correctional facility employees.

  1. Inspections When a Female Incarcerated Person is in the State of Undress. —  To the greatest extent practicable and consistent with safety and order in a correctional facility, there shall be a limitation on inspections by male correctional facility employees when a female incarcerated person is in a state of undress. Nothing in this section shall limit the ability of a male correctional facility employee from conducting inspections when a female incarcerated person may be in a state of undress if no female correctional facility employees are available within a reasonable period of time.
  2. Documentation Requirement. —  If a male correctional facility employee deems it is appropriate to conduct an inspection or search while a female incarcerated person is in a clear state of undress in an area such as the shower, the medical examination room, toilet areas, or while a female incarcerated person is having a body cavity search, the male correctional facility employee shall submit a written report to the warden or administrator of the correctional facility within five days following the inspection or search, containing the justification for a male correctional facility employee to inspect the female incarcerated person while in a state of undress.

History. 2021-143, s. 2(a).

§ 148-25.4. Access to menstrual products.

Access to Menstrual Products. — The Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall ensure that sufficient menstrual products are available at the correctional facility for all female incarcerated persons who have an active menstrual cycle. Female incarcerated persons who menstruate shall be provided menstrual products as needed at no cost to the female incarcerated person.

History. 2021-143, s. 2(a).

§ 148-25.5. Training and technical assistance.

  1. Correctional Facility Employee Training. —  The Department of Public Safety shall develop, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, Divisions of Public Health and Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and shall provide to all State prison employees who have significant regular contact with pregnant female incarcerated persons training related to the physical and mental health of pregnant female incarcerated persons and fetuses, including:
    1. General care of pregnant women.
    2. The impact of restraints on pregnant female incarcerated persons and fetuses.
    3. The impact of being placed in restrictive housing on pregnant female incarcerated persons.
    4. The impact of body cavity searches on pregnant female incarcerated persons.Training materials and curricula developed pursuant to this subsection shall be made available to administrators of local confinement facilities.
  2. Educational Programming for Pregnant Female Incarcerated Persons. —  The Department of Public Safety shall develop and provide educational programming to pregnant female incarcerated persons held in State prisons related to:
    1. Prenatal care.
    2. Pregnancy-specific hygiene.
    3. Parenting skills.
    4. The impact of alcohol and drugs on the fetus.
    5. General health of children.Training materials and curricula developed pursuant to this subsection shall be made available to administrators of local confinement facilities.

History. 2021-143, s. 2(a).

Article 3. Labor of Prisoners.

§ 148-26. State policy on employment of prisoners. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. It is declared to be the public policy of the State of North Carolina that all able-bodied prison inmates shall be required to perform diligently all work assignments provided for them. The failure of any inmate to perform such a work assignment may result in disciplinary action. Work assignments and employment shall be for the public benefit to reduce the cost of maintaining the inmate population while enabling inmates to acquire or retain skills and work habits needed to secure honest employment after their release.In exercising his power to enter into contracts to supply inmate labor as provided by this section, the Secretary of Public Safety shall not assign any inmate to work under any such contract who is eligible for work release as provided in this Article, study release as provided by G.S. 148-4(4) , or who is eligible for a program of vocational rehabilitation services through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, unless suitable work release employment or educational opportunity cannot be found for the inmate, and the inmate is not eligible for a program of vocational rehabilitation services through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, and shall not agree to supply inmate labor for any project or service unless it meets all of the following criteria:
    1. The project or service involves a type of work by which inmates can develop a skill to better equip themselves to return to society;
    2. The project or service is of benefit to the citizens of North Carolina or units of State or local government thereof, regardless of whether the project or service is performed on public or private property;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 824, s. 2.
    4. Wages shall be paid in an amount not exceeding one dollar ($1.00) per day per inmate by the local or State contracting agency.
  2. As many minimum custody prisoners as are available and fit for road work, who cannot appropriately be placed on work release, study release, or other full-time programs, and as many medium custody prisoners as are available, fit for road work and can be adequately guarded during such work without reducing security levels at prison units, shall be employed in the maintenance and construction of public roads of the State. The number and location of prisoners to be kept available for work on the public roads shall be agreed upon by the governing authorities of the Department of Transportation and the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety far enough in advance of each budget to permit proper provisions to be made in the request for appropriations submitted by the Department of Transportation. Any dispute between the Departments will be resolved by the Governor. Prisoners so employed shall be compensated, at rates fixed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety’s rules and regulations for work performed; provided, that no prisoner working on the public roads under the provisions of this section shall be paid more than one dollar ($1.00) per day from funds provided by the Department of Transportation to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for this purpose. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation shall develop a program to be implemented no later than July 1, 1982, to the extent money is herein appropriated, which shall include:
    1. The use of portable toilets for inmate road crews.
  3. As many of the male prisoners available and fit for forestry work shall be employed in the development and improvement of state-owned forests as can be used for this purpose by the agencies controlling these forests.
  4. The remainder of the able-bodied inmates of the State prison system shall be employed so far as practicable in prison industries and agriculture, giving preference to the production of food supplies and other articles needed by state-supported institutions or activities.
  5. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may make such contracts with departments, institutions, agencies, and political subdivisions of the State for the hire of prisoners to perform other appropriate work as will help to make the prisons as nearly self-supporting as is consistent with the purposes of their creation. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may contract with any person or any group of persons for the hire of prisoners for forestry work, soil erosion control, water conservation, hurricane damage prevention, or any similar work certified by the Secretary of Environmental Quality as beneficial in the conservation of the natural resources of this State. All contracts for the employment of prisoners shall provide that they shall be fed, clothed, quartered, guarded, and otherwise cared for by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. Such work may include but is not limited to work with State or local government agencies in cleaning, construction, landscaping and maintenance of roads, parks, nature trails, bikeways, cemeteries, landfills or other government-owned or operated facilities.

    (e1) The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may establish work assignments for inmates or allow inmates to volunteer in service projects that benefit units of State or local government or 501(c)(3) entities that serve the citizens of this State. The work assignments may include the use of inmate labor and the use of Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety resources in the production of finished goods. Any products made pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the provisions of Article 3A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and may be donated to the government unit or 501(c)(3) organization at no cost.

  6. Adult inmates of the State prison system shall be prohibited from working at or being on the premises of any schools or institutions operated or administered by the Youth Development Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety unless a complete sight and sound barrier is erected and maintained during the course of the labor performed by the adult inmates.
  7. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall establish rules, standards, and procedures for establishing inmate labor services contracts with any county or municipality expressing interest in contracting for inmate labor.

History. 1933, c. 172, ss. 1, 14; 1957, c. 349, s. 5; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1971, c. 193; 1973, c. 1262, s. 86; 1975, c. 278; c. 506, ss. 1, 2; c. 682, s. 2; c. 716, s. 7; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; c. 802, s. 25.36; c. 824, ss. 1-3; 1981, c. 516; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1400; 1989, c. 727, s. 218(156); 1997-443, s. 11A.123; 1999-237, s. 18.21; 2001-95, s. 8; 2007-398, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i), (l); 2012-83, ss. 59, 61; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v); 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrr).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-26 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, s. 4, provided: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26(b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.4, provides: “Funding authorized in this act is intended to increase participation in the Inmate Construction Program in order to improve inmate job skills and reduce recidivism. By April 1, 2008, the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee and the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the Inmate Construction Program. The report shall summarize the 2007-2008 Inmate Construction Program projects, including a description of each project, the number of inmate workers, and the estimated total cost of the project compared to the cost if the project was conducted without inmate workers. The report shall also estimate the number of inmate workers that will be used in the program during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2007’.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 32.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2007-2009 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2007-2009 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.1, provides: “Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Transportation in this act, the sum of nine million forty thousand dollars ($9,040,000) per year shall be transferred by the Department to the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years for the cost of operating medium custody inmate road squads, as authorized by G.S. 148-26.5 , and minimum custody inmate litter crews. This transfer shall be made quarterly in the amount of two million two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($2,260,000). The Department of Transportation may use funds appropriated in this act to pay an additional amount exceeding the nine million forty thousand dollars ($9,040,000), but those payments shall be subject to negotiations among the Department of Transportation, the Department of Correction, and the Office of State Budget and Management prior to payment by the Department of Transportation.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall conduct a study, in consultation with the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation, to determine the actual cost and cost/benefit of operating medium custody road squads and minimum custody litter crews. The Office of State Budget and Management shall report the results of this study to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee by March 1, 2010. The study shall include a recommendation on whether or not the amount transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Correction for this work is adequate.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.2.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2009’.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.5 is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 17.10(a) and (b), provides: “(a) The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] in consultation with the Governor’s Crime Commission shall establish policies regarding the appropriate use of inmate construction crews provided by the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] for repair and renovation projects located on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The policies shall require that a sight and sound barrier be maintained between the adults and juveniles at the center at any time that inmate construction crews are used for repair and renovation projects on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The policies shall be developed and ready for implementation by September 1, 2011.

“(b) Effective September 1, 2011, and notwithstanding G.S. 148-26(f), the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Department of Correction may use inmate construction crews provided by the Department of Correction for repair and renovation projects located on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention pursuant to the policies developed and implemented under subsection (a) of this section.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 28.26, provides: “The Office of State Budget and Management, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and Department of Transportation, shall study performance-based reimbursement as an alternative to the current funding mechanism for inmate litter pickup, which consists of a direct appropriation from the Department of Transportation’s Highway Fund budget to the Department of Correction. Measures for an alternative funding mechanism may include reimbursements based on total mileage of highways cleaned, per hour reimbursements for non-litter pickup activities, or other factors, as appropriate.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations no later than March 1, 2012. It is intended that the report contain recommendations for reimbursement rates that have been agreed upon by the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation and that the recommended rate structure will be included in the report. The report shall also include any statutory changes to be considered by the General Assembly in relation to this report.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.2, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, ss. 17.2, 17.4 and Session Laws 2007-323, s. 19.1.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.3, provides: “The Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall prioritize inmate labor contracts in areas where prisons were closed during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The Division shall charge a transportation fee equivalent to the mileage cost of transporting inmates to and from the contract site. The Division shall also charge an administrative fee as part of the inmate labor contract that reflects the other costs associated with providing the inmate labor.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2014-2015 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.4, provides: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law but subject to Article 3 of Chapter 148 of the General Statutes, during the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the State Construction Office may utilize inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety through the Inmate Construction Program for repair and renovation projects on State-owned facilities, with priority given to Department of Public Safety construction projects. State agencies utilizing the Inmate Construction Program shall reimburse the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety for the cost of transportation, custody, and wages for the inmate crews.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 1, effective August 21, 2007, added subsection (e1).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 14.30(v), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Secretary of Environmental Quality” for “Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources” in subsection (e).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrr), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section; and inserted “Adult Correction and” in subsection (f).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the second paragraph of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For review of this section and those following, see 11 N.C.L. Rev. 252 (1933).

For a survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

CASE NOTES

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 148-6 and 148-33.1, as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

See opinion of Attorney General to Senator Julian Allsbrook, 41 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 440 (1971).

§ 148-26. State policy on employment of prisoners. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. It is declared to be the public policy of the State of North Carolina that all able-bodied prison inmates shall be required to perform diligently all work assignments provided for them. The failure of any inmate to perform such a work assignment may result in disciplinary action. Work assignments and employment shall be for the public benefit to reduce the cost of maintaining the inmate population while enabling inmates to acquire or retain skills and work habits needed to secure honest employment after their release.In exercising his power to enter into contracts to supply inmate labor as provided by this section, the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall not assign any inmate to work under any such contract who is eligible for work release as provided in this Article, study release as provided by G.S. 148-4(4) , or who is eligible for a program of vocational rehabilitation services through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, unless suitable work release employment or educational opportunity cannot be found for the inmate, and the inmate is not eligible for a program of vocational rehabilitation services through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, and shall not agree to supply inmate labor for any project or service unless it meets all of the following criteria:
    1. The project or service involves a type of work by which inmates can develop a skill to better equip themselves to return to society;
    2. The project or service is of benefit to the citizens of North Carolina or units of State or local government thereof, regardless of whether the project or service is performed on public or private property;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 824, s. 2.
    4. Wages shall be paid in an amount not exceeding one dollar ($1.00) per day per inmate by the local or State contracting agency.
  2. As many minimum custody prisoners as are available and fit for road work, who cannot appropriately be placed on work release, study release, or other full-time programs, and as many medium custody prisoners as are available, fit for road work and can be adequately guarded during such work without reducing security levels at prison units, shall be employed in the maintenance and construction of public roads of the State. The number and location of prisoners to be kept available for work on the public roads shall be agreed upon by the governing authorities of the Department of Transportation and the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction far enough in advance of each budget to permit proper provisions to be made in the request for appropriations submitted by the Department of Transportation. Any dispute between the Departments will be resolved by the Governor. Prisoners so employed shall be compensated, at rates fixed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction’s rules and regulations for work performed; provided, that no prisoner working on the public roads under the provisions of this section shall be paid more than one dollar ($1.00) per day from funds provided by the Department of Transportation to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for this purpose. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and the Department of Transportation shall develop a program to be implemented no later than July 1, 1982, to the extent money is herein appropriated, which shall include:
    1. The use of portable toilets for inmate road crews.
  3. As many of the male prisoners available and fit for forestry work shall be employed in the development and improvement of state-owned forests as can be used for this purpose by the agencies controlling these forests.
  4. The remainder of the able-bodied inmates of the State prison system shall be employed so far as practicable in prison industries and agriculture, giving preference to the production of food supplies and other articles needed by state-supported institutions or activities.
  5. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may make such contracts with departments, institutions, agencies, and political subdivisions of the State for the hire of prisoners to perform other appropriate work as will help to make the prisons as nearly self-supporting as is consistent with the purposes of their creation. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may contract with any person or any group of persons for the hire of prisoners for forestry work, soil erosion control, water conservation, hurricane damage prevention, or any similar work certified by the Secretary of Environmental Quality as beneficial in the conservation of the natural resources of this State. All contracts for the employment of prisoners shall provide that they shall be fed, clothed, quartered, guarded, and otherwise cared for by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. Such work may include but is not limited to work with State or local government agencies in cleaning, construction, landscaping and maintenance of roads, parks, nature trails, bikeways, cemeteries, landfills or other government-owned or operated facilities.

    (e1) The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may establish work assignments for inmates or allow inmates to volunteer in service projects that benefit units of State or local government or 501(c)(3) entities that serve the citizens of this State. The work assignments may include the use of inmate labor and the use of Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction resources in the production of finished goods. Any products made pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the provisions of Article 3A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and may be donated to the government unit or 501(c)(3) organization at no cost.

  6. Adult inmates of the State prison system shall be prohibited from working at or being on the premises of any schools or institutions operated or administered by the Youth Development Section of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction unless a complete sight and sound barrier is erected and maintained during the course of the labor performed by the adult inmates.
  7. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall establish rules, standards, and procedures for establishing inmate labor services contracts with any county or municipality expressing interest in contracting for inmate labor.

History. 1933, c. 172, ss. 1, 14; 1957, c. 349, s. 5; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1971, c. 193; 1973, c. 1262, s. 86; 1975, c. 278; c. 506, ss. 1, 2; c. 682, s. 2; c. 716, s. 7; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; c. 802, s. 25.36; c. 824, ss. 1-3; 1981, c. 516; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1400; 1989, c. 727, s. 218(156); 1997-443, s. 11A.123; 1999-237, s. 18.21; 2001-95, s. 8; 2007-398, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i), (l); 2012-83, ss. 59, 61; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v); 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrr); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-26 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, s. 4, provided: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26(b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.4, provides: “Funding authorized in this act is intended to increase participation in the Inmate Construction Program in order to improve inmate job skills and reduce recidivism. By April 1, 2008, the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee and the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the Inmate Construction Program. The report shall summarize the 2007-2008 Inmate Construction Program projects, including a description of each project, the number of inmate workers, and the estimated total cost of the project compared to the cost if the project was conducted without inmate workers. The report shall also estimate the number of inmate workers that will be used in the program during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2007’.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 32.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2007-2009 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2007-2009 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2007-323, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.1, provides: “Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Transportation in this act, the sum of nine million forty thousand dollars ($9,040,000) per year shall be transferred by the Department to the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years for the cost of operating medium custody inmate road squads, as authorized by G.S. 148-26.5 , and minimum custody inmate litter crews. This transfer shall be made quarterly in the amount of two million two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($2,260,000). The Department of Transportation may use funds appropriated in this act to pay an additional amount exceeding the nine million forty thousand dollars ($9,040,000), but those payments shall be subject to negotiations among the Department of Transportation, the Department of Correction, and the Office of State Budget and Management prior to payment by the Department of Transportation.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall conduct a study, in consultation with the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation, to determine the actual cost and cost/benefit of operating medium custody road squads and minimum custody litter crews. The Office of State Budget and Management shall report the results of this study to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee by March 1, 2010. The study shall include a recommendation on whether or not the amount transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Correction for this work is adequate.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.2.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2009’.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.3, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 28.5 is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 17.10(a) and (b), provides: “(a) The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] in consultation with the Governor’s Crime Commission shall establish policies regarding the appropriate use of inmate construction crews provided by the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] for repair and renovation projects located on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The policies shall require that a sight and sound barrier be maintained between the adults and juveniles at the center at any time that inmate construction crews are used for repair and renovation projects on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The policies shall be developed and ready for implementation by September 1, 2011.

“(b) Effective September 1, 2011, and notwithstanding G.S. 148-26(f), the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Department of Correction may use inmate construction crews provided by the Department of Correction for repair and renovation projects located on property owned or controlled by the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention pursuant to the policies developed and implemented under subsection (a) of this section.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 28.26, provides: “The Office of State Budget and Management, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and Department of Transportation, shall study performance-based reimbursement as an alternative to the current funding mechanism for inmate litter pickup, which consists of a direct appropriation from the Department of Transportation’s Highway Fund budget to the Department of Correction. Measures for an alternative funding mechanism may include reimbursements based on total mileage of highways cleaned, per hour reimbursements for non-litter pickup activities, or other factors, as appropriate.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations no later than March 1, 2012. It is intended that the report contain recommendations for reimbursement rates that have been agreed upon by the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation and that the recommended rate structure will be included in the report. The report shall also include any statutory changes to be considered by the General Assembly in relation to this report.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.2, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, ss. 17.2, 17.4 and Session Laws 2007-323, s. 19.1.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.3, provides: “The Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] shall prioritize inmate labor contracts in areas where prisons were closed during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The Division shall charge a transportation fee equivalent to the mileage cost of transporting inmates to and from the contract site. The Division shall also charge an administrative fee as part of the inmate labor contract that reflects the other costs associated with providing the inmate labor.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2014-2015 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.4, provides: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law but subject to Article 3 of Chapter 148 of the General Statutes, during the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the State Construction Office may utilize inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety through the Inmate Construction Program for repair and renovation projects on State-owned facilities, with priority given to Department of Public Safety construction projects. State agencies utilizing the Inmate Construction Program shall reimburse the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety for the cost of transportation, custody, and wages for the inmate crews.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 1, effective August 21, 2007, added subsection (e1).

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 14.30(v), effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Secretary of Environmental Quality” for “Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources” in subsection (e).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrr), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section; and inserted “Adult Correction and” in subsection (f).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the second paragraph of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For review of this section and those following, see 11 N.C.L. Rev. 252 (1933).

For a survey of 1996 developments in the law regarding prisoner rights, see 75 N.C.L. Rev. 2428 (1997).

CASE NOTES

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 148-6 and 148-33.1, as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

See opinion of Attorney General to Senator Julian Allsbrook, 41 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 440 (1971).

§ 148-26.1. Definitions.

The following definitions apply:

  1. through (3) Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 709, s. 1.

    (4) through (7) Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226.

    (8) “State public work project” or “State public work”: A useful service other than the construction of buildings performed on any land, or any structure thereon, belonging to any principal department of State government as defined in subdivision (6) above, including, but not limited to, State parks, campuses, playgrounds, highways, roads, lakes, forests and waterways.

    (9) Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 2.

History. 1975, c. 682, s. 3; 1983, c. 709, s. 1; 1985, c. 226, s. 2.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, s. 4, provided: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26(b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

§§ 148-26.2 through 148-26.4. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 709, s. 1.

§ 148-26.5. Pay and time allowances for work. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The provisions of G.S. 148-18 and 148-13 shall be applicable to inmate work on local or State public work projects contracted for by the Secretary of Public Safety as provided by G.S. 148-26 through 148-26.4. Travel, cost of inmate wages and custodial supervision expenses incurred by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and arising out of a local or State public work project shall be reimbursed on a cost basis to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety by the local or State contracting agency.

History. 1975, c. 682, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(sssssss).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, s. 4, provided: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26(b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Sections 148-26.2 to 148-26.4, referred to in this section, were repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 709, s. 1.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 28.26, provides: “The Office of State Budget and Management, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and Department of Transportation, shall study performance-based reimbursement as an alternative to the current funding mechanism for inmate litter pickup, which consists of a direct appropriation from the Department of Transportation’s Highway Fund budget to the Department of Correction. Measures for an alternative funding mechanism may include reimbursements based on total mileage of highways cleaned, per hour reimbursements for non-litter pickup activities, or other factors, as appropriate.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations no later than March 1, 2012. It is intended that the report contain recommendations for reimbursement rates that have been agreed upon by the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation and that the recommended rate structure will be included in the report. The report shall also include any statutory changes to be considered by the General Assembly in relation to this report.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.2, and Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.1.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.2, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(sssssss), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-26.5. Pay and time allowances for work. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The provisions of G.S. 148-18 and 148-13 shall be applicable to inmate work on local or State public work projects contracted for by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction as provided by G.S. 148-26 through 148-26.4. Travel, cost of inmate wages and custodial supervision expenses incurred by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and arising out of a local or State public work project shall be reimbursed on a cost basis to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction by the local or State contracting agency.

History. 1975, c. 682, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(sssssss); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1975, c. 682, s. 4, provided: “Nothing in this act shall be construed as altering or amending G.S. 148-26(b) or G.S. 148-18(a) as set out in Chapter 506 of the 1975 Session Laws.”

Sections 148-26.2 to 148-26.4, referred to in this section, were repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 709, s. 1.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 28.26, provides: “The Office of State Budget and Management, in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] and Department of Transportation, shall study performance-based reimbursement as an alternative to the current funding mechanism for inmate litter pickup, which consists of a direct appropriation from the Department of Transportation’s Highway Fund budget to the Department of Correction. Measures for an alternative funding mechanism may include reimbursements based on total mileage of highways cleaned, per hour reimbursements for non-litter pickup activities, or other factors, as appropriate.

“The Office of State Budget and Management shall report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations no later than March 1, 2012. It is intended that the report contain recommendations for reimbursement rates that have been agreed upon by the Department of Correction and the Department of Transportation and that the recommended rate structure will be included in the report. The report shall also include any statutory changes to be considered by the General Assembly in relation to this report.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.2, and Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.1.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.2, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(sssssss), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” twice in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-27. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-398, s. 3, effective August 21, 2007.

§ 148-28. Sentencing prisoners to Central Prison; youthful offenders. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

When a sentenced offender is to be taken to the Central Prison at Raleigh, a sheriff or other appropriate officer of the county shall cause such prisoner to be delivered with the proper commitment papers to the warden of the Central Prison. A person under 16 years of age convicted of a felony shall not be imprisoned in the Central Prison at Raleigh unless:

  1. The person was convicted of a capital felony; or
  2. He has previously been imprisoned in a county jail or under the authority of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety upon conviction of a felony.

    This provision shall not limit the authority of the Secretary of Public Safety from transferring a person under 16 years of age to Central Prison when in the Secretary’s determination this person would not benefit from confinement in separate facilities for youthful offenders or when it has been determined that his presence would be detrimental to the implementation of programs designed for the benefit of other youthful offenders. Nor shall this provision limit the authority of the judges of the superior courts of this State or the Secretary of Public Safety from committing or transferring a person under 16 years of age to Central Prison for medical or psychiatric treatment.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 7; 1971, c. 691; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 711, s. 27; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(ttttttt).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-28 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ttttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (2).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in subdivision (2) and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” twice in the ending undesignated paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Transfer by Court Pursuant to § 162-39. —

Under G.S. 162-39 , the trial court, upon making an appropriate finding that it is necessary for the safety of the defendant, may order a defendant transferred to “a unit of the State Prison System designated by the Commissioner of Correction [now Secretary of Correction] or his authorized representative,” but the court should not order defendant transferred directly to Central Prison absent a finding that the Central Prison has been properly designated for that purpose by the Commissioner of Correction [now Secretary of Correction] or his authorized representative. State v. Sherron, 4 N.C. App. 386, 166 S.E.2d 836, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1502 (1969).

As to who could be sentenced to Central Prison prior to 1977 amendment, see State v. Cagle, 241 N.C. 134 , 84 S.E.2d 649, 1954 N.C. LEXIS 566 (1954); State v. Floyd, 246 N.C. 434 , 98 S.E.2d 478, 1957 N.C. LEXIS 445 (1957); State v. Sherron, 4 N.C. App. 386, 166 S.E.2d 836, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1502 (1969).

§ 148-28. Sentencing prisoners to Central Prison; youthful offenders. [Effective January 1, 2023]

When a sentenced offender is to be taken to the Central Prison at Raleigh, a sheriff or other appropriate officer of the county shall cause such prisoner to be delivered with the proper commitment papers to the warden of the Central Prison. A person under 16 years of age convicted of a felony shall not be imprisoned in the Central Prison at Raleigh unless:

  1. The person was convicted of a capital felony; or
  2. He has previously been imprisoned in a county jail or under the authority of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction upon conviction of a felony.

    This provision shall not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction from transferring a person under 16 years of age to Central Prison when in the Secretary’s determination this person would not benefit from confinement in separate facilities for youthful offenders or when it has been determined that his presence would be detrimental to the implementation of programs designed for the benefit of other youthful offenders. Nor shall this provision limit the authority of the judges of the superior courts of this State or the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction from committing or transferring a person under 16 years of age to Central Prison for medical or psychiatric treatment.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 7; 1971, c. 691; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 711, s. 27; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(ttttttt); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-28 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ttttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (2).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in subdivision (2) and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” twice in the ending undesignated paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Transfer by Court Pursuant to § 162-39. —

Under G.S. 162-39 , the trial court, upon making an appropriate finding that it is necessary for the safety of the defendant, may order a defendant transferred to “a unit of the State Prison System designated by the Commissioner of Correction [now Secretary of Correction] or his authorized representative,” but the court should not order defendant transferred directly to Central Prison absent a finding that the Central Prison has been properly designated for that purpose by the Commissioner of Correction [now Secretary of Correction] or his authorized representative. State v. Sherron, 4 N.C. App. 386, 166 S.E.2d 836, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1502 (1969).

As to who could be sentenced to Central Prison prior to 1977 amendment, see State v. Cagle, 241 N.C. 134 , 84 S.E.2d 649, 1954 N.C. LEXIS 566 (1954); State v. Floyd, 246 N.C. 434 , 98 S.E.2d 478, 1957 N.C. LEXIS 445 (1957); State v. Sherron, 4 N.C. App. 386, 166 S.E.2d 836, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1502 (1969).

§ 148-29. Transportation of convicts to prison; reimbursement to counties; sheriff’s expense affidavit. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The sheriff having in charge any prisoner to be taken to the State prison system shall send the prisoner to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety after sentencing and the disposal of all pending charges against the prisoner, if no appeal has been taken. Beginning on the day after the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has been notified by the sheriff that a prisoner is ready for transfer and the Division has informed the sheriff that bedspace is not available for that prisoner, and continuing through the day the prisoner is received by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall pay the county:
    1. A standard sum set by the General Assembly in its appropriations acts for the cost of providing food, clothing, personal items, supervision, and necessary ordinary medical services to the prisoner awaiting transfer to the State prison system; and
    2. Extraordinary medical costs, as defined in G.S. 148-32.1(a), incurred by prisoners awaiting transfer to the State prison system.

      If the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice determines that bedspace is not available for a prisoner after the sheriff has notified the Division that the prisoner is ready for transfer, reimbursement under this subsection shall be made beginning on the day after the sheriff gave the notification.

  2. The sheriff having in charge any parolee or post-release supervisee to be taken to the State prison system shall send the prisoner to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety after preliminary hearing held under G.S. 15A-1368.6(b) or G.S. 15A-1376(b). Beginning on the day after the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has been notified by the sheriff that a prisoner is ready for transfer and the Division has informed the sheriff that bedspace is not available for that prisoner, and continuing through the day the prisoner is received by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall pay the county:
    1. A standard sum set by the General Assembly in its appropriations acts for the cost of providing food, clothing, personal items, supervision, and necessary ordinary medical services to the parolee or post-release supervisee awaiting transfer to the State prison system; and
    2. Extraordinary medical costs, as defined in G.S. 148-32.1(a), incurred by parolees or post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system.

      If the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice determines that bedspace is not available for a prisoner after the sheriff has notified the Division that the prisoner is ready for transfer, reimbursement under this subsection shall be made beginning on the day after the sheriff gave the notification.

  3. The sheriff shall file with the board of commissioners of his county a copy of his affidavit as to necessary guard, together with a copy of his itemized account of expenses, both certified to by him as true copies of those on file in his office.

History. 1869-70, c. 180, s. 3; 1870-1, c. 124, s. 3; 1874-5, c. 107, s. 3; Code, ss. 3432, 3437, 3438; Rev., ss. 5398, 5399, 5400; C. S., ss. 7718, 7719, 7720; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1977, c. 711, s. 28; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1993, c. 257, s. 18; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 20.2(a); 1997-443, s. 19(a); 1999-237, s. 18.10(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuu).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-29 .

Editor’s Note.

G.S. 148-32.1(a), referred to above, was repealed by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(f), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall develop the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in G.S. 148-32.1 , as enacted in subsection (e) of this section, by September 1, 2011.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no later than November 1, 2011, the Secretary of Correction [Secretary of Public Safety] shall contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to implement the Program. The contract terms shall include all of the following:

“(1) A provision that the Program shall be operated on a statewide basis no later than January 1, 2012, but may be phased in beginning at an earlier date.

“(2) A provision addressing the method of payment to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., for the costs of administering the Program.

“(3) A provision authorizing reimbursement by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to counties or to the Department of Correction, as appropriate, for all expenses incurred on behalf of those misdemeanants.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(i), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2011, on the implementation of this Part, and shall report thereafter as requested by the Committee. The report shall include relevant information collected monthly by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., regarding the jail capacity and population in each county.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(j), provides: “The General Assembly finds that while the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2), as enacted by subsection (e) of this section, shall be available statewide on January 1, 2012, it may be available to some counties at an earlier date. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a misdemeanant, who has a sentence imposed of more than 90 days and up to 180 days prior to January 1, 2012, excluding those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , may be transferred or reassigned to a local confinement facility designated by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., as provided by the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2).”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.1, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 143C-6-9 , the Department of Public Safety may use funds available to the Department for the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium to pay the sum of forty dollars ($40.00) per day as reimbursement to counties for the cost of housing convicted inmates, parolees, and post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system, as provided in G.S. 148-29 . The Department shall report annually by February 1 of each year to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety on the expenditure of funds to reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting transfer.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2001-424, s. 25.4, Session Laws 2005-276, s. 17.2, Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.6, Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.3, and Session Laws 2011-145, s. 18.5.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.2, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 143C-6-9 , the Department of Public Safety may use funds available to the Department for the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium to reimburse counties for the cost of housing convicted inmates, parolees, and post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system, as provided in G.S. 148-29 . The reimbursement may not exceed forty dollars ($40.00) per day per prisoner awaiting transfer. The Department shall report annually by February 1 of each year to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the expenditure of funds to reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting transfer.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ffff), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ffff), rewrote subsections (a) and (b). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Expense of Conveying Convicts. —

The last sentence of this section only applies to the expense of maintenance and does not apply to the expense of conveying convicts to the penitentiary. By the acts of 1869-70 it was especially provided that the expense of conveying should be paid by the State and this section did not repeal that act. Taylor v. Adams, 66 N.C. 338 , 1872 N.C. LEXIS 60 (1872).

§ 148-29. Transportation of convicts to prison; reimbursement to counties; sheriff’s expense affidavit. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The sheriff having in charge any prisoner to be taken to the State prison system shall send the prisoner to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction after sentencing and the disposal of all pending charges against the prisoner, if no appeal has been taken. Beginning on the day after the Division has been notified by the sheriff that a prisoner is ready for transfer and the Division has informed the sheriff that bedspace is not available for that prisoner, and continuing through the day the prisoner is received by the Division, the Division shall pay the county:
    1. A standard sum set by the General Assembly in its appropriations acts for the cost of providing food, clothing, personal items, supervision, and necessary ordinary medical services to the prisoner awaiting transfer to the State prison system; and
    2. Extraordinary medical costs, as defined in G.S. 148-32.1(a), incurred by prisoners awaiting transfer to the State prison system.

      If the Division determines that bedspace is not available for a prisoner after the sheriff has notified the Division that the prisoner is ready for transfer, reimbursement under this subsection shall be made beginning on the day after the sheriff gave the notification.

  2. The sheriff having in charge any parolee or post-release supervisee to be taken to the State prison system shall send the prisoner to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction after preliminary hearing held under G.S. 15A-1368.6(b) or G.S. 15A-1376(b). Beginning on the day after the Division has been notified by the sheriff that a prisoner is ready for transfer and the Division has informed the sheriff that bedspace is not available for that prisoner, and continuing through the day the prisoner is received by the Division, the Division shall pay the county:
    1. A standard sum set by the General Assembly in its appropriations acts for the cost of providing food, clothing, personal items, supervision, and necessary ordinary medical services to the parolee or post-release supervisee awaiting transfer to the State prison system; and
    2. Extraordinary medical costs, as defined in G.S. 148-32.1(a), incurred by parolees or post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system.

      If the Division determines that bedspace is not available for a prisoner after the sheriff has notified the Division that the prisoner is ready for transfer, reimbursement under this subsection shall be made beginning on the day after the sheriff gave the notification.

  3. The sheriff shall file with the board of commissioners of his county a copy of his affidavit as to necessary guard, together with a copy of his itemized account of expenses, both certified to by him as true copies of those on file in his office.

History. 1869-70, c. 180, s. 3; 1870-1, c. 124, s. 3; 1874-5, c. 107, s. 3; Code, ss. 3432, 3437, 3438; Rev., ss. 5398, 5399, 5400; C. S., ss. 7718, 7719, 7720; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1977, c. 711, s. 28; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1993, c. 257, s. 18; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 20.2(a); 1997-443, s. 19(a); 1999-237, s. 18.10(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuu); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ffff).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-29 .

Editor’s Note.

G.S. 148-32.1(a), referred to above, was repealed by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(f), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall develop the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in G.S. 148-32.1 , as enacted in subsection (e) of this section, by September 1, 2011.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no later than November 1, 2011, the Secretary of Correction [Secretary of Public Safety] shall contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to implement the Program. The contract terms shall include all of the following:

“(1) A provision that the Program shall be operated on a statewide basis no later than January 1, 2012, but may be phased in beginning at an earlier date.

“(2) A provision addressing the method of payment to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., for the costs of administering the Program.

“(3) A provision authorizing reimbursement by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to counties or to the Department of Correction, as appropriate, for all expenses incurred on behalf of those misdemeanants.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(i), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2011, on the implementation of this Part, and shall report thereafter as requested by the Committee. The report shall include relevant information collected monthly by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., regarding the jail capacity and population in each county.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(j), provides: “The General Assembly finds that while the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2), as enacted by subsection (e) of this section, shall be available statewide on January 1, 2012, it may be available to some counties at an earlier date. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a misdemeanant, who has a sentence imposed of more than 90 days and up to 180 days prior to January 1, 2012, excluding those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , may be transferred or reassigned to a local confinement facility designated by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., as provided by the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2).”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.1, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 143C-6-9 , the Department of Public Safety may use funds available to the Department for the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium to pay the sum of forty dollars ($40.00) per day as reimbursement to counties for the cost of housing convicted inmates, parolees, and post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system, as provided in G.S. 148-29 . The Department shall report annually by February 1 of each year to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety on the expenditure of funds to reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting transfer.”

For prior similar provisions, see Session Laws 2001-424, s. 25.4, Session Laws 2005-276, s. 17.2, Session Laws 2007-323, s. 17.6, Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.3, and Session Laws 2011-145, s. 18.5.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.2, provides: “Notwithstanding G.S. 143C-6-9 , the Department of Public Safety may use funds available to the Department for the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium to reimburse counties for the cost of housing convicted inmates, parolees, and post-release supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system, as provided in G.S. 148-29 . The reimbursement may not exceed forty dollars ($40.00) per day per prisoner awaiting transfer. The Department shall report annually by February 1 of each year to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the expenditure of funds to reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting transfer.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ffff), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ffff), rewrote subsections (a) and (b). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Expense of Conveying Convicts. —

The last sentence of this section only applies to the expense of maintenance and does not apply to the expense of conveying convicts to the penitentiary. By the acts of 1869-70 it was especially provided that the expense of conveying should be paid by the State and this section did not repeal that act. Taylor v. Adams, 66 N.C. 338 , 1872 N.C. LEXIS 60 (1872).

§ 148-30. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 35, provided: “None of the provisions of this act providing for the repeal of certain sections of the General Statutes shall constitute a reenactment of the common law.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

§ 148-31. Maintenance of Central Prison; warden; powers and duties.

The Central Prison shall be maintained in such a manner as to conform to all the requirements of Article XI of the State Constitution, relating to a State’s prison. A suitable person shall be appointed warden of the Central Prison, and he shall succeed to and be vested with all the rights, duties, and powers heretofore vested by law in the superintendent of the State’s prison or the warden thereof with respect to capital punishment, or any matter of discipline of the inmates of the prison not otherwise provided for in this Article.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 14.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2011-412, s. 1.2, provides: “The Department of Public Safety shall study the potential benefits and costs of contracting for maintenance services at prison facilities and report its findings to the 2013 Session of the General Assembly. The Department shall not expand private maintenance contracts to additional prison facilities unless authorized by the 2013 Session of the General Assembly.”

§ 148-32. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 450, s. 2.

Editor’s Note.

This section was also repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

§ 148-32.1. Local confinement, costs, alternate facilities, parole, work release. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Repealed by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009.
  2. In the event that the custodian of the local confinement facility certifies in writing to the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the local confinement facility is located that the local confinement facility is filled to capacity, or that the facility cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners, or that the custodian anticipates, in light of local experiences, an influx of temporary prisoners at that time, or if the local confinement facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 , any judge of the district court in the district court district as defined in G.S. 7A-133 where the facility is located, or any superior court judge who has jurisdiction pursuant to G.S. 7A-47.1 or G.S. 7A-48 in a district or set of districts as defined in G.S. 7A-41.1 where the facility is located may order that a prisoner not housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in subsection (b2) of this section be transferred to any other qualified local confinement facility within that district or within another such district where space is available, including a satellite jail unit operated pursuant to G.S. 153A-230.3 if the prisoner is a non-violent misdemeanant, which local facility shall accept the transferred prisoner.If no other local confinement facility is available and the reason for the requested transfer is that the local confinement facility that would be required to house the prisoner cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners or the local facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 , then the judge may order that a prisoner not housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in subsection (b2) of this section be transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as designated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. In no event, however, shall a prisoner whose term of imprisonment is less than 30 days be assigned or ordered transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. (b1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to authorize the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice to enter into voluntary agreements with counties to provide housing for misdemeanants serving periods of confinement of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length. It is further the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, in conjunction with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., establish a program for housing misdemeanants serving periods of confinement of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length. It is also the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to provide a service that identifies space in local confinement facilities that is available for housing these misdemeanants.The General Assembly intends that the cost of housing and caring for these misdemeanants, including, but not limited to, care, supervision, transportation, medical, and any other related costs, be covered by State funds and not be imposed as a local cost. Therefore, the General Assembly intends that the funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program be used to provide funding to cover the costs of managing a system for providing that housing of misdemeanants in local confinement facilities as well as reimbursing the counties for housing and related expenses for those misdemeanants.

    (b2) The Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program is established. The Program shall provide for the housing of misdemeanants from all counties serving sentences imposed for a period of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1, regardless of length. Those misdemeanants shall be confined in local confinement facilities except as provided in subsections (b3) and (b4) of this section. The Program shall address methods for the placement and transportation of inmates and reimbursement to counties for the housing of those inmates. Any county that voluntarily agrees to house misdemeanants from that county or from other counties pursuant to the Program may enter into a written agreement with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice to do so.The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall:

    1. Report no later than the fifteenth day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include all of the following:
      1. The daily population delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.
      2. The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.
      3. The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.
      4. Personnel costs.
      5. Inmate medical care costs.
      6. The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.
      7. The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.
    2. Report no later than October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:
      1. The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.
      2. The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.
      3. Personnel costs by county.
      4. Inmate medical care costs by county.
      5. The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.
      6. The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

        (b3) The custodian of a local confinement facility may request a judicial order to transfer a misdemeanant housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program to a facility operated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice by certifying in writing to the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the local confinement facility is located that one of the following conditions is met:

        (1) The misdemeanant poses a security risk because the misdemeanant:

        a. Poses a serious escape risk.

        b. Exhibits violently aggressive behavior that cannot be contained and warrants a higher level of supervision.

        c. Needs to be protected from other inmates, and the county jail facility cannot provide such protection.

        d. Is a female or a person 18 years of age or younger, and the county jail facility does not have adequate housing for such prisoners.

        e. Is in custody at a time when a fire or other catastrophic event has caused the county jail facility to cease or curtail operations.

        f. Otherwise poses an imminent danger to the staff of the county jail facility or to other prisoners in the facility.

        (2) The misdemeanant requires medical or mental health treatment that the county decides can best be provided by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

    3. The local confinement facility that would be required to house the prisoner (i) cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners, or the local facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221, and (ii) no other local confinement facility is available.Upon receiving such request and certification in writing, any superior or district court judge for the district in which the local confinement facility is located may, after ascertaining that the request meets the criteria set forth in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection, order the misdemeanant transferred to a unit of the State prison system designated by the Secretary of Public Safety or the Secretary’s authorized representative. Individuals meeting the condition set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection may be ordered to be transferred for an initial period not to exceed 30 days. The sheriff of the county from which the prisoner is removed shall be responsible for conveying the prisoner to the prison unit where the prisoner is to be held and for returning the prisoner to the jail of the county from which the prisoner was transferred. The officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of Public Safety shall receive custody of the prisoner in accordance with the terms of the order. Prior to the conclusion of the 30-day period, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall conduct an assessment of treatment and venue needs. The assessment shall be conducted by the attending medical or mental health professional and shall assess the medical and mental health needs of the prisoner and make a recommendation on whether the prisoner should remain in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety or if the prisoner should be returned to the custody of the county. To extend the order beyond the initial 30-day period, the sheriff shall provide the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice assessment and any other relevant information to the resident judge or the superior court or any judge holding superior court in the district or any district court judge who shall determine whether to extend the transfer of the prisoner to a unit of the State prison system beyond the initial 30-day period. If the judge determines that the prisoner should remain in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the judge shall renew the order and include a date certain for review by the court. Prior to the date of review, the Division shall conduct a reassessment of treatment and venue needs and the sheriff shall provide the reassessment and any other relevant information to the court, as described in this subsection. If the judge determines that the prisoner should not remain in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of Public Safety shall release custody of the prisoner in accordance with the court order and the instructions of the attending medical or mental health professional. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be reimbursed from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund for the costs of housing the misdemeanant, including the care, supervision, and transportation of the misdemeanant.

      (b4) A misdemeanant housed under the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established pursuant to subsection (b2) of this section may be transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice if the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., determines that the local confinement facilities available for housing misdemeanants under the Program are filled to capacity. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be reimbursed from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund for the costs of housing the misdemeanant, including the care, supervision, and transportation of the misdemeanant.

  3. Repealed by Session Laws 2015-40, s. 6.
  4. When a prisoner serving a sentence of 30 days or more in a local confinement facility is placed on work release pursuant to a recommendation of the sentencing court, the custodian of the facility shall forward the prisoner’s work-release earnings to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, which shall disburse the earnings as determined under G.S. 148-33.1(f). When a prisoner serving a sentence of 30 days or more in a local confinement facility is placed on work release pursuant to an order of the sentencing court, the custodian of the facility shall forward the prisoner’s work-release earnings to the clerk of the court that sentenced the prisoner or to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, as provided in the prisoner’s commitment order. The clerk or the Division, as appropriate, shall disburse the earnings as provided in the prisoner’s commitment order. Upon agreement between the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice and the custodian of the local confinement facility, however, the clerk may disburse to the local confinement facility the amount of the earnings to be paid for the cost of the prisoner’s keep, and that amount shall be set off against the reimbursement to be paid by the Department to the local confinement facility pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(a).
  5. Upon entry of a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 into a local confinement facility or to a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice pursuant to this section, the custodian of the local confinement facility or detention facility shall forward to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission information pertaining to the prisoner so as to make him eligible for parole consideration pursuant to G.S. 15A-1371 . Such information shall include date of incarceration, jail credit, and such other information as may be required by the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission. The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall approve a form upon which the custodian shall furnish this information, which form will be provided to the custodian by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

History. 1977, c. 450, s. 3; c. 925, s. 2; 1981, c. 859, s. 25; 1985, c. 226, s. 3(1), (2); 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, ss. 199, 201(e); 1987, c. 7, ss. 2, 6; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1037, s. 120; c. 1100, s. 17.4(a); 1989, c. 1, s. 2; c. 761, s. 3; 1991, c. 217, s. 6; 1993, c. 538, s. 33; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 65; c. 24, s. 14(b); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.9(f); 1997-456, s. 23; 2004-199, s. 48; 2004-203, s. 54; 2009-451, s. 19.22A; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-192, s. 7(a), (d), (e), (g); 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f); 2015-40, s. 6; 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d); 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvv); 2020-83, ss. 8(m), 9(b); 2021-180, s. 19C.2.

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1987, c. 7, s. 6 as amended by Session Laws 1989, c. 1, s. 2, had provided that the amendment to subsection (b) of this section by s. 2 of the act would expire July 1, 1991, unless reenacted by the General Assembly. However, the expiration provision was deleted by Session Laws 1991, c. 217, s. 6.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(f), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall develop the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in G.S. 148-32.1 , as enacted in subsection (e) of this section, by September 1, 2011.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no later than November 1, 2011, the Secretary of Correction [Secretary of Public Safety] shall contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to implement the Program. The contract terms shall include all of the following:

“(1) A provision that the Program shall be operated on a statewide basis no later than January 1, 2012, but may be phased in beginning at an earlier date.

“(2) A provision addressing the method of payment to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., for the costs of administering the Program.

“(3) A provision authorizing reimbursement by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to counties or to the Department of Correction, as appropriate, for all expenses incurred on behalf of those misdemeanants.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(i), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2011, on the implementation of this Part, and shall report thereafter as requested by the Committee. The report shall include relevant information collected monthly by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., regarding the jail capacity and population in each county.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(j), provides: “The General Assembly finds that while the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2), as enacted by subsection (e) of this section, shall be available statewide on January 1, 2012, it may be available to some counties at an earlier date. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a misdemeanant, who has a sentence imposed of more than 90 days and up to 180 days prior to January 1, 2012, excluding those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , may be transferred or reassigned to a local confinement facility designated by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., as provided by the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2).”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(g), made the amendments to subsections (b1) and (b2) by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f), applicable to (i) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 on or after January 1, 2015, and (ii) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for all other misdemeanors other than impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 on or after October 1, 2014.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report monthly by the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report by October 1, 2015, to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(a), provides: “Recurring funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be used for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. These funds shall not be transferred to a special fund. This subsection shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 fiscal year and shall remain in effect beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b) amends G.S. 148-10.4 to repeal a fund that was specifically earmarked for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.5(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report no later than the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include all of the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report no later than October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(p), made the amendment of subsection (e) of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(m), effective August 1, 2020, and applicable to offenses committed, sentences imposed, and any other orders of imprisonment issued on or after that date.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(c), made the amendment of subsection (b3) of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(b), effective July 1, 2020, and applicable to all prisoners transferred on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2004-203, s. 54, effective August 17, 2004, inserted “criminal” preceding “sentences” in the first sentence and added the last sentence in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009, deleted subsection (a).

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(a) and (e), effective July 1, 2011, added subsections (b1) and (b2).

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f), effective October 1, 2014, in subsection (b1), substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving a sentence for an impaired driving offense” at the end of the first sentence and substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense” at the end of the second sentence; and substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1, regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1” at the end of the second sentence of subsection (b2). See Editor’s note for applicability.

Session Laws 2015-40, s. 6, effective July 1, 2015, repealed former (c), which read: “When a prisoner sentenced for a conviction of impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 is assigned to a local confinement facility pursuant to this section, the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the sentence was imposed shall immediately forward a copy of the commitment order to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission so that the prisoner will be eligible for parole pursuant to G.S. 15A-1371 .”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program” for “in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established in G.S. 148-10.4 ” in subsection (b1); and deleted the last paragraph in subsection (b2), which read: “This Program shall only operate as long as sufficient State funds are available through the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established in G.S. 148-10.4(c) .”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(m), in the first sentence of subsection (e), inserted “or to a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” and “or detention facility.” For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(b), in subsection (b3), added “one of the following conditions is met” at the end of the introductory paragraph; made minor stylistic changes in subdivision (b3)(1); and inserted the second through next-to-last sentences of the concluding paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.2, effective July 1, 2021, added the second paragraph of subsection (b2).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Misdemeanants with sentences of 180 days or less are not to be sent to the Department of Correction, but must be jailed in a “local confinement facility” (subject to the limited exception found at G.S. 148-32.1 ). See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Bruce E. Colvin, Assistant County Attorney, Forsyth County, 55 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 21 (1985).

§ 148-32.1. Local confinement, costs, alternate facilities, parole, work release. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Repealed by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009.
  2. In the event that the custodian of the local confinement facility certifies in writing to the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the local confinement facility is located that the local confinement facility is filled to capacity, or that the facility cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners, or that the custodian anticipates, in light of local experiences, an influx of temporary prisoners at that time, or if the local confinement facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 , any judge of the district court in the district court district as defined in G.S. 7A-133 where the facility is located, or any superior court judge who has jurisdiction pursuant to G.S. 7A-47.1 or G.S. 7A-48 in a district or set of districts as defined in G.S. 7A-41.1 where the facility is located may order that a prisoner not housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in subsection (b2) of this section be transferred to any other qualified local confinement facility within that district or within another such district where space is available, including a satellite jail unit operated pursuant to G.S. 153A-230.3 if the prisoner is a non-violent misdemeanant, which local facility shall accept the transferred prisoner.If no other local confinement facility is available and the reason for the requested transfer is that the local confinement facility that would be required to house the prisoner cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners or the local facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 , then the judge may order that a prisoner not housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in subsection (b2) of this section be transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction as designated by the Division of Prisons. In no event, however, shall a prisoner whose term of imprisonment is less than 30 days be assigned or ordered transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Prisons. (b1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to authorize the Division of Prisons to enter into voluntary agreements with counties to provide housing for misdemeanants serving periods of confinement of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length. It is further the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Prisons, in conjunction with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., establish a program for housing misdemeanants serving periods of confinement of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length. It is also the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Prisons contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to provide a service that identifies space in local confinement facilities that is available for housing these misdemeanants.The General Assembly intends that the cost of housing and caring for these misdemeanants, including, but not limited to, care, supervision, transportation, medical, and any other related costs, be covered by State funds and not be imposed as a local cost. Therefore, the General Assembly intends that the funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program be used to provide funding to cover the costs of managing a system for providing that housing of misdemeanants in local confinement facilities as well as reimbursing the counties for housing and related expenses for those misdemeanants.

    (b2) The Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program is established. The Program shall provide for the housing of misdemeanants from all counties serving sentences imposed for a period of more than 90 days and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1, regardless of length. Those misdemeanants shall be confined in local confinement facilities except as provided in subsections (b3) and (b4) of this section. The Program shall address methods for the placement and transportation of inmates and reimbursement to counties for the housing of those inmates. Any county that voluntarily agrees to house misdemeanants from that county or from other counties pursuant to the Program may enter into a written agreement with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice to do so.The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall:

    1. Report no later than the fifteenth day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include all of the following:
      1. The daily population delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.
      2. The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.
      3. The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.
      4. Personnel costs.
      5. Inmate medical care costs.
      6. The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.
      7. The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.
    2. Report no later than October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:
      1. The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.
      2. The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.
      3. Personnel costs by county.
      4. Inmate medical care costs by county.
      5. The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.
      6. The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

        (b3) The custodian of a local confinement facility may request a judicial order to transfer a misdemeanant housed pursuant to the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program to a facility operated by the Division of Prisons by certifying in writing to the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the local confinement facility is located that one of the following conditions is met:

        (1) The misdemeanant poses a security risk because the misdemeanant:

        a. Poses a serious escape risk.

        b. Exhibits violently aggressive behavior that cannot be contained and warrants a higher level of supervision.

        c. Needs to be protected from other inmates, and the county jail facility cannot provide such protection.

        d. Is a female or a person 18 years of age or younger, and the county jail facility does not have adequate housing for such prisoners.

        e. Is in custody at a time when a fire or other catastrophic event has caused the county jail facility to cease or curtail operations.

        f. Otherwise poses an imminent danger to the staff of the county jail facility or to other prisoners in the facility.

        (2) The misdemeanant requires medical or mental health treatment that the county decides can best be provided by the Division of Prisons.

    3. The local confinement facility that would be required to house the prisoner (i) cannot reasonably accommodate any more prisoners due to segregation requirements for particular prisoners, or the local facility does not meet the minimum standards published pursuant to G.S. 153A-221, and (ii) no other local confinement facility is available.Upon receiving such request and certification in writing, any superior or district court judge for the district in which the local confinement facility is located may, after ascertaining that the request meets the criteria set forth in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection, order the misdemeanant transferred to a unit of the State prison system designated by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction or the Secretary’s authorized representative. Individuals meeting the condition set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection may be ordered to be transferred for an initial period not to exceed 30 days. The sheriff of the county from which the prisoner is removed shall be responsible for conveying the prisoner to the prison unit where the prisoner is to be held and for returning the prisoner to the jail of the county from which the prisoner was transferred. The officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall receive custody of the prisoner in accordance with the terms of the order. Prior to the conclusion of the 30-day period, the Division of Prisons shall conduct an assessment of treatment and venue needs. The assessment shall be conducted by the attending medical or mental health professional and shall assess the medical and mental health needs of the prisoner and make a recommendation on whether the prisoner should remain in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction or if the prisoner should be returned to the custody of the county. To extend the order beyond the initial 30-day period, the sheriff shall provide the Division of Prisons assessment and any other relevant information to the resident judge or the superior court or any judge holding superior court in the district or any district court judge who shall determine whether to extend the transfer of the prisoner to a unit of the State prison system beyond the initial 30-day period. If the judge determines that the prisoner should remain in the custody of the Division of Prisons, the judge shall renew the order and include a date certain for review by the court. Prior to the date of review, the Division shall conduct a reassessment of treatment and venue needs and the sheriff shall provide the reassessment and any other relevant information to the court, as described in this subsection. If the judge determines that the prisoner should not remain in the custody of the Division of Prisons, the officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall release custody of the prisoner in accordance with the court order and the instructions of the attending medical or mental health professional. The Division of Prisons shall be reimbursed from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund for the costs of housing the misdemeanant, including the care, supervision, and transportation of the misdemeanant.

      (b4) A misdemeanant housed under the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established pursuant to subsection (b2) of this section may be transferred to a facility operated by the Division of Prisons if the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., determines that the local confinement facilities available for housing misdemeanants under the Program are filled to capacity. The Division of Prisons shall be reimbursed from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund for the costs of housing the misdemeanant, including the care, supervision, and transportation of the misdemeanant.

  3. Repealed by Session Laws 2015-40, s. 6.
  4. When a prisoner serving a sentence of 30 days or more in a local confinement facility is placed on work release pursuant to a recommendation of the sentencing court, the custodian of the facility shall forward the prisoner’s work-release earnings to the Division of Prisons, which shall disburse the earnings as determined under G.S. 148-33.1(f). When a prisoner serving a sentence of 30 days or more in a local confinement facility is placed on work release pursuant to an order of the sentencing court, the custodian of the facility shall forward the prisoner’s work-release earnings to the clerk of the court that sentenced the prisoner or to the Division of Prisons, as provided in the prisoner’s commitment order. The clerk or the Division, as appropriate, shall disburse the earnings as provided in the prisoner’s commitment order. Upon agreement between the Division of Prisons and the custodian of the local confinement facility, however, the clerk may disburse to the local confinement facility the amount of the earnings to be paid for the cost of the prisoner’s keep, and that amount shall be set off against the reimbursement to be paid by the Department to the local confinement facility pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(a).
  5. Upon entry of a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 into a local confinement facility or to a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Prisons pursuant to this section, the custodian of the local confinement facility or detention facility shall forward to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission information pertaining to the prisoner so as to make him eligible for parole consideration pursuant to G.S. 15A-1371 . Such information shall include date of incarceration, jail credit, and such other information as may be required by the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission. The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall approve a form upon which the custodian shall furnish this information, which form will be provided to the custodian by the Division of Prisons.

History. 1977, c. 450, s. 3; c. 925, s. 2; 1981, c. 859, s. 25; 1985, c. 226, s. 3(1), (2); 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, ss. 199, 201(e); 1987, c. 7, ss. 2, 6; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1037, s. 120; c. 1100, s. 17.4(a); 1989, c. 1, s. 2; c. 761, s. 3; 1991, c. 217, s. 6; 1993, c. 538, s. 33; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 65; c. 24, s. 14(b); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.9(f); 1997-456, s. 23; 2004-199, s. 48; 2004-203, s. 54; 2009-451, s. 19.22A; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-192, s. 7(a), (d), (e), (g); 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f); 2015-40, s. 6; 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d); 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvv); 2020-83, ss. 8(m), 9(b); 2021-180, ss. 19C.2, 19C.9(p), (q), (z).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1987, c. 7, s. 6 as amended by Session Laws 1989, c. 1, s. 2, had provided that the amendment to subsection (b) of this section by s. 2 of the act would expire July 1, 1991, unless reenacted by the General Assembly. However, the expiration provision was deleted by Session Laws 1991, c. 217, s. 6.

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(f), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., in consultation with the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety], shall develop the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program established in G.S. 148-32.1 , as enacted in subsection (e) of this section, by September 1, 2011.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no later than November 1, 2011, the Secretary of Correction [Secretary of Public Safety] shall contract with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to implement the Program. The contract terms shall include all of the following:

“(1) A provision that the Program shall be operated on a statewide basis no later than January 1, 2012, but may be phased in beginning at an earlier date.

“(2) A provision addressing the method of payment to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., for the costs of administering the Program.

“(3) A provision authorizing reimbursement by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., to counties or to the Department of Correction, as appropriate, for all expenses incurred on behalf of those misdemeanants.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(i), provides: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., shall report to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee by October 1, 2011, on the implementation of this Part, and shall report thereafter as requested by the Committee. The report shall include relevant information collected monthly by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., regarding the jail capacity and population in each county.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(j), provides: “The General Assembly finds that while the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2), as enacted by subsection (e) of this section, shall be available statewide on January 1, 2012, it may be available to some counties at an earlier date. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a misdemeanant, who has a sentence imposed of more than 90 days and up to 180 days prior to January 1, 2012, excluding those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , may be transferred or reassigned to a local confinement facility designated by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., as provided by the Program developed pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b2).”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7( l ), provides: “If there is not adequate capacity in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement program, such that the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety] must continue to house prisoners serving more than 90 days and up to 180 days pursuant to G.S. 148-32.1(b4), then the Department of Correction is authorized to use funds received from the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund to operate facilities previously identified for closure and for diagnostic staff positions.”

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 9, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Justice Reinvestment Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(g), made the amendments to subsections (b1) and (b2) by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f), applicable to (i) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 on or after January 1, 2015, and (ii) persons placed on probation or sentenced to imprisonment for all other misdemeanors other than impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 on or after October 1, 2014.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2014.’ ”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 38.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.6(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report monthly by the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report by October 1, 2015, to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(a), provides: “Recurring funds appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund shall be used for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. These funds shall not be transferred to a special fund. This subsection shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 fiscal year and shall remain in effect beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(b) amends G.S. 148-10.4 to repeal a fund that was specifically earmarked for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 16C.5(a), (b), provides: “(a) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report no later than the 15th day of each month to the Office of State Budget and Management and the Fiscal Research Division on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. Each monthly report shall include all of the following:

“(1) The daily population, delineated by misdemeanant or DWI monthly housing.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.

“(b) The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association shall report no later than October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program. The report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Revenue collected by the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program.

“(2) The cost of housing prisoners by county under the Program.

“(3) The cost of transporting prisoners by county under the Program.

“(4) Personnel costs by county.

“(5) Inmate medical care costs by county.

“(6) The number of counties that volunteer to house inmates under the Program.

“(7) The administrative costs paid to the Sheriffs’ Association and to the Department of Public Safety.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(p), made the amendment of subsection (e) of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(m), effective August 1, 2020, and applicable to offenses committed, sentences imposed, and any other orders of imprisonment issued on or after that date.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(c), made the amendment of subsection (b3) of this section by Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(b), effective July 1, 2020, and applicable to all prisoners transferred on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), (z), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2004-203, s. 54, effective August 17, 2004, inserted “criminal” preceding “sentences” in the first sentence and added the last sentence in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.22A, effective July 1, 2009, deleted subsection (a).

Session Laws 2011-192, s. 7(a) and (e), effective July 1, 2011, added subsections (b1) and (b2).

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.1(f), effective October 1, 2014, in subsection (b1), substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving a sentence for an impaired driving offense” at the end of the first sentence and substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 , regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense” at the end of the second sentence; and substituted “and for all sentences imposed for impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1, regardless of length” for “and up to 180 days, except for those serving sentences for an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1” at the end of the second sentence of subsection (b2). See Editor’s note for applicability.

Session Laws 2015-40, s. 6, effective July 1, 2015, repealed former (c), which read: “When a prisoner sentenced for a conviction of impaired driving under G.S. 20-138.1 is assigned to a local confinement facility pursuant to this section, the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the sentence was imposed shall immediately forward a copy of the commitment order to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission so that the prisoner will be eligible for parole pursuant to G.S. 15A-1371 .”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.1(d), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “appropriated for the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program” for “in the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established in G.S. 148-10.4 ” in subsection (b1); and deleted the last paragraph in subsection (b2), which read: “This Program shall only operate as long as sufficient State funds are available through the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Fund established in G.S. 148-10.4(c) .”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 8(m), in the first sentence of subsection (e), inserted “or to a detention facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” and “or detention facility.” For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2020-83, s. 9(b), in subsection (b3), added “one of the following conditions is met” at the end of the introductory paragraph; made minor stylistic changes in subdivision (b3)(1); and inserted the second through next-to-last sentences of the concluding paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.2, effective July 1, 2021, added the second paragraph of subsection (b2).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), (q), (z), throughout this section, substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” and substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Misdemeanants with sentences of 180 days or less are not to be sent to the Department of Correction, but must be jailed in a “local confinement facility” (subject to the limited exception found at G.S. 148-32.1 ). See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Bruce E. Colvin, Assistant County Attorney, Forsyth County, 55 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 21 (1985).

§ 148-32.2. Community work crew fee. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may charge a fee to any unit of local government to which it provides, upon request, a community work crew. The amount of the fee shall be no more than the cost to the Division to provide the crew to the unit of local government.

History. 2009-451, s. 19.24; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2014-100, s. 16C.2; 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwww).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction” in the first sentence, and substituted “Division” for “Department” in the last sentence.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.2, effective July 1, 2014, deleted “, not to exceed a daily rate of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per work crew” following “government” at the end of the last sentence in the section.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-32.2. Community work crew fee. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may charge a fee to any unit of local government to which it provides, upon request, a community work crew. The amount of the fee shall be no more than the cost to the Division to provide the crew to the unit of local government.

History. 2009-451, s. 19.24; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2014-100, s. 16C.2; 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwww); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction” in the first sentence, and substituted “Division” for “Department” in the last sentence.

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 16C.2, effective July 1, 2014, deleted “, not to exceed a daily rate of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per work crew” following “government” at the end of the last sentence in the section.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-32.3. Inmate Construction Program. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, but subject to the provisions of this Article, the State Construction Office may utilize inmates in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety through the Inmate Construction Program for repair and renovation projects on State-owned facilities, with priority given to Department of Public Safety construction projects. State agencies utilizing the Inmate Construction Program shall reimburse the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety for the cost of transportation, custody, and wages for the inmate crews.

History. 2020-78, s. 12.1.

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.3 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.4 made this section effective July 1, 2020.

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.1, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.3, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(gggg), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(gggg), substituted “the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” twice, and “Department of Adult Correction construction projects.” for “Department of Public Safety construction projects.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-32.3. Inmate Construction Program. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, but subject to the provisions of this Article, the State Construction Office may utilize inmates in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction through the Inmate Construction Program for repair and renovation projects on State-owned facilities, with priority given to Department of Adult Correction construction projects. State agencies utilizing the Inmate Construction Program shall reimburse the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for the cost of transportation, custody, and wages for the inmate crews.

History. 2020-78, s. 12.1; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(gggg).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-32.3 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.4 made this section effective July 1, 2020.

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.1, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2020-78, s. 22.3, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(gggg), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(gggg), substituted “the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” twice, and “Department of Adult Correction construction projects.” for “Department of Public Safety construction projects.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-33. Prison labor furnished other State agencies. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may furnish to any of the other State departments, State institutions, or agencies, upon such conditions as may be agreed upon from time to time between the Division and the governing authorities of such Department, institution or agency, prison labor for carrying on any work where it is practical and desirable to use prison labor in the furtherance of the purposes of any State department, institution or agency, and such other employment as is now provided by law for inmates of the State’s prison under the provisions of G.S. 148-6 : Provided that such prisoners shall at all times be under the custody of and controlled by the duly authorized agent of such Division. Provided, further, that notwithstanding any provisions of law contained in this Article or in this Chapter, no prisoner or group of prisoners may be assigned to work in any building utilized by any State department, agency, or institution unless a duly designated custodial agent of the Secretary of Public Safety is assigned to the building to maintain supervision and control of the prisoner or prisoners working there.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 30; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1961, c. 966; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2007-398, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxx).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 4, effective August 21, 2007, in the last sentence, deleted “male” twice preceding “prisoner” and preceding “prisoners,” and deleted “where women are housed or employed” preceding “unless a duly designated custodial agent.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h) and (i), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction,” substituted “Division” for “Department,” and substituted “Secretary of Public Safety” for “Secretary of Correction.”

Session Laws 2012-83, s. 61, effective June 26, 2012, deleted “State” preceding “Division of Adult Correction” in the first sentence.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the middle of the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-33. Prison labor furnished other State agencies. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may furnish to any of the other State departments, State institutions, or agencies, upon such conditions as may be agreed upon from time to time between the Division and the governing authorities of such Department, institution or agency, prison labor for carrying on any work where it is practical and desirable to use prison labor in the furtherance of the purposes of any State department, institution or agency, and such other employment as is now provided by law for inmates of the State’s prison under the provisions of G.S. 148-6 : Provided that such prisoners shall at all times be under the custody of and controlled by the duly authorized agent of such Division. Provided, further, that notwithstanding any provisions of law contained in this Article or in this Chapter, no prisoner or group of prisoners may be assigned to work in any building utilized by any State department, agency, or institution unless a duly designated custodial agent of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction is assigned to the building to maintain supervision and control of the prisoner or prisoners working there.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 30; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1961, c. 966; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2007-398, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxx); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-398, s. 4, effective August 21, 2007, in the last sentence, deleted “male” twice preceding “prisoner” and preceding “prisoners,” and deleted “where women are housed or employed” preceding “unless a duly designated custodial agent.”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h) and (i), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction,” substituted “Division” for “Department,” and substituted “Secretary of Public Safety” for “Secretary of Correction.”

Session Laws 2012-83, s. 61, effective June 26, 2012, deleted “State” preceding “Division of Adult Correction” in the first sentence.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the middle of the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-33.1. Sentencing, quartering, and control of prisoners with work-release privileges. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Whenever a person is sentenced to imprisonment for a term to be served in the State prison system or a local confinement facility, the Secretary of Public Safety may authorize the Director of Prisons or the custodian of the local confinement facility to grant work-release privileges to any inmate who is eligible for work release and who has not been granted work-release privileges by order of the sentencing court. The Secretary of Public Safety shall authorize immediate work-release privileges for any person serving a sentence not exceeding five years in the State prison system and for whom the presiding judge shall have recommended work-release privileges when (i) it is verified that appropriate employment for the person is available in an area where, in the judgment of the Secretary, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety has facilities to which the person may suitably be assigned, and (ii) custodial and correctional considerations would not be adverse to releasing the person without supervision into the free community.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 541, s. 2.
  3. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall from time to time, as the need becomes evident, designate and adapt facilities in the State prison system for quartering prisoners with work-release privileges. No State or county prisoner shall be granted work-release privileges by the Director of Prisons or the custodian of a local confinement facility until suitable facilities for quartering him have been provided in the area where the prisoner has employment or the offer of employment.
  4. The Secretary of Public Safety is authorized and directed to establish a work-release plan under which an eligible prisoner may be released from actual custody during the time necessary to proceed to the place of his employment, perform his work, and return to quarters designated by the prison authorities. If the prisoner shall violate any of the conditions prescribed by prison rules and regulations for the administration of the work-release plan, then such prisoner may be withdrawn from work-release privileges, and the prisoner may be transferred to the general prison population to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Rules and regulations for the administration of the work-release plan shall be established in the same manner as other rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system.
  5. The State Department of Labor shall exercise the same supervision over conditions of employment for persons working in the free community while serving sentences imposed under this section as the Department does over conditions of employment for free persons.
  6. A prisoner who is convicted of a felony and who is granted work-release privileges shall give his work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. A prisoner who is convicted of a misdemeanor, is committed to a local confinement facility, and is granted work-release privileges by order of the sentencing court shall give his work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the custodian of the local confinement facility. Other misdemeanants granted work-release privileges shall give their work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety or the sentencing court, as appropriate, shall determine the amount to be deducted from a prisoner’s work-release earnings to pay for the cost of the prisoner’s keep and to accumulate a reasonable sum to be paid the prisoner when he is paroled or discharged from prison. The Division or sentencing court shall also determine the amount to be disbursed by the Division or clerk of court, as appropriate, for each of the following:
    1. To pay travel and other expenses of the prisoner made necessary by his employment;
    2. To provide a reasonable allowance to the prisoner for his incidental personal expenses;
    3. To make payments for the support of the prisoner’s dependents in accordance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or in the absence of a court order, in accordance with a determination of dependency status and need made by the local department of social services in the county of North Carolina in which such dependents reside; (3a) To make restitution or reparation as provided in G.S. 148-33.2 .
    4. To comply with an order from any court of competent jurisdiction regarding the payment of an obligation of the prisoner in connection with any judgment rendered by the court.
    5. To comply with a written request by the prisoner to withhold an amount, when the request has been granted by the Division or the sentencing court, as appropriate.Any balance of his earnings remaining at the time the prisoner is released from prison shall be paid to him. The Social Services Commission is authorized to promulgate uniform rules and regulations governing the duties of county social services departments under this section.
  7. No prisoner employed in the free community under the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the State prison system while working in the free community or going to or from such employment.
  8. Any prisoner employed under the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to any benefits under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes entitled “Employment Security” during the term of the sentence.
  9. No recommendation for work release shall be made at the time of sentencing in any case in which the presiding judge shall suspend the imposition of sentence and place a convicted person on probation; however, if probation be subsequently revoked and the active sentence of imprisonment executed, the court may at that time recommend work release. Neither a recommendation for work release by the court or the decision of the Secretary of Public Safety to place a person on work release shall give rise to any vested statutory right to an individual to be placed on or continued on work release.
  10. The provisions of subsections (f), (g), and (h) of this section shall also apply to prisoners employed in private prison enterprises conducted pursuant to G.S. 148-70 .

History. 1957, c. 540; 1959, c. 126; 1961, c. 420; 1963, c. 469, ss. 1, 2; 1967, c. 684; c. 996, s. 13; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 476, s. 138; c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 22, ss. 1-3; c. 679, s. 3; 1977, c. 450, ss. 4, 5; c. 614, s. 6; c. 623, ss. 1, 2; c. 711, s. 29; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1981, c. 541, ss. 1-3; 1985, c. 474, s. 3; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 201(f)-(i); 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 6; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, ss. 2(yyyyyyy), 3(a).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, which amended subsection (b), provided in s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h) and (i), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction” throughout the section, substituted “Division” for “Department” twice in subsection (f), and substituted “Secretary of Public Safety” for “Secretary of Correction” or “Secretary of the Department of Correction” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2012-83, s. 61, effective June 26, 2012, deleted “State” preceding “Division of Adult Correction” in the first sentence in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsections (c) and (f).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), throughout the section, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on prisoners’ rights and an inmate’s liberty interest in work release programs, see 17 Wake Forest L. Rev. 273 (1981).

For article on plea bargaining statutes and practices in North Carolina, see 59 N.C.L. Rev. 477 (1981).

CASE NOTES

As to constitutionality of this section, see Advisory Opinion in In re Work-Release Statute, 268 N.C. 727 , 152 S.E.2d 225 (1966).

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 146-6 and G.S. 146-26 , as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole Are Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

In Mitigation of Terms of Judgment. —

The granting of honor-grade status, work release, and parole is by way of mitigating the terms of the judgment which the court has entered. The legality and propriety of the trial and sentence have already been determined after the prisoner has been heard and his constitutional rights have been accorded him. The merits of the trial and the validity of the judgment may not again be raised before the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (now Parole Commission). Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

§ 148-33.1. Sentencing, quartering, and control of prisoners with work-release privileges. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Whenever a person is sentenced to imprisonment for a term to be served in the State prison system or a local confinement facility, the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may authorize the Director of Prisons or the custodian of the local confinement facility to grant work-release privileges to any inmate who is eligible for work release and who has not been granted work-release privileges by order of the sentencing court. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall authorize immediate work-release privileges for any person serving a sentence not exceeding five years in the State prison system and for whom the presiding judge shall have recommended work-release privileges when (i) it is verified that appropriate employment for the person is available in an area where, in the judgment of the Secretary, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction has facilities to which the person may suitably be assigned, and (ii) custodial and correctional considerations would not be adverse to releasing the person without supervision into the free community.
  2. Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 541, s. 2.
  3. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall from time to time, as the need becomes evident, designate and adapt facilities in the State prison system for quartering prisoners with work-release privileges. No State or county prisoner shall be granted work-release privileges by the Director of Prisons or the custodian of a local confinement facility until suitable facilities for quartering him have been provided in the area where the prisoner has employment or the offer of employment.
  4. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction is authorized and directed to establish a work-release plan under which an eligible prisoner may be released from actual custody during the time necessary to proceed to the place of his employment, perform his work, and return to quarters designated by the prison authorities. If the prisoner shall violate any of the conditions prescribed by prison rules and regulations for the administration of the work-release plan, then such prisoner may be withdrawn from work-release privileges, and the prisoner may be transferred to the general prison population to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Rules and regulations for the administration of the work-release plan shall be established in the same manner as other rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system.
  5. The State Department of Labor shall exercise the same supervision over conditions of employment for persons working in the free community while serving sentences imposed under this section as the Department does over conditions of employment for free persons.
  6. A prisoner who is convicted of a felony and who is granted work-release privileges shall give his work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. A prisoner who is convicted of a misdemeanor, is committed to a local confinement facility, and is granted work-release privileges by order of the sentencing court shall give his work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the custodian of the local confinement facility. Other misdemeanants granted work-release privileges shall give their work-release earnings, less standard payroll deductions required by law, to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction or the sentencing court, as appropriate, shall determine the amount to be deducted from a prisoner’s work-release earnings to pay for the cost of the prisoner’s keep and to accumulate a reasonable sum to be paid the prisoner when he is paroled or discharged from prison. The Division or sentencing court shall also determine the amount to be disbursed by the Division or clerk of court, as appropriate, for each of the following:
    1. To pay travel and other expenses of the prisoner made necessary by his employment;
    2. To provide a reasonable allowance to the prisoner for his incidental personal expenses;
    3. To make payments for the support of the prisoner’s dependents in accordance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or in the absence of a court order, in accordance with a determination of dependency status and need made by the local department of social services in the county of North Carolina in which such dependents reside; (3a) To make restitution or reparation as provided in G.S. 148-33.2 .
    4. To comply with an order from any court of competent jurisdiction regarding the payment of an obligation of the prisoner in connection with any judgment rendered by the court.
    5. To comply with a written request by the prisoner to withhold an amount, when the request has been granted by the Division or the sentencing court, as appropriate.Any balance of his earnings remaining at the time the prisoner is released from prison shall be paid to him. The Social Services Commission is authorized to promulgate uniform rules and regulations governing the duties of county social services departments under this section.
  7. No prisoner employed in the free community under the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the State prison system while working in the free community or going to or from such employment.
  8. Any prisoner employed under the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to any benefits under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes entitled “Employment Security” during the term of the sentence.
  9. No recommendation for work release shall be made at the time of sentencing in any case in which the presiding judge shall suspend the imposition of sentence and place a convicted person on probation; however, if probation be subsequently revoked and the active sentence of imprisonment executed, the court may at that time recommend work release. Neither a recommendation for work release by the court or the decision of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to place a person on work release shall give rise to any vested statutory right to an individual to be placed on or continued on work release.
  10. The provisions of subsections (f), (g), and (h) of this section shall also apply to prisoners employed in private prison enterprises conducted pursuant to G.S. 148-70 .

History. 1957, c. 540; 1959, c. 126; 1961, c. 420; 1963, c. 469, ss. 1, 2; 1967, c. 684; c. 996, s. 13; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 476, s. 138; c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 22, ss. 1-3; c. 679, s. 3; 1977, c. 450, ss. 4, 5; c. 614, s. 6; c. 623, ss. 1, 2; c. 711, s. 29; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1981, c. 541, ss. 1-3; 1985, c. 474, s. 3; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1014, s. 201(f)-(i); 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 6; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, ss. 2(yyyyyyy), 3(a); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, which amended subsection (b), provided in s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h) and (i), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction” throughout the section, substituted “Division” for “Department” twice in subsection (f), and substituted “Secretary of Public Safety” for “Secretary of Correction” or “Secretary of the Department of Correction” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2012-83, s. 61, effective June 26, 2012, deleted “State” preceding “Division of Adult Correction” in the first sentence in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsections (c) and (f).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), throughout the section, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.” For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on prisoners’ rights and an inmate’s liberty interest in work release programs, see 17 Wake Forest L. Rev. 273 (1981).

For article on plea bargaining statutes and practices in North Carolina, see 59 N.C.L. Rev. 477 (1981).

CASE NOTES

As to constitutionality of this section, see Advisory Opinion in In re Work-Release Statute, 268 N.C. 727 , 152 S.E.2d 225 (1966).

Basis of Section. —

This section and G.S. 146-6 and G.S. 146-26 , as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in Article 4 of this Chapter, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole Are Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

In Mitigation of Terms of Judgment. —

The granting of honor-grade status, work release, and parole is by way of mitigating the terms of the judgment which the court has entered. The legality and propriety of the trial and sentence have already been determined after the prisoner has been heard and his constitutional rights have been accorded him. The merits of the trial and the validity of the judgment may not again be raised before the Department of Correction and the Board of Paroles (now Parole Commission). Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

§ 148-33.2. Restitution by prisoners with work-release privileges. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 474, s. 4.
  2. As a rehabilitative measure, the Secretary of Public Safety is authorized to require any prisoner granted work-release privileges to make restitution or reparation to an aggrieved party from any earnings gained by the defendant while on work release when the sentencing court recommends that restitution or reparation be paid by the defendant out of any earnings gained by the defendant if he is granted work-release privileges and out of other resources of the defendant, including all real and personal property owned by the defendant and the income derived from such property. The Secretary shall not be bound by such recommendation, but if they elect not to implement the recommendation, they shall state in writing the reasons therefor, and shall forward the same to the sentencing court.
  3. When an active sentence is imposed, the court shall consider whether, as a rehabilitative measure, it should recommend to the Secretary of Public Safety that restitution or reparation be made by the defendant out of any earnings gained by the defendant if he is granted work-release privileges and out of other resources of the defendant, including all real and personal property owned by the defendant, and income derived from such property. If the court determines that restitution or reparation should not be recommended, it shall so indicate on the commitment. If, however, the court determines that restitution or reparation should be recommended, the court shall make its recommendation a part of the order committing the defendant to custody. The recommendation shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of G.S. 15A-1343(d) and Article 81C of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes. If the offense is one in which there is evidence of physical, mental or sexual abuse of a minor, the court may order the defendant to pay from work release earnings the cost of rehabilitative treatment for the minor. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall prepare and distribute forms which provide ample space to make restitution or reparation recommendations incident to commitments, which forms shall be conveniently structured to enable the sentencing court to make its recommendation.
  4. The Secretary of Public Safety shall establish rules and regulations to implement this section, which shall include adequate notice to the prisoner that the payment of restitution or reparation from any earnings gained by the prisoner while on work release is being considered as a condition of any work-release privileges granted the prisoner, and opportunity for the prisoner to be heard. Such rules and regulations shall also provide additional methods whereby facts may be obtained to supplement the recommendation of the sentencing court.

History. 1977, c. 614, s. 7; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 33; 1981, c. 541, ss. 4-9; 1985, c. 474, s. 4; 1987, c. 397, ss. 2, 3; c. 598, s. 5; 1998-212, s. 19.4(g); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Constitutionality. —

Since the decision to impose restitution or reparation is discretionary with the trial court and the Secretary, and since indigency could be considered in making that decision, subsection (c) of this section and G.S. 148-57.1(c) are not unconstitutional as a denial of equal protection discriminating against indigent defendants. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

The requirement that a defendant pay restitution under subsection (c) of this section or G.S. 148-57.1(c) as a condition of obtaining work-release or parole is not inherently unconstitutional. Whether the restitution requirement is unconstitutional as applied to a particular defendant may only be determined by considering the defendant’s financial status and other relevant circumstances at the time when the restitution must be paid, that is, after a defendant becomes eligible for work-release privileges or parole. State v. Parton, 303 N.C. 55 , 277 S.E.2d 410, 1981 N.C. LEXIS 1092 (1981).

Restitution is intended to be compensatory, not punitive. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

The purpose of this section and G.S. 15A-1343(b)(6) is rehabilitation and not additional penalty or punishment, and the sum ordered or recommended must be reasonably related to the damages incurred. If the trial evidence does not support the amount ordered or recommended, then supporting evidence should be required in the sentencing hearing. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812, 1978 N.C. App. LEXIS 2730 (1978).

Court’s Order or Recommendation for Restitution or Restoration Must Be Supported by Evidence. —

Together subsection (c) of this section and G.S. 15A-1343(b)(6) require that any order or recommendation of the sentencing court for restitution or restoration to the aggrieved party as a condition of attaining work-release privileges must be supported by the evidence. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812 (1978). In accord with first paragraph in main volume. See State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

An order of restitution as a condition of work-release must be supported by evidence adduced at trial or at sentencing. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Amount of Restitution Must Be Supported by Evidence. —

Regardless of whether restitution is ordered or recommended by the trial court, the amount must be supported by the evidence. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

There must be something more than a guess or conjecture as to an appropriate amount of restitution, as restitution is not intended to punish defendants, but to compensate victims. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Court Not Required to Consider Ability to Pay. —

Trial court did not err in failing to consider defendant’s ability to pay restitution, as the potentially binding determination at a later date requiring defendant to pay restitution as a condition of work release or parole by either the Department of Correction or the Parole Commission would by necessity require sufficient evidence of defendant’s ability to pay at that time. State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

Duty of Sentencing Court to Consider Restitution or Restoration as Prerequisite to Work-Release. —

The sentencing court is not only authorized but is required by subsection (c) of this section, when an active sentence is imposed, to consider whether, as a further rehabilitative measure, restitution or restoration should be ordered or recommended to the Secretary of Correction to be imposed as a condition of attaining work-release privileges. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812, 1978 N.C. App. LEXIS 2730 (1978).

But the decision to recommend restitution or reparation is discretionary, and the trial court is not required to impose such a condition. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

A recommendation of restitution as a condition of work-release is not binding on the Parole Commission or Department of Corrections. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Restitution or reparation may only be recommended as a condition of work-release, and the trial court is without authority to “order” restitution as a condition of work release. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

Restitution Cannot Be Imposed with Active Prison Sentence. —

When a court imposes an active sentence, it may recommend restitution as a condition of work-release, as a condition of post-release supervision and parole, or as a condition of probation, but it may not require the defendant to make restitution while serving an active sentence. State v. Hughes, 136 N.C. App. 92, 524 S.E.2d 63, 1999 N.C. App. LEXIS 1302 (1999).

Imposition of Fine Is Not Restitution. —

When an active sentence is imposed, the judge should consider whether, as a further rehabilitative measure, restitution or reparation should be ordered or recommended to the Secretary of Correction to be imposed as a condition of attaining work-release privileges; however, the imposition of a fine is not restitution or reparation within the meaning of this section and should not be included in a judgment under this section. State v. Alexander, 47 N.C. App. 502, 267 S.E.2d 396, 1980 N.C. App. LEXIS 3140 (1980).

State as “Aggrieved Party.” —

Although the North Carolina Supreme Court has never definitively decided the issue, there is persuasive authority in North Carolina law supporting the State’s right to claim the status of an “aggrieved party” for the expenses associated with providing court-appointed counsel. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Order of Restitution Vacated. —

Order requiring defendant to pay one-third of his income to the clerk was vacated where the record revealed only that the victim was separated from his wife, and that they had two children who lived with their mother at the time the victim died. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

§ 148-33.2. Restitution by prisoners with work-release privileges. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 474, s. 4.
  2. As a rehabilitative measure, the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction is authorized to require any prisoner granted work-release privileges to make restitution or reparation to an aggrieved party from any earnings gained by the defendant while on work release when the sentencing court recommends that restitution or reparation be paid by the defendant out of any earnings gained by the defendant if he is granted work-release privileges and out of other resources of the defendant, including all real and personal property owned by the defendant and the income derived from such property. The Secretary shall not be bound by such recommendation, but if they elect not to implement the recommendation, they shall state in writing the reasons therefor, and shall forward the same to the sentencing court.
  3. When an active sentence is imposed, the court shall consider whether, as a rehabilitative measure, it should recommend to the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction that restitution or reparation be made by the defendant out of any earnings gained by the defendant if he is granted work-release privileges and out of other resources of the defendant, including all real and personal property owned by the defendant, and income derived from such property. If the court determines that restitution or reparation should not be recommended, it shall so indicate on the commitment. If, however, the court determines that restitution or reparation should be recommended, the court shall make its recommendation a part of the order committing the defendant to custody. The recommendation shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of G.S. 15A-1343(d) and Article 81C of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes. If the offense is one in which there is evidence of physical, mental or sexual abuse of a minor, the court may order the defendant to pay from work release earnings the cost of rehabilitative treatment for the minor. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall prepare and distribute forms which provide ample space to make restitution or reparation recommendations incident to commitments, which forms shall be conveniently structured to enable the sentencing court to make its recommendation.
  4. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall establish rules and regulations to implement this section, which shall include adequate notice to the prisoner that the payment of restitution or reparation from any earnings gained by the prisoner while on work release is being considered as a condition of any work-release privileges granted the prisoner, and opportunity for the prisoner to be heard. Such rules and regulations shall also provide additional methods whereby facts may be obtained to supplement the recommendation of the sentencing court.

History. 1977, c. 614, s. 7; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 33; 1981, c. 541, ss. 4-9; 1985, c. 474, s. 4; 1987, c. 397, ss. 2, 3; c. 598, s. 5; 1998-212, s. 19.4(g); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Constitutionality. —

Since the decision to impose restitution or reparation is discretionary with the trial court and the Secretary, and since indigency could be considered in making that decision, subsection (c) of this section and G.S. 148-57.1(c) are not unconstitutional as a denial of equal protection discriminating against indigent defendants. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

The requirement that a defendant pay restitution under subsection (c) of this section or G.S. 148-57.1(c) as a condition of obtaining work-release or parole is not inherently unconstitutional. Whether the restitution requirement is unconstitutional as applied to a particular defendant may only be determined by considering the defendant’s financial status and other relevant circumstances at the time when the restitution must be paid, that is, after a defendant becomes eligible for work-release privileges or parole. State v. Parton, 303 N.C. 55 , 277 S.E.2d 410, 1981 N.C. LEXIS 1092 (1981).

Restitution is intended to be compensatory, not punitive. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

The purpose of this section and G.S. 15A-1343(b)(6) is rehabilitation and not additional penalty or punishment, and the sum ordered or recommended must be reasonably related to the damages incurred. If the trial evidence does not support the amount ordered or recommended, then supporting evidence should be required in the sentencing hearing. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812, 1978 N.C. App. LEXIS 2730 (1978).

Court’s Order or Recommendation for Restitution or Restoration Must Be Supported by Evidence. —

Together subsection (c) of this section and G.S. 15A-1343(b)(6) require that any order or recommendation of the sentencing court for restitution or restoration to the aggrieved party as a condition of attaining work-release privileges must be supported by the evidence. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812 (1978). In accord with first paragraph in main volume. See State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

An order of restitution as a condition of work-release must be supported by evidence adduced at trial or at sentencing. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Amount of Restitution Must Be Supported by Evidence. —

Regardless of whether restitution is ordered or recommended by the trial court, the amount must be supported by the evidence. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

There must be something more than a guess or conjecture as to an appropriate amount of restitution, as restitution is not intended to punish defendants, but to compensate victims. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Court Not Required to Consider Ability to Pay. —

Trial court did not err in failing to consider defendant’s ability to pay restitution, as the potentially binding determination at a later date requiring defendant to pay restitution as a condition of work release or parole by either the Department of Correction or the Parole Commission would by necessity require sufficient evidence of defendant’s ability to pay at that time. State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

Duty of Sentencing Court to Consider Restitution or Restoration as Prerequisite to Work-Release. —

The sentencing court is not only authorized but is required by subsection (c) of this section, when an active sentence is imposed, to consider whether, as a further rehabilitative measure, restitution or restoration should be ordered or recommended to the Secretary of Correction to be imposed as a condition of attaining work-release privileges. State v. Killian, 37 N.C. App. 234, 245 S.E.2d 812, 1978 N.C. App. LEXIS 2730 (1978).

But the decision to recommend restitution or reparation is discretionary, and the trial court is not required to impose such a condition. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

A recommendation of restitution as a condition of work-release is not binding on the Parole Commission or Department of Corrections. State v. Daye, 78 N.C. App. 753, 338 S.E.2d 557, 1986 N.C. App. LEXIS 1994 (1986).

Restitution or reparation may only be recommended as a condition of work-release, and the trial court is without authority to “order” restitution as a condition of work release. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

Restitution Cannot Be Imposed with Active Prison Sentence. —

When a court imposes an active sentence, it may recommend restitution as a condition of work-release, as a condition of post-release supervision and parole, or as a condition of probation, but it may not require the defendant to make restitution while serving an active sentence. State v. Hughes, 136 N.C. App. 92, 524 S.E.2d 63, 1999 N.C. App. LEXIS 1302 (1999).

Imposition of Fine Is Not Restitution. —

When an active sentence is imposed, the judge should consider whether, as a further rehabilitative measure, restitution or reparation should be ordered or recommended to the Secretary of Correction to be imposed as a condition of attaining work-release privileges; however, the imposition of a fine is not restitution or reparation within the meaning of this section and should not be included in a judgment under this section. State v. Alexander, 47 N.C. App. 502, 267 S.E.2d 396, 1980 N.C. App. LEXIS 3140 (1980).

State as “Aggrieved Party.” —

Although the North Carolina Supreme Court has never definitively decided the issue, there is persuasive authority in North Carolina law supporting the State’s right to claim the status of an “aggrieved party” for the expenses associated with providing court-appointed counsel. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Order of Restitution Vacated. —

Order requiring defendant to pay one-third of his income to the clerk was vacated where the record revealed only that the victim was separated from his wife, and that they had two children who lived with their mother at the time the victim died. State v. Easter, 101 N.C. App. 36, 398 S.E.2d 619, 1990 N.C. App. LEXIS 1208 (1990).

§§ 148-34, 148-35. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1957, c. 349, s. 11.

§ 148-36. Secretary of Public Safety to control classification and operation of prison facilities. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

All facilities established or acquired by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall be under the administrative control and direction of the Secretary of Public Safety, and operated under rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary and adopted by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as provided in G.S. 148-11 . Subject to such rules and regulations, the Secretary shall classify the facilities of the State prison system and develop a variety of programs so as to permit proper segregation and treatment of prisoners according to the nature of the offenses committed, the character and mental condition of the prisoners, and such other factors as should be considered in providing an individualized system of discipline, care, and correctional treatment of persons committed to the Division. The Secretary of Public Safety, or his authorized representative, shall designate the places of confinement where sentences to imprisonment in the State’s prison system shall be served. The Secretary or his representative may designate any available facility appropriate for the individual in view of custodial and correctional considerations.

History. 1931, c. 145, s. 28; c. 277, s. 8; 1933, c. 46, ss. 3, 4; c. 172, ss. 4, 17; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 7; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 7; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzz).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2017-57, ss. 16C.1(a), (b), provide: “(a) In conjunction with the closing of prison facilities, youth detention centers, and youth development centers, the Department of Public Safety shall consult with the county or municipality in which the facility is located, with elected State and local officials, and with State and federal agencies about the possibility of converting that facility to other use. The Department may also consult with any private for-profit or nonprofit firm about the possibility of converting the facility to other use. In developing a proposal for future use of each facility, the Department shall give priority to converting the facility to other criminal justice use. Consistent with existing law and the future needs of the Department of Public Safety, the State may provide for the transfer or the lease of any of these facilities to counties, municipalities, State agencies, federal agencies, or private firms wishing to convert them to other use. G.S. 146-29.1(f) through (g) shall not apply to a transfer made pursuant to this section. The Department of Public Safety may also consider converting some of the facilities recommended for closing from one security custody level to another, where that conversion would be cost-effective. A prison unit under lease to a county pursuant to the provisions of this section for use as a jail is exempt for the period of the lease from any of the minimum standards adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 for the housing of adult prisoners that would subject the unit to greater standards than those required of a unit of the State prison system.

“(b) The Department may convert closed facilities for the following purposes:

“(1) Training needs.

“(2) Behavior modification facilities.

“(3) Transitional housing.

“Sixty days prior to converting facilities to these purposes, the Department shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. The report shall include the justification for the conversion, operational requirements for the facility, and available resources for staffing and operating the facility. If the proposed facility will require additional funding in the future, the report shall provide a five-year projection of those funding needs.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

A State prisoner has no legal right to the mitigation of his punishment. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

The question as to whether a particular inmate is entitled to honor grade status or parole involves policy decisions which should be made by the department and the Parole Board, not the courts. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

§ 148-36. Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to control classification and operation of prison facilities. [Effective January 1, 2023]

All facilities established or acquired by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall be under the administrative control and direction of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, and operated under rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary and adopted by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction as provided in G.S. 148-11 . Subject to such rules and regulations, the Secretary shall classify the facilities of the State prison system and develop a variety of programs so as to permit proper segregation and treatment of prisoners according to the nature of the offenses committed, the character and mental condition of the prisoners, and such other factors as should be considered in providing an individualized system of discipline, care, and correctional treatment of persons committed to the Division. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, or his authorized representative, shall designate the places of confinement where sentences to imprisonment in the State’s prison system shall be served. The Secretary or his representative may designate any available facility appropriate for the individual in view of custodial and correctional considerations.

History. 1931, c. 145, s. 28; c. 277, s. 8; 1933, c. 46, ss. 3, 4; c. 172, ss. 4, 17; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 7; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 7; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzz); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2017-57, ss. 16C.1(a), (b), provide: “(a) In conjunction with the closing of prison facilities, youth detention centers, and youth development centers, the Department of Public Safety shall consult with the county or municipality in which the facility is located, with elected State and local officials, and with State and federal agencies about the possibility of converting that facility to other use. The Department may also consult with any private for-profit or nonprofit firm about the possibility of converting the facility to other use. In developing a proposal for future use of each facility, the Department shall give priority to converting the facility to other criminal justice use. Consistent with existing law and the future needs of the Department of Public Safety, the State may provide for the transfer or the lease of any of these facilities to counties, municipalities, State agencies, federal agencies, or private firms wishing to convert them to other use. G.S. 146-29.1(f) through (g) shall not apply to a transfer made pursuant to this section. The Department of Public Safety may also consider converting some of the facilities recommended for closing from one security custody level to another, where that conversion would be cost-effective. A prison unit under lease to a county pursuant to the provisions of this section for use as a jail is exempt for the period of the lease from any of the minimum standards adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 for the housing of adult prisoners that would subject the unit to greater standards than those required of a unit of the State prison system.

“(b) The Department may convert closed facilities for the following purposes:

“(1) Training needs.

“(2) Behavior modification facilities.

“(3) Transitional housing.

“Sixty days prior to converting facilities to these purposes, the Department shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. The report shall include the justification for the conversion, operational requirements for the facility, and available resources for staffing and operating the facility. If the proposed facility will require additional funding in the future, the report shall provide a five-year projection of those funding needs.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2017.’ ”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2017-2019 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 39.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

A State prisoner has no legal right to the mitigation of his punishment. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

The question as to whether a particular inmate is entitled to honor grade status or parole involves policy decisions which should be made by the department and the Parole Board, not the courts. Wetzel v. Edwards, 635 F.2d 283, 1980 U.S. App. LEXIS 12800 (4th Cir. 1980).

§ 148-37. Additional facilities authorized; contractual arrangements. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may establish additional facilities for use by the Division, such facilities to be either of a permanent type of construction or of a temporary or movable type as the Division may find most advantageous to the particular needs, to the end that the prisoners under its supervision may be so distributed throughout the State as to facilitate individualization of treatment designed to prepare them for lawful living in the community where they are most likely to reside after their release from prison. For this purpose, the Division may purchase or lease sites and suitable lands adjacent thereto and erect necessary buildings thereon, or purchase or lease existing facilities, all within the limits of allotments as approved by the Department of Administration.
  2. The Secretary of Public Safety may contract with the proper official of the United States or of any county or city of this State for the confinement of federal prisoners after they have been sentenced, county, or city prisoners in facilities of the State prison system or for the confinement of State prisoners in any county or any city facility located in North Carolina, or any facility of the United States Bureau of Prisons, when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. Except as otherwise provided, any contract made under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period of not more than two years, and shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed two years. Contracts made under the authority of this subsection for the confinement of State prisoners in local or district confinement facilities may be for a period of not more than 10 years and renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 years, and shall be subject to the approval of the Council of State and the Department of Administration after consultation with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. Contracts for receiving federal, county and city prisoners shall provide for reimbursing the State in full for all costs involved. The financial provisions shall have the approval of the Department of Administration before the contract is executed. Payments received under such contracts shall be deposited in the State treasury for the use of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. Such payments are hereby appropriated to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as a supplementary fund to compensate for the additional care and maintenance of such prisoners as are received under such contracts. (b1) Recodified as G.S. 148-37.2 by Session Laws 2001-84, s. 1, effective May 17, 2001.
  3. In addition to the authority contained in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, and in addition to the contracts ratified by subsection (f) of this section, the Secretary of Public Safety may enter into contracts with any public entity or any private nonprofit or for-profit firms for the confinement and care of State prisoners in any out-of-state correctional facility when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. Contracts entered into under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period not to exceed two years and shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed two years. Prisoners may be sent to out-of-state correctional facilities only when there are no available facilities in this State within the State prison system to appropriately house those prisoners. Any contract made under the authority of this subsection shall be approved by the Department of Administration before the contract is executed. Before expending more than the amount specifically appropriated by the General Assembly for the out-of-state housing of inmates, the Division shall obtain the approval of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and shall report such expenditures to the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.
  4. Prisoners confined in out-of-state correctional facilities pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall remain subject to the rules adopted for the conduct of persons committed to the State prison system. The rules regarding good time and gain time, discipline, classification, extension of the limits of confinement, transfers, housing arrangements, and eligibility for parole shall apply to inmates housed in those out-of-state correctional facilities. The operators of those out-of-state correctional facilities may promulgate any other rules as may be necessary for the operation of those facilities with the written approval of the Secretary of Public Safety. Custodial officials employed by an out-of-state correctional facility are agents of the Secretary of Public Safety and may use those procedures for use of force authorized by the Secretary of Public Safety not inconsistent with the laws of the State of situs of the facility to defend themselves, to enforce the observance of discipline in compliance with correctional facility rules, to secure the person of a prisoner, and to prevent escape. Prisoners confined to out-of-state correctional facilities may be required to perform reasonable work assignments within those facilities. Private firms under subsection (c) of this section shall employ inmate disciplinary and grievance policies of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 324, s. 19.10.
  6. Any contracts entered into by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety with public contractors prior to March 25, 1994, for the out-of-state housing of inmates are ratified.
  7. The Secretary of Public Safety may contract with private for-profit or nonprofit firms for the provision and operation of four or more confinement facilities totaling up to 2,000 beds in the State to house State prisoners when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. This 2,000-bed limitation shall not apply to the 500 beds in private substance abuse treatment centers authorized by the General Assembly prior to July 1, 1995. Whenever the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety determines that new prison facilities are required in addition to existing and planned facilities, the Division may contract for any remaining beds authorized by this section before constructing State-operated facilities.Contracts entered under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period not to exceed 10 years, shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 years. The Secretary of Public Safety shall enter contracts under this subsection only if funds are appropriated for this purpose by the General Assembly. Contracts entered under the authority of this subsection may be subject to any requirements for the location of the confinement facilities set forth by the General Assembly in appropriating those funds.Once the Division has made a determination to contract for additional private prison beds, it shall issue a request for proposals within 30 days of the decision. The request for proposals shall require bids to be submitted within two months, and the Division shall award contracts at the earliest practicable date after the submission of bids. The Secretary of Public Safety, in consultation with the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, shall make recommendations to the State Purchasing Officer on the final award decision. The State Purchasing Officer shall make the final award decision, and the contract shall then be subject to the approval of the Council of State after consultation with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations.Contracts made under the authority of this subsection may provide the State with an option to purchase the confinement facility or may provide for the purchase of the confinement facility by the State. Contracts made under the authority of this subsection shall state that plans and specifications for private confinement facilities shall be furnished to and reviewed by the Office of State Construction. The Office of State Construction shall inspect and review each project during construction to ensure that the project is suitable for habitation and to determine whether the project would be suitable for future acquisition by the State. All contracts for the housing of State prisoners in private confinement facilities shall require a minimum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) of occurrence-based liability insurance and shall hold the State harmless and provide reimbursement for all liability arising out of actions caused by operations and employees of the private confinement facility.Prisoners housed in private confinement facilities pursuant to this subsection shall remain subject to the rules adopted for the conduct of persons committed to the State prison system. The Secretary of Public Safety may review and approve the design and construction of private confinement facilities before housing State prisoners in these facilities. The rules regarding good time, gain time, and earned credits, discipline, classification, extension of the limits of confinement, transfers, housing arrangements, and eligibility for parole shall apply to inmates housed in private confinement facilities pursuant to this subsection. The operators of private confinement facilities may adopt any other rules as may be necessary for the operation of those facilities with the written approval of the Secretary of Public Safety. Custodial officials employed by a private confinement facility are agents of the Secretary of Public Safety and may use those procedures for use of force authorized by the Secretary of Public Safety to defend themselves, to enforce the observance of discipline in compliance with confinement facility rules, to secure the person of a prisoner, and to prevent escape. Private firms under this subsection shall employ inmate disciplinary and grievance policies of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.
  8. Private confinement facilities under this section shall be designed, built, and operated in accordance with applicable State laws, court orders, fire safety codes, and local regulations.
  9. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall make a written report no later than March 1 of every year, beginning in 1997, on the substance of all outstanding contracts for the housing of State prisoners entered into under the authority of this section. The report shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 19; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 8; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 879, s. 46; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 34; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 16(a), (b); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.10(a), (b); c. 507, s. 19; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 20.18; 1997-443, ss. 21.4(c)-(e); 1999-237, s. 18.20(a); 2001-84, s. 1; 2001-138, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-291, ss. 2.56-2.58; 2012-83, s. 61; 2015-241, s. 16C.10(a); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaa).

Cross References.

As to prohibition on private prisons housing out-of-state inmates, see G.S. 148-37.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2001-84, s. 2, provided: “This act, being necessary for the health and welfare of the people of the State, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-291, ss. 2.56 through 2.58, effective June 24, 2011, at the end of subsection (c), in the third paragraph of subsection (g), and in the last sentence of subsection (i), substituted “Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety” for “Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.10(a), effective July 1, 2015, in subsection (i), substituted “every year” for “every odd-numbered year” in the first sentence, deleted “the Council of State, the Department of Administration, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and” following “submitted to” in the second sentence, and deleted the former third sentence, which read: “In addition to the report, the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety shall provide information on contracts for the housing of State prisoners as requested by these groups.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

The public bidding requirements of Article 8, Chapter 143, G.S. 143-128 et seq., are not applicable to the construction of the three close security correctional facilities authorized by G.S. 148-37(b1), as the statute clearly contemplates that such facilities will be constructed by the private sector using private funds. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Robert M. High, Deputy Treasurer, N. C. Department of State Treasurer, (4/17/2000).

Subsection (b1) neither expressly nor by implication authorizes the State to establish a nonprofit corporation to sell tax-exempt certificates of participation in order to finance a purchase of prison facilities immediately upon completion of construction by a private firm. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Robert M. High, Deputy Treasurer, N. C. Department of State Treasurer, (4/17/2000).

§ 148-37. Additional facilities authorized; contractual arrangements. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 , the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may establish additional facilities for use by the Division, such facilities to be either of a permanent type of construction or of a temporary or movable type as the Division may find most advantageous to the particular needs, to the end that the prisoners under its supervision may be so distributed throughout the State as to facilitate individualization of treatment designed to prepare them for lawful living in the community where they are most likely to reside after their release from prison. For this purpose, the Division may purchase or lease sites and suitable lands adjacent thereto and erect necessary buildings thereon, or purchase or lease existing facilities, all within the limits of allotments as approved by the Department of Administration.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may contract with the proper official of the United States or of any county or city of this State for the confinement of federal prisoners after they have been sentenced, county, or city prisoners in facilities of the State prison system or for the confinement of State prisoners in any county or any city facility located in North Carolina, or any facility of the United States Bureau of Prisons, when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. Except as otherwise provided, any contract made under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period of not more than two years, and shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed two years. Contracts made under the authority of this subsection for the confinement of State prisoners in local or district confinement facilities may be for a period of not more than 10 years and renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 years, and shall be subject to the approval of the Council of State and the Department of Administration after consultation with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. Contracts for receiving federal, county and city prisoners shall provide for reimbursing the State in full for all costs involved. The financial provisions shall have the approval of the Department of Administration before the contract is executed. Payments received under such contracts shall be deposited in the State treasury for the use of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. Such payments are hereby appropriated to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction as a supplementary fund to compensate for the additional care and maintenance of such prisoners as are received under such contracts. (b1) Recodified as G.S. 148-37.2 by Session Laws 2001-84, s. 1, effective May 17, 2001.
  3. In addition to the authority contained in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, and in addition to the contracts ratified by subsection (f) of this section, the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may enter into contracts with any public entity or any private nonprofit or for-profit firms for the confinement and care of State prisoners in any out-of-state correctional facility when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. Contracts entered into under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period not to exceed two years and shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed two years. Prisoners may be sent to out-of-state correctional facilities only when there are no available facilities in this State within the State prison system to appropriately house those prisoners. Any contract made under the authority of this subsection shall be approved by the Department of Administration before the contract is executed. Before expending more than the amount specifically appropriated by the General Assembly for the out-of-state housing of inmates, the Division shall obtain the approval of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and shall report such expenditures to the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, and the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.
  4. Prisoners confined in out-of-state correctional facilities pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall remain subject to the rules adopted for the conduct of persons committed to the State prison system. The rules regarding good time and gain time, discipline, classification, extension of the limits of confinement, transfers, housing arrangements, and eligibility for parole shall apply to inmates housed in those out-of-state correctional facilities. The operators of those out-of-state correctional facilities may promulgate any other rules as may be necessary for the operation of those facilities with the written approval of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. Custodial officials employed by an out-of-state correctional facility are agents of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction and may use those procedures for use of force authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction not inconsistent with the laws of the State of situs of the facility to defend themselves, to enforce the observance of discipline in compliance with correctional facility rules, to secure the person of a prisoner, and to prevent escape. Prisoners confined to out-of-state correctional facilities may be required to perform reasonable work assignments within those facilities. Private firms under subsection (c) of this section shall employ inmate disciplinary and grievance policies of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 324, s. 19.10.
  6. Any contracts entered into by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction with public contractors prior to March 25, 1994, for the out-of-state housing of inmates are ratified.
  7. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may contract with private for-profit or nonprofit firms for the provision and operation of four or more confinement facilities totaling up to 2,000 beds in the State to house State prisoners when to do so would most economically and effectively promote the purposes served by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. This 2,000-bed limitation shall not apply to the 500 beds in private substance abuse treatment centers authorized by the General Assembly prior to July 1, 1995. Whenever the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction determines that new prison facilities are required in addition to existing and planned facilities, the Division may contract for any remaining beds authorized by this section before constructing State-operated facilities.Contracts entered under the authority of this subsection shall be for a period not to exceed 10 years, shall be renewable from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 years. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall enter contracts under this subsection only if funds are appropriated for this purpose by the General Assembly. Contracts entered under the authority of this subsection may be subject to any requirements for the location of the confinement facilities set forth by the General Assembly in appropriating those funds.Once the Division has made a determination to contract for additional private prison beds, it shall issue a request for proposals within 30 days of the decision. The request for proposals shall require bids to be submitted within two months, and the Division shall award contracts at the earliest practicable date after the submission of bids. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, in consultation with the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety, shall make recommendations to the State Purchasing Officer on the final award decision. The State Purchasing Officer shall make the final award decision, and the contract shall then be subject to the approval of the Council of State after consultation with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations.Contracts made under the authority of this subsection may provide the State with an option to purchase the confinement facility or may provide for the purchase of the confinement facility by the State. Contracts made under the authority of this subsection shall state that plans and specifications for private confinement facilities shall be furnished to and reviewed by the Office of State Construction. The Office of State Construction shall inspect and review each project during construction to ensure that the project is suitable for habitation and to determine whether the project would be suitable for future acquisition by the State. All contracts for the housing of State prisoners in private confinement facilities shall require a minimum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) of occurrence-based liability insurance and shall hold the State harmless and provide reimbursement for all liability arising out of actions caused by operations and employees of the private confinement facility.Prisoners housed in private confinement facilities pursuant to this subsection shall remain subject to the rules adopted for the conduct of persons committed to the State prison system. The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may review and approve the design and construction of private confinement facilities before housing State prisoners in these facilities. The rules regarding good time, gain time, and earned credits, discipline, classification, extension of the limits of confinement, transfers, housing arrangements, and eligibility for parole shall apply to inmates housed in private confinement facilities pursuant to this subsection. The operators of private confinement facilities may adopt any other rules as may be necessary for the operation of those facilities with the written approval of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. Custodial officials employed by a private confinement facility are agents of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction and may use those procedures for use of force authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to defend themselves, to enforce the observance of discipline in compliance with confinement facility rules, to secure the person of a prisoner, and to prevent escape. Private firms under this subsection shall employ inmate disciplinary and grievance policies of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.
  8. Private confinement facilities under this section shall be designed, built, and operated in accordance with applicable State laws, court orders, fire safety codes, and local regulations.
  9. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall make a written report no later than March 1 of every year, beginning in 1997, on the substance of all outstanding contracts for the housing of State prisoners entered into under the authority of this section. The report shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 19; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 8; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 879, s. 46; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 34; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 16(a), (b); 1995, c. 324, s. 19.10(a), (b); c. 507, s. 19; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 20.18; 1997-443, ss. 21.4(c)-(e); 1999-237, s. 18.20(a); 2001-84, s. 1; 2001-138, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2011-291, ss. 2.56-2.58; 2012-83, s. 61; 2015-241, s. 16C.10(a); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaa); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Cross References.

As to prohibition on private prisons housing out-of-state inmates, see G.S. 148-37.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2001-84, s. 2, provided: “This act, being necessary for the health and welfare of the people of the State, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-291, ss. 2.56 through 2.58, effective June 24, 2011, at the end of subsection (c), in the third paragraph of subsection (g), and in the last sentence of subsection (i), substituted “Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety” for “Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.10(a), effective July 1, 2015, in subsection (i), substituted “every year” for “every odd-numbered year” in the first sentence, deleted “the Council of State, the Department of Administration, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and” following “submitted to” in the second sentence, and deleted the former third sentence, which read: “In addition to the report, the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety shall provide information on contracts for the housing of State prisoners as requested by these groups.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

The public bidding requirements of Article 8, Chapter 143, G.S. 143-128 et seq., are not applicable to the construction of the three close security correctional facilities authorized by G.S. 148-37(b1), as the statute clearly contemplates that such facilities will be constructed by the private sector using private funds. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Robert M. High, Deputy Treasurer, N. C. Department of State Treasurer, (4/17/2000).

Subsection (b1) neither expressly nor by implication authorizes the State to establish a nonprofit corporation to sell tax-exempt certificates of participation in order to finance a purchase of prison facilities immediately upon completion of construction by a private firm. See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Robert M. High, Deputy Treasurer, N. C. Department of State Treasurer, (4/17/2000).

§ 148-37.1. Prohibition on private prisons housing out-of-state inmates.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this section or authorized by North Carolina law, no municipality, county, or private entity may authorize, construct, own, or operate any type of correctional facility for the confinement of inmates serving sentences for violation of the laws of a jurisdiction other than North Carolina.
  2. The provisions of this section shall not apply to facilities owned or operated by the federal government and used exclusively for the confinement of inmates serving sentences for violation of federal law, but only to the extent that such facilities are not subject to restriction by the states under the provisions of the United States Constitution.

History. 2000-67, s. 16.3(a).

§ 148-37.2. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.10(b), effective July 1, 2015.

History. 1999-237, s. 18.20(a); 2001-84, s. 1; 2001-202, s. 1; 2003-284, s. 47.1; 2005-98, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); repealed by 2015-241, s. 16C.10(b), effective July 1, 2015.

Editor’s Note.

Former G.S. 148-37.2 pertained to lease-purchase of prison facilities.

§ 148-37.3. Authority of private correctional officers employed pursuant to a contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Correctional officers and security supervisors employed at private correctional facilities pursuant to a contract between their employer and the Federal Bureau of Prisons may, in the course of their employment as correctional officers or security supervisors, use necessary force and make arrests consistent with the laws applicable to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, which force shall not exceed that authorized to Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety officers, provided that the employment policies of such private corporations meet the same minimum standards and practices followed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in employing its correctional personnel, and if:
    1. Those correctional officers and security supervisors have been certified as correctional officers as provided under Article 1 of Chapter 17C of the General Statutes; or
    2. Those correctional officers and security supervisors employed by the private corporation at the facility have completed a training curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards required by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for correctional personnel.
  2. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall without limit defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the State, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims arising out of the operation of the private correctional facility, or the granting of the powers authorized under this section, including any attorneys’ fees or other legal costs incurred by the State, its officers, employees, or agents as a result of such claims.
  3. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall reimburse the State and any county or other law enforcement agency for the full cost of any additional expenses incurred by the State or the county or other law enforcement agency in connection with the pursuit and apprehension of an escaped inmate from the facility.In the event of an escape from the facility, any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall immediately notify the sheriff in the county in which the facility is located, who shall cause an immediate entry into the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Information Network. The sheriff of the county in which the facility is located shall be the lead law enforcement officer in connection with the pursuit and apprehension of an escaped inmate from the facility.
  4. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section must maintain in force liability insurance to satisfy any final judgment rendered against the private corporation or the State, its officers, employees, and agents that arises out of the operation of the correctional facility or the indemnification requirements in subsection (b) of this section. The minimum amount of liability insurance that will be required under this section is ten million dollars ($10,000,000) per occurrence, and twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) aggregate per occurrence.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 2007-162, s. 1, effective July 1, 2007.
  6. The authority set forth in this section to use necessary force and make arrests shall be in addition to any existing authority set forth in the statutory or common law of the State, but shall not exceed the authority to use necessary force and make arrests set out in subsection (a) of this section.
  7. A private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall bear the reasonable costs of services provided by the State, its officers, employees, and agents for the corporation. The amount of the costs shall be determined by the member of the Council of State or Cabinet member of the agency or department that provided the services.
  8. This section is effective August 18, 2001 and applies to private correctional facilities and the employees of those correctional facilities constructed and contracted to be operated by August 18, 2001.

History. 2001-378, ss. 1-7; 2003-351, s. 1; 2007-162, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2014-100, s. 17.1(lll); 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbb).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-37.3 .

Editor’s Note.

“Article 1 of Chapter 17C” has been substituted for “Chapter 17C” in this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-162, s. 1, effective July 1, 2007, deleted “the Department of Correction determines that as of August 18, 2001,” following “provided that” in subsection (a); in subdivision (a)(2), deleted “the Department of Correction has determined” following “curriculum that” near the beginning and deleted the last sentence regarding notification; subsituted “located, who” for “located and shall notify the Department of Correction which” in the second paragraph of subsection (c); deleted the last sentence in subsection (d) regarding Certificate of Insurance; deleted subsection (e) regarding adoption of rules; in subsection (g), substituted “State, its officers, employees, and agents” for “Department of Correction” and substituted “member of the Council of State or Cabinet member of the agency or department that provided the services” for “Secretary of the Department.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 17.1( lll ), effective July 1, 2014, substituted “Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Information Network” for “State Bureau of Investigation Division of Criminal Information network” in the first sentence of the second paragraph in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the introductory language of subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-37.3. Authority of private correctional officers employed pursuant to a contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Correctional officers and security supervisors employed at private correctional facilities pursuant to a contract between their employer and the Federal Bureau of Prisons may, in the course of their employment as correctional officers or security supervisors, use necessary force and make arrests consistent with the laws applicable to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, which force shall not exceed that authorized to Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction officers, provided that the employment policies of such private corporations meet the same minimum standards and practices followed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in employing its correctional personnel, and if:
    1. Those correctional officers and security supervisors have been certified as correctional officers as provided under Article 1 of Chapter 17C of the General Statutes; or
    2. Those correctional officers and security supervisors employed by the private corporation at the facility have completed a training curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards required by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for correctional personnel.
  2. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall without limit defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the State, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims arising out of the operation of the private correctional facility, or the granting of the powers authorized under this section, including any attorneys’ fees or other legal costs incurred by the State, its officers, employees, or agents as a result of such claims.
  3. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall reimburse the State and any county or other law enforcement agency for the full cost of any additional expenses incurred by the State or the county or other law enforcement agency in connection with the pursuit and apprehension of an escaped inmate from the facility.In the event of an escape from the facility, any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall immediately notify the sheriff in the county in which the facility is located, who shall cause an immediate entry into the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Information Network. The sheriff of the county in which the facility is located shall be the lead law enforcement officer in connection with the pursuit and apprehension of an escaped inmate from the facility.
  4. Any private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section must maintain in force liability insurance to satisfy any final judgment rendered against the private corporation or the State, its officers, employees, and agents that arises out of the operation of the correctional facility or the indemnification requirements in subsection (b) of this section. The minimum amount of liability insurance that will be required under this section is ten million dollars ($10,000,000) per occurrence, and twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) aggregate per occurrence.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 2007-162, s. 1, effective July 1, 2007.
  6. The authority set forth in this section to use necessary force and make arrests shall be in addition to any existing authority set forth in the statutory or common law of the State, but shall not exceed the authority to use necessary force and make arrests set out in subsection (a) of this section.
  7. A private corporation described in subsection (a) of this section shall bear the reasonable costs of services provided by the State, its officers, employees, and agents for the corporation. The amount of the costs shall be determined by the member of the Council of State or Cabinet member of the agency or department that provided the services.
  8. This section is effective August 18, 2001 and applies to private correctional facilities and the employees of those correctional facilities constructed and contracted to be operated by August 18, 2001.

History. 2001-378, ss. 1-7; 2003-351, s. 1; 2007-162, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2014-100, s. 17.1(lll); 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbb); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-37.3 .

Editor’s Note.

“Article 1 of Chapter 17C” has been substituted for “Chapter 17C” in this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-162, s. 1, effective July 1, 2007, deleted “the Department of Correction determines that as of August 18, 2001,” following “provided that” in subsection (a); in subdivision (a)(2), deleted “the Department of Correction has determined” following “curriculum that” near the beginning and deleted the last sentence regarding notification; subsituted “located, who” for “located and shall notify the Department of Correction which” in the second paragraph of subsection (c); deleted the last sentence in subsection (d) regarding Certificate of Insurance; deleted subsection (e) regarding adoption of rules; in subsection (g), substituted “State, its officers, employees, and agents” for “Department of Correction” and substituted “member of the Council of State or Cabinet member of the agency or department that provided the services” for “Secretary of the Department.”

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 17.1( lll ), effective July 1, 2014, substituted “Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Information Network” for “State Bureau of Investigation Division of Criminal Information network” in the first sentence of the second paragraph in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the introductory language of subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§§ 148-38, 148-39. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1957, c. 349, s. 11.

§ 148-40. Recapture of escaped prisoners. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system may provide for the recapture of convicts that may escape, or any convicts that may have escaped from the State’s prison or prison camps, or county road camps of this State, and the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may pay to any person recapturing an escaped convict such reward or expense of recapture as the regulations may provide. Any citizen of North Carolina shall have authority to apprehend any convict who may escape before the expiration of his term of imprisonment whether he be guilty of a felony or misdemeanor, and retain him in custody and deliver him to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 21; 1955, c. 238, s. 8; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(cccccccc).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-40 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(hhhh), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(cccccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(hhhh), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first and last sentences; and, in the last sentence, substituted “the convict’s term” for “his term”, substituted “the convict be” for “he be” and substituted “the convict to” for “him to.” For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

§ 148-40. Recapture of escaped prisoners. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The rules and regulations for the government of the State prison system may provide for the recapture of convicts that may escape, or any convicts that may have escaped from the State’s prison or prison camps, or county road camps of this State, and the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction may pay to any person recapturing an escaped convict such reward or expense of recapture as the regulations may provide. Any citizen of North Carolina shall have authority to apprehend any convict who may escape before the expiration of the convict’s term of imprisonment whether the convict be guilty of a felony or misdemeanor, and retain the convict in custody and deliver the convict to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 21; 1955, c. 238, s. 8; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(cccccccc); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(hhhh).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-40 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(hhhh), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(cccccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(hhhh), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first and last sentences; and, in the last sentence, substituted “the convict’s term” for “his term”, substituted “the convict be” for “he be” and substituted “the convict to” for “him to.” For effective date and applicability, see editor’s note.

§ 148-41. Recapture of escaping prisoners; reward. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety shall use every means possible to recapture, regardless of expense, any prisoners escaping from or leaving without permission any of the State prisons, camps, or farms. When any person who has been confined or placed to work escapes from the State prison system, the Secretary shall immediately notify the Governor, and accompany the notice with a full description of the escaped prisoner, together with such information as will aid in the recapture. The Governor may offer such rewards as he may deem desirable and necessary for the recapture and return to the State prison system of any person who may escape or who heretofore has escaped therefrom. Such reward earned shall be paid by warrant of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and accounted for as a part of the expense of maintaining the State’s prisons.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 13; Code, s. 3442; Rev., s. 5407; 1917, c. 236; c. 286, s. 13; C. S., ss. 7742, 7743; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1935, c. 414, s. 16; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; c. 279, s. 3; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(dddddddd).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(dddddddd), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-41. Recapture of escaping prisoners; reward. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall use every means possible to recapture, regardless of expense, any prisoners escaping from or leaving without permission any of the State prisons, camps, or farms. When any person who has been confined or placed to work escapes from the State prison system, the Secretary shall immediately notify the Governor, and accompany the notice with a full description of the escaped prisoner, together with such information as will aid in the recapture. The Governor may offer such rewards as he may deem desirable and necessary for the recapture and return to the State prison system of any person who may escape or who heretofore has escaped therefrom. Such reward earned shall be paid by warrant of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and accounted for as a part of the expense of maintaining the State’s prisons.

History. 1873-4, c. 158, s. 13; Code, s. 3442; Rev., s. 5407; 1917, c. 236; c. 286, s. 13; C. S., ss. 7742, 7743; 1925, c. 163; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1935, c. 414, s. 16; 1943, c. 409; 1955, c. 238, s. 9; c. 279, s. 3; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, ss. 13, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(dddddddd); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(dddddddd), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-42. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 35, provided: “None of the provisions of this act providing for the repeal of certain sections of the General Statutes shall constitute a reenactment of the common law.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

§ 148-43. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1963, c. 1174, s. 5.

§ 148-44. Separation as to sex.

The Department shall provide quarters for female prisoners separate from those for male prisoners.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 25; 1947, c. 262, s. 2; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1963, c. 1174, s. 2; 1985, c. 226, s. 3(3).

§ 148-45. Escaping or attempting escape from State prison system; failure of conditionally and temporarily released prisoners and certain youthful offenders to return to custody of Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Any person in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in any of the classifications hereinafter set forth who shall escape from the State prison system, shall for the first such offense, except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor:
    1. A prisoner serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor;
    2. A person who has been charged with a misdemeanor and who has been committed to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety under the provisions of G.S. 162-39 ;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 4.
    4. A person who shall have been convicted of a misdemeanor and who shall have been committed to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for presentence diagnostic study under the provisions of G.S. 15A-1332(c).
  2. Any person in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, in any of the classifications hereinafter set forth, who shall escape from the State prison system, shall, except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, be punished as a Class H felon:
    1. A prisoner serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony;
    2. A person who has been charged with a felony and who has been committed to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety under the provisions of G.S. 162-39 ;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 5.
    4. A person who shall have been convicted of a felony and who shall have been committed to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for presentence diagnostic study under the provisions of G.S. 15A-1332(c); or
    5. Any person previously convicted of escaping or attempting to escape from the State prison system.
  3. Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 760, s. 5.
  4. Any person who aids or assists other persons to escape or attempt to escape from the State prison system shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 465, s. 5.
  6. Any person convicted of an escape or attempt to escape classified as a felony by this section shall be immediately classified and treated as a convicted felon even if such person has time remaining to be served in the State prison system on a sentence or sentences imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or misdemeanors.
    1. Any person convicted and in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and ordered or otherwise assigned to work under the work-release program, G.S. 148-33.1 , or any convicted person in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and temporarily allowed to leave a place of confinement by the Secretary of Public Safety or his designee or other authority of law, who shall fail to return to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, shall be guilty of the crime of escape and subject to the applicable provisions of this section and shall be deemed an escapee. For the purpose of this subsection, escape is defined to include, but is not restricted to, willful failure to return to an appointed place and at an appointed time as ordered.
    2. If a person, who would otherwise be guilty of a first violation of G.S. 148-45(g)(1), voluntarily returns to his place of confinement within 24 hours of the time at which he was ordered to return, such person shall not be charged with an escape as provided in this section but shall be subject to such administrative action as may be deemed appropriate for an escapee by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety; said escapee shall not be allowed to be placed on work release for a four-month period or for the balance of his term if less than four months; provided, however, that if such person commits a subsequent violation of this section then such person shall be charged with that offense and, if convicted, punished under the provisions of this section.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 26; 1955, c. 279, s. 2; 1963, c. 681; 1965, c. 283; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 1120; c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, cc. 170, 241, 705; c. 770, ss. 1, 2; 1977, c. 732, ss. 3, 4; c. 745; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1983, c. 465, ss. 1-5; 1985, c. 226, ss. 3(4)-6; 1993, c. 539, ss. 1058, 1321, 1322; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-443, s. 19.25(t); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeeee).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1955, c. 279, which rewrote what is now subsection (a) of this section, provided, in s. 4: “The provisions of this act shall be construed to be mandatory rather than directive.”

The period at the end of the introductory paragraph of subsection (b) was changed to a colon at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeeee), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subdivision (g)(1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on availability of the defense of duress in prison escapes, see 12 Wake Forest L. Rev. 1102 (1976).

CASE NOTES

Analysis

I.General Consideration

There are two classes of escape from the state prison system. One is a felonious escape and the other is a misdemeanor. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Escape from Custody Authorized by Law Is a Crime Against Public Justice. —

State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

As Citizens Should Yield Obedience to Law. —

The statute declaring escape from custody to be an offense proceeds from the theory that a citizen should yield obedience to the law. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Persons Confined by Law Must Submit to Such Confinement. —

When one has been, by authority or command of the law, confined in prison, it is his duty to submit to such confinement until delivered by due course of law, no matter whether he has been committed for a future trial or for punishment after conviction. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Escape of Prisoners Working for Board of Transportation. —

Prisoners hired by the State Highway Commission (now the Board of Transportation) to work on the highways of the State are within the prison system when the agents of the Highway Commission (now the Board of Transportation) have been designated to receive and work such prisoners. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

An escape by a prisoner assigned by an official of the Department of Correction to work under an employee of the State Highway Commission (now Board of Transportation) constitutes an escape from the State prison system. State v. Coleman, 24 N.C. App. 530, 211 S.E.2d 542, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 2421 (1975).

Murder Committed in the Perpetration or Attempt to Perpetrate a Felonious Escape Is Murder in the First Degree. —

State v. Lee, 277 N.C. 205 , 176 S.E.2d 765, 1970 N.C. LEXIS 566 (1970).

For cases holding that a second escape is a felony, decided prior to repeal of subsection (c) of this section, see State v. Worley, 268 N.C. 687 , 151 S.E.2d 618, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1287 (1966); State v. Walters, 17 N.C. App. 94, 193 S.E.2d 316, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 1573 (1972); State v. Stone, 22 N.C. App. 352, 206 S.E.2d 389, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 2329 (1974).

As to time when sentence began prior to 1965 amendment to this section, see State v. Doggett, 267 N.C. 648 , 148 S.E.2d 622, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1100 (1966).

Predicate Offense Under Armed Career Criminal Act. —

Felony conviction for escape while serving a sentence imposed upon a conviction of a felony (felony escape from custody), under subdivision (b)(1), qualifies as a predicate conviction under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C. § 924. United States v. Hairston, 71 F.3d 115, 1995 U.S. App. LEXIS 34467 (4th Cir. 1995), cert. denied, 517 U.S. 1200, 116 S. Ct. 1699, 134 L. Ed. 2d 798, 1996 U.S. LEXIS 3207 (1996).

Serious Potential Risk of Physical Injury to Another. —

Subdivision (b)(1), “involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another”, as required by the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(2)(B)(ii), because an overt escape, especially an overt escape from a maximum security prison, inherently presents such a risk of physical injury. United States v. Hairston, 71 F.3d 115, 1995 U.S. App. LEXIS 34467 (4th Cir. 1995), cert. denied, 517 U.S. 1200, 116 S. Ct. 1699, 134 L. Ed. 2d 798, 1996 U.S. LEXIS 3207 (1996).

II.Effect of Invalidity of Original Conviction

Belief in Innocence or Legal Errors in Convictions. —

It would bring the law into disrepute and completely render prison order and discipline unenforceable if prisoners convicted of crime could exercise the right of self-judgment and self-help and be allowed to escape from imprisonment, either because they believed themselves to be innocent or believed that their convictions were obtained through legal error. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Innocence or Guilt of Original Offense Is Immaterial to Crime of Escape. —

It is generally held by the more modern authorities that it is immaterial whether a prisoner is innocent or guilty of the original offense insofar as his liability for escaping is concerned. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

When a prisoner is held in legal custody and commits an escape, the crime itself does not depend upon whether he would have been adjudged guilty or innocent of the original offense had the proper procedure for appeal been followed. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

As Is Later Determination That Original Conviction Was Void. —

The crime of escape does not depend upon whether it may or may not be determined in a future habeas corpus proceeding that his original conviction was void for defects in the judgment of conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Or Voidable. —

Deprivation of procedural rights before or during imprisonment does not constitute grounds or justification for, an escape by a prisoner serving a sentence imposed by authority of law. This is so even though the sentence the prisoner was serving at the time was later held to be irregular or voidable. A prisoner in such case may not put himself in defiance of the duly constituted authorities by escaping from custody but must seek redress in compliance with due process. State v. Warren, 4 N.C. App. 441, 166 S.E.2d 858, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1513 (1969).

North Carolina has held that a prisoner escaping while serving a sentence is not immune to punishment for the escape even though the sentence he was serving at the time of the escape was irregular or voidable and is set aside and a new trial ordered after the escape but prior to imposition of sentence for the escape, since a prisoner serving a sentence imposed by authority of law may not defy that authority but must seek redress in compliance with due process. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Defendant can be tried and sentenced on charge of escape irrespective of outcome of a new trial. State v. Warren, 4 N.C. App. 441, 166 S.E.2d 858, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1513 (1969).

There is no deprivation of federal constitutional rights in trial for escape from an invalid sentence. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

III.Practice and Procedure

The elements of felonious escape are (1) lawful custody, (2) while serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony, and (3) escape from such custody. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

Exact time is not an essential element of the offense of escape as set out in subdivision (g)(1) of this section and the 24-hour exception provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section is a defense which a defendant may raise should the evidence warrant such a defense. Therefore, the trial court did not err in denying defendant’s motion to dismiss at the close of the State’s evidence on the grounds that the warrant did not set out the exact date and time of the alleged escape and further failed to state that the period of time was in excess of the 24-hour time limitation found in subdivision (g)(2) of this section. State v. Womble, 44 N.C. App. 503, 261 S.E.2d 263, 1980 N.C. App. LEXIS 2478 , dismissed, 299 N.C. 740 , 267 S.E.2d 669, 1980 N.C. LEXIS 1107 (1980).

For construction of former provisions similar to subdivision (g)(1) of this section, see State v. Kimball, 261 N.C. 582 , 135 S.E.2d 568, 1964 N.C. LEXIS 528 (1964); State v. Cooper, 275 N.C. 283 , 167 S.E.2d 266, 1969 N.C. LEXIS 392 (1969); State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Indictment to Allege Conviction of a Misdemeanor or Felony. —

It is necessary to allege that the escape or attempted escape occurred when defendant was serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or of a felony, irrespective of whether the presently alleged escape or attempted escape was alleged to be a first or a second offense. State v. Jordan, 247 N.C. 253 , 100 S.E.2d 497, 1957 N.C. LEXIS 667 (1957); State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965); State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

Need Not State the Specific Felony. —

An indictment charging that defendant escaped from lawful custody while serving a sentence for a felony imposed in the superior court of a named county was sufficient, without naming the felony for which defendant was imprisoned, and reference in the indictment to the felony was surplusage. State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

An indictment charging that a defendant escaped while serving a sentence for a felony imposed in the superior court in a named county is sufficient without naming the felony. State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972).

Absence of Other Detailed Information. —

Where defendant contended that warrant was defective in that it did not allege: (1) the year of defendant’s conviction in Craven County; (2) the length of the sentence imposed; (3) the number of the defendant’s commitment from Craven County; and (4) the trial docket number of the case in which the commitment was issued, it was held that such detailed information was not required to charge an offense under this section. State v. Harper, 264 N.C. 354 , 141 S.E.2d 475, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1182 (1965).

Indictment Held Insufficient to Charge Felony Escape. —

A bill of indictment was insufficient to charge the felony of escape while serving a felony sentence, notwithstanding the indictment used the word “felony” to describe one of the offenses for which defendant was serving sentence when he escaped, where it also alleged that sentences for both offenses were imposed in district courts, since district courts are without jurisdiction to impose sentence in felony cases; however, the indictment was sufficient to charge misdemeanor escape. State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972).

Variance Held Not Fatal. —

Where bill of indictment charged that defendant escaped while lawfully confined in the North Carolina State prison system in the lawful custody of the North Carolina Department of Correction, and the evidence showed he escaped while assigned by an official of the Department of Correction to work under an employee of the State Highway Commission (now Board of Transportation), the variance was not fatal. State v. Coleman, 24 N.C. App. 530, 211 S.E.2d 542, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 2421 (1975).

Because defendant’s indictment for felonious escape tracked the statutory language of G.S. 148-45(g), defendant was effectively charged with a work-release escape, regardless of whether the indictment’s citation to G.S. 148-45(b) was erroneous, due to the fact that defendant was sufficiently apprised of the charge at issue. State v. Lockhart, 181 N.C. App. 316, 639 S.E.2d 5, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 89 (2007).

Further Prosecution Not Barred by Arrest of Judgment for Defective Indictment. —

Arrest of judgment on the ground that the bill of indictment is fatally defective does not bar further prosecution for a violation of this section if the solicitor deems it advisable to proceed on a new bill. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

Nor by Mistrial on Such Ground. —

Where indictment on its face negatived any possibility of a showing that at the time of the alleged escape the defendant was serving a sentence in prison, such indictment was fatally defective, and the action of the court in ordering a mistrial was tantamount to quashing the bill of indictment, which the trial court had the right to do ex mero motu; hence, the defendant’s conviction on a second bill of indictment was valid and a plea of former jeopardy was properly overruled. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

As to indictments for second or subsequent offenses, prior to repeal of subsection (c) of this section, see State v. Lawrence, 264 N.C. 220 , 141 S.E.2d 264, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1155 (1965); State v. Revis, 267 N.C. 255 , 147 S.E.2d 892, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1024 (1966); State v. Bennett, 271 N.C. 423 , 156 S.E.2d 725, 1967 N.C. LEXIS 1210 (1967); State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972); State v. Chapman, 20 N.C. App. 456, 201 S.E.2d 579, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 2465 (1974).

To prove felonious escape under G.S. 148-45(b)(2), the State needed to prove that defendant was charged with a felony and had been committed to the custody of the Department of Correction; testimony concerning the kind of crimes for which defendant was sentenced to prison was relevant and competent evidence, and defendant’s conviction was affirmed. State v. McDonald, 163 N.C. App. 458, 593 S.E.2d 793, 2004 N.C. App. LEXIS 510 (2004).

Proof of Lawfulness of Custody and Type of Offense for Which Defendant Committed Prerequisite to Conviction. —

In order to sustain a conviction for the offense of escape under this section, the State must prove, among other things, from the evidence and beyond a reasonable doubt, that at the time of the escape defendant was in the lawful custody of the State Department of Correction and was serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

When a defendant is charged with escape from the State prison system under this section the State is entitled to introduce evidence of any and all convictions for which defendant was in custody at the time of escape. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

Before a defendant can be convicted of felonious escape, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of his escape defendant was serving a sentence of incarceration imposed for the conviction of a felony. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

When a defendant is charged with escape under this statute, the State has the burden of proving that defendant was in the legal custody of the Department of Correction at the time of the escape. Testimony concerning the kind of crimes for which defendant was sentenced to prison is relevant and competent evidence which the State may introduce in order to meet its burden of proof on this issue. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

When a defendant is charged with felonious escape from the state prison system under this section, the State has the burden of proving that defendant was in the legal custody of the Department of Correction at the time of the escape, serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony. Accordingly, the State is entitled to introduce evidence of any and all convictions for which defendant was in custody at the time of escape. State v. Parrish, 73 N.C. App. 662, 327 S.E.2d 613, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3397 (1985).

To sustain a conviction for escape the State must prove that the defendant was in lawful custody and was serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

The legislature, in setting the presumptive sentence for escape, presumably took into account that evidence of an underlying plea or conviction would be necessary to prove the offense. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

Failure to Prove Defendant Serving Sentence. —

Defendant was improperly convicted of felonious escape where the State failed to present any evidence that defendant was serving a sentence for the commission of a felony on the date defendant escaped from a county jail. State v. Miller, 146 N.C. App. 494, 553 S.E.2d 410, 2001 N.C. App. LEXIS 975 (2001).

Voluntary Return Not Proven. —

Motion to dismiss was properly denied in defendant’s trial for work-release escape under G.S. 148-45(g)(1) because, although the evidence demonstrated that defendant was recaptured within 24 hours, it also indicated that defendant’s family only surrendered him after officers threatened to obtain a search warrant and press criminal charges against the family members for harboring a fugitive; thus, defendant failed to show that the undisputed evidence supported the conclusion that he voluntarily returned into custody. State v. Lockhart, 181 N.C. App. 316, 639 S.E.2d 5, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 89 (2007).

What Evidence Competent to Show Lawfulness of Custody and Type of Offense. —

Certified copies of the record of the superior court showing defendant’s conviction and sentence, or a commitment issued under the hand and official seal of the clerk of the superior court, are admissible for the purpose of showing that defendant was in lawful custody at the time of the alleged escape. State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

A properly certified copy of the commitment is competent, when introduced into evidence, to show the lawfulness of the custody and the type of offense for which defendant was committed. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

The defense of duress or escaping against his will will not be available to a prisoner charged with escape except where such defendant meets all of the following five requirements: (1) The prisoner is faced with a specific threat of death, forcible sexual attack or substantial bodily injury in the immediate future; (2) there is no time for a complaint to the authorities or there exists a history of futile complaints which make any result from such complaints illusory; (3) there is no time or opportunity to resort to courts; (4) there is no evidence of force or violence used towards prison personnel or other “innocent” persons in the escape; and (5) the prisoner immediately reports to the proper authorities when he has attained a position of safety from the immediate threat. State v. Watts, 60 N.C. App. 191, 298 S.E.2d 436, 1982 N.C. App. LEXIS 3254 (1982).

Nature of Offense for Which Defendant Committed as Question for Jury. —

A defendant who has committed an escape is entitled to have his case submitted to the jury on the question of whether he was imprisoned while serving a sentence imposed for a felony or for a misdemeanor. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Prejudicial Error Not to Charge Jury That It Must Find Defendant Was Serving Sentence for Felony Conviction at Time of Escape. —

Since defendant’s plea of not guilty put in issue every essential element of the crime charged, and defendant was charged with escaping from the lawful custody of the State Department of Correction while then and there serving time for a felony, trial judge’s failure to instruct the jury that before they could convict defendant of the felony of escape charged, they must find beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the escape he was serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony, was prejudicial error which entitled defendant to a new trial. State v. McCloud, 11 N.C. App. 425, 181 S.E.2d 204, 1971 N.C. App. LEXIS 1547 (1971).

The court erred where it did not require the jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant was serving a felony sentence in a prosecution under this section. State v. Johnson, 21 N.C. App. 85, 203 S.E.2d 424, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 1719 (1974).

Instruction on Willfulness Unnecessary. —

In a prosecution for felonious escape under this section, the trial court was not required to instruct the jury pursuant to G.S. 148-4 that one of the essential elements of felonious escape is that the failure to remain in or return to confinement must be willful, since defendant was not charged with escape while outside the place of his confinement pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Correction under G.S. 148-4 , but was charged under this section, which establishes the general escape offense and does not contain the word willful. State v. Rose, 53 N.C. App. 608, 281 S.E.2d 404, 1981 N.C. App. LEXIS 2700 (1981).

Erroneous Reference to Another Section in Judgment and Commitment Order Held Not Prejudicial. —

The fact that the judgment and commitment order in an escape prosecution erroneously referred to G.S. 148-48 instead of this section was not prejudicial to the defendant. State v. Cobb, 9 N.C. App. 51, 175 S.E.2d 381, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1277 (1970).

Sentence of 12 Months Not Cruel and Unusual Punishment. —

A sentence of imprisonment for 12 months for felonious escape under this section does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of N.C. Const., Art. I, § 14 and U.S. Const., Amend. VIII. State v. Dixon, 5 N.C. App. 514, 168 S.E.2d 418, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1385 (1969).

A sentence of one year is not excessive under this section. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965).

§ 148-45. Escaping or attempting escape from State prison system; failure of conditionally and temporarily released prisoners and certain youthful offenders to return to custody of Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Any person in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in any of the classifications hereinafter set forth who shall escape from the State prison system, shall for the first such offense, except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor:
    1. A prisoner serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor;
    2. A person who has been charged with a misdemeanor and who has been committed to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction under the provisions of G.S. 162-39 ;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 4.
    4. A person who shall have been convicted of a misdemeanor and who shall have been committed to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for presentence diagnostic study under the provisions of G.S. 15A-1332(c).
  2. Any person in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, in any of the classifications hereinafter set forth, who shall escape from the State prison system, shall, except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, be punished as a Class H felon:
    1. A prisoner serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony;
    2. A person who has been charged with a felony and who has been committed to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction under the provisions of G.S. 162-39 ;
    3. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 5.
    4. A person who shall have been convicted of a felony and who shall have been committed to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for presentence diagnostic study under the provisions of G.S. 15A-1332(c); or
    5. Any person previously convicted of escaping or attempting to escape from the State prison system.
  3. Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 760, s. 5.
  4. Any person who aids or assists other persons to escape or attempt to escape from the State prison system shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  5. Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 465, s. 5.
  6. Any person convicted of an escape or attempt to escape classified as a felony by this section shall be immediately classified and treated as a convicted felon even if such person has time remaining to be served in the State prison system on a sentence or sentences imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or misdemeanors.
    1. Any person convicted and in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and ordered or otherwise assigned to work under the work-release program, G.S. 148-33.1 , or any convicted person in the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and temporarily allowed to leave a place of confinement by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction or his designee or other authority of law, who shall fail to return to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, shall be guilty of the crime of escape and subject to the applicable provisions of this section and shall be deemed an escapee. For the purpose of this subsection, escape is defined to include, but is not restricted to, willful failure to return to an appointed place and at an appointed time as ordered.
    2. If a person, who would otherwise be guilty of a first violation of G.S. 148-45(g)(1), voluntarily returns to his place of confinement within 24 hours of the time at which he was ordered to return, such person shall not be charged with an escape as provided in this section but shall be subject to such administrative action as may be deemed appropriate for an escapee by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction; said escapee shall not be allowed to be placed on work release for a four-month period or for the balance of his term if less than four months; provided, however, that if such person commits a subsequent violation of this section then such person shall be charged with that offense and, if convicted, punished under the provisions of this section.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 26; 1955, c. 279, s. 2; 1963, c. 681; 1965, c. 283; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 1120; c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, cc. 170, 241, 705; c. 770, ss. 1, 2; 1977, c. 732, ss. 3, 4; c. 745; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1983, c. 465, ss. 1-5; 1985, c. 226, ss. 3(4)-6; 1993, c. 539, ss. 1058, 1321, 1322; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-443, s. 19.25(t); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeeee); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1955, c. 279, which rewrote what is now subsection (a) of this section, provided, in s. 4: “The provisions of this act shall be construed to be mandatory rather than directive.”

The period at the end of the introductory paragraph of subsection (b) was changed to a colon at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(eeeeeeee), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subdivision (g)(1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on availability of the defense of duress in prison escapes, see 12 Wake Forest L. Rev. 1102 (1976).

CASE NOTES

Analysis

I.General Consideration

There are two classes of escape from the state prison system. One is a felonious escape and the other is a misdemeanor. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Escape from Custody Authorized by Law Is a Crime Against Public Justice. —

State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

As Citizens Should Yield Obedience to Law. —

The statute declaring escape from custody to be an offense proceeds from the theory that a citizen should yield obedience to the law. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Persons Confined by Law Must Submit to Such Confinement. —

When one has been, by authority or command of the law, confined in prison, it is his duty to submit to such confinement until delivered by due course of law, no matter whether he has been committed for a future trial or for punishment after conviction. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Escape of Prisoners Working for Board of Transportation. —

Prisoners hired by the State Highway Commission (now the Board of Transportation) to work on the highways of the State are within the prison system when the agents of the Highway Commission (now the Board of Transportation) have been designated to receive and work such prisoners. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

An escape by a prisoner assigned by an official of the Department of Correction to work under an employee of the State Highway Commission (now Board of Transportation) constitutes an escape from the State prison system. State v. Coleman, 24 N.C. App. 530, 211 S.E.2d 542, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 2421 (1975).

Murder Committed in the Perpetration or Attempt to Perpetrate a Felonious Escape Is Murder in the First Degree. —

State v. Lee, 277 N.C. 205 , 176 S.E.2d 765, 1970 N.C. LEXIS 566 (1970).

For cases holding that a second escape is a felony, decided prior to repeal of subsection (c) of this section, see State v. Worley, 268 N.C. 687 , 151 S.E.2d 618, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1287 (1966); State v. Walters, 17 N.C. App. 94, 193 S.E.2d 316, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 1573 (1972); State v. Stone, 22 N.C. App. 352, 206 S.E.2d 389, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 2329 (1974).

As to time when sentence began prior to 1965 amendment to this section, see State v. Doggett, 267 N.C. 648 , 148 S.E.2d 622, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1100 (1966).

Predicate Offense Under Armed Career Criminal Act. —

Felony conviction for escape while serving a sentence imposed upon a conviction of a felony (felony escape from custody), under subdivision (b)(1), qualifies as a predicate conviction under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C. § 924. United States v. Hairston, 71 F.3d 115, 1995 U.S. App. LEXIS 34467 (4th Cir. 1995), cert. denied, 517 U.S. 1200, 116 S. Ct. 1699, 134 L. Ed. 2d 798, 1996 U.S. LEXIS 3207 (1996).

Serious Potential Risk of Physical Injury to Another. —

Subdivision (b)(1), “involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another”, as required by the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(2)(B)(ii), because an overt escape, especially an overt escape from a maximum security prison, inherently presents such a risk of physical injury. United States v. Hairston, 71 F.3d 115, 1995 U.S. App. LEXIS 34467 (4th Cir. 1995), cert. denied, 517 U.S. 1200, 116 S. Ct. 1699, 134 L. Ed. 2d 798, 1996 U.S. LEXIS 3207 (1996).

II.Effect of Invalidity of Original Conviction

Belief in Innocence or Legal Errors in Convictions. —

It would bring the law into disrepute and completely render prison order and discipline unenforceable if prisoners convicted of crime could exercise the right of self-judgment and self-help and be allowed to escape from imprisonment, either because they believed themselves to be innocent or believed that their convictions were obtained through legal error. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Innocence or Guilt of Original Offense Is Immaterial to Crime of Escape. —

It is generally held by the more modern authorities that it is immaterial whether a prisoner is innocent or guilty of the original offense insofar as his liability for escaping is concerned. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

When a prisoner is held in legal custody and commits an escape, the crime itself does not depend upon whether he would have been adjudged guilty or innocent of the original offense had the proper procedure for appeal been followed. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

As Is Later Determination That Original Conviction Was Void. —

The crime of escape does not depend upon whether it may or may not be determined in a future habeas corpus proceeding that his original conviction was void for defects in the judgment of conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction. State v. Goff, 264 N.C. 563 , 142 S.E.2d 142, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1236 (1965).

Or Voidable. —

Deprivation of procedural rights before or during imprisonment does not constitute grounds or justification for, an escape by a prisoner serving a sentence imposed by authority of law. This is so even though the sentence the prisoner was serving at the time was later held to be irregular or voidable. A prisoner in such case may not put himself in defiance of the duly constituted authorities by escaping from custody but must seek redress in compliance with due process. State v. Warren, 4 N.C. App. 441, 166 S.E.2d 858, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1513 (1969).

North Carolina has held that a prisoner escaping while serving a sentence is not immune to punishment for the escape even though the sentence he was serving at the time of the escape was irregular or voidable and is set aside and a new trial ordered after the escape but prior to imposition of sentence for the escape, since a prisoner serving a sentence imposed by authority of law may not defy that authority but must seek redress in compliance with due process. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

Defendant can be tried and sentenced on charge of escape irrespective of outcome of a new trial. State v. Warren, 4 N.C. App. 441, 166 S.E.2d 858, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1513 (1969).

There is no deprivation of federal constitutional rights in trial for escape from an invalid sentence. Kelly v. North Carolina, 276 F. Supp. 200, 1967 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8518 (E.D.N.C. 1967).

III.Practice and Procedure

The elements of felonious escape are (1) lawful custody, (2) while serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony, and (3) escape from such custody. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

Exact time is not an essential element of the offense of escape as set out in subdivision (g)(1) of this section and the 24-hour exception provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section is a defense which a defendant may raise should the evidence warrant such a defense. Therefore, the trial court did not err in denying defendant’s motion to dismiss at the close of the State’s evidence on the grounds that the warrant did not set out the exact date and time of the alleged escape and further failed to state that the period of time was in excess of the 24-hour time limitation found in subdivision (g)(2) of this section. State v. Womble, 44 N.C. App. 503, 261 S.E.2d 263, 1980 N.C. App. LEXIS 2478 , dismissed, 299 N.C. 740 , 267 S.E.2d 669, 1980 N.C. LEXIS 1107 (1980).

For construction of former provisions similar to subdivision (g)(1) of this section, see State v. Kimball, 261 N.C. 582 , 135 S.E.2d 568, 1964 N.C. LEXIS 528 (1964); State v. Cooper, 275 N.C. 283 , 167 S.E.2d 266, 1969 N.C. LEXIS 392 (1969); State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Indictment to Allege Conviction of a Misdemeanor or Felony. —

It is necessary to allege that the escape or attempted escape occurred when defendant was serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor or of a felony, irrespective of whether the presently alleged escape or attempted escape was alleged to be a first or a second offense. State v. Jordan, 247 N.C. 253 , 100 S.E.2d 497, 1957 N.C. LEXIS 667 (1957); State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965); State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

Need Not State the Specific Felony. —

An indictment charging that defendant escaped from lawful custody while serving a sentence for a felony imposed in the superior court of a named county was sufficient, without naming the felony for which defendant was imprisoned, and reference in the indictment to the felony was surplusage. State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

An indictment charging that a defendant escaped while serving a sentence for a felony imposed in the superior court in a named county is sufficient without naming the felony. State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972).

Absence of Other Detailed Information. —

Where defendant contended that warrant was defective in that it did not allege: (1) the year of defendant’s conviction in Craven County; (2) the length of the sentence imposed; (3) the number of the defendant’s commitment from Craven County; and (4) the trial docket number of the case in which the commitment was issued, it was held that such detailed information was not required to charge an offense under this section. State v. Harper, 264 N.C. 354 , 141 S.E.2d 475, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1182 (1965).

Indictment Held Insufficient to Charge Felony Escape. —

A bill of indictment was insufficient to charge the felony of escape while serving a felony sentence, notwithstanding the indictment used the word “felony” to describe one of the offenses for which defendant was serving sentence when he escaped, where it also alleged that sentences for both offenses were imposed in district courts, since district courts are without jurisdiction to impose sentence in felony cases; however, the indictment was sufficient to charge misdemeanor escape. State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972).

Variance Held Not Fatal. —

Where bill of indictment charged that defendant escaped while lawfully confined in the North Carolina State prison system in the lawful custody of the North Carolina Department of Correction, and the evidence showed he escaped while assigned by an official of the Department of Correction to work under an employee of the State Highway Commission (now Board of Transportation), the variance was not fatal. State v. Coleman, 24 N.C. App. 530, 211 S.E.2d 542, 1975 N.C. App. LEXIS 2421 (1975).

Because defendant’s indictment for felonious escape tracked the statutory language of G.S. 148-45(g), defendant was effectively charged with a work-release escape, regardless of whether the indictment’s citation to G.S. 148-45(b) was erroneous, due to the fact that defendant was sufficiently apprised of the charge at issue. State v. Lockhart, 181 N.C. App. 316, 639 S.E.2d 5, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 89 (2007).

Further Prosecution Not Barred by Arrest of Judgment for Defective Indictment. —

Arrest of judgment on the ground that the bill of indictment is fatally defective does not bar further prosecution for a violation of this section if the solicitor deems it advisable to proceed on a new bill. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

Nor by Mistrial on Such Ground. —

Where indictment on its face negatived any possibility of a showing that at the time of the alleged escape the defendant was serving a sentence in prison, such indictment was fatally defective, and the action of the court in ordering a mistrial was tantamount to quashing the bill of indictment, which the trial court had the right to do ex mero motu; hence, the defendant’s conviction on a second bill of indictment was valid and a plea of former jeopardy was properly overruled. State v. Whitley, 264 N.C. 742 , 142 S.E.2d 600, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1271 (1965).

As to indictments for second or subsequent offenses, prior to repeal of subsection (c) of this section, see State v. Lawrence, 264 N.C. 220 , 141 S.E.2d 264, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1155 (1965); State v. Revis, 267 N.C. 255 , 147 S.E.2d 892, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1024 (1966); State v. Bennett, 271 N.C. 423 , 156 S.E.2d 725, 1967 N.C. LEXIS 1210 (1967); State v. Jackson, 14 N.C. App. 75, 187 S.E.2d 470, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2039 (1972); State v. Chapman, 20 N.C. App. 456, 201 S.E.2d 579, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 2465 (1974).

To prove felonious escape under G.S. 148-45(b)(2), the State needed to prove that defendant was charged with a felony and had been committed to the custody of the Department of Correction; testimony concerning the kind of crimes for which defendant was sentenced to prison was relevant and competent evidence, and defendant’s conviction was affirmed. State v. McDonald, 163 N.C. App. 458, 593 S.E.2d 793, 2004 N.C. App. LEXIS 510 (2004).

Proof of Lawfulness of Custody and Type of Offense for Which Defendant Committed Prerequisite to Conviction. —

In order to sustain a conviction for the offense of escape under this section, the State must prove, among other things, from the evidence and beyond a reasonable doubt, that at the time of the escape defendant was in the lawful custody of the State Department of Correction and was serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

When a defendant is charged with escape from the State prison system under this section the State is entitled to introduce evidence of any and all convictions for which defendant was in custody at the time of escape. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

Before a defendant can be convicted of felonious escape, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of his escape defendant was serving a sentence of incarceration imposed for the conviction of a felony. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

When a defendant is charged with escape under this statute, the State has the burden of proving that defendant was in the legal custody of the Department of Correction at the time of the escape. Testimony concerning the kind of crimes for which defendant was sentenced to prison is relevant and competent evidence which the State may introduce in order to meet its burden of proof on this issue. State v. Hammond, 307 N.C. 662 , 300 S.E.2d 361, 1983 N.C. LEXIS 1112 (1983).

When a defendant is charged with felonious escape from the state prison system under this section, the State has the burden of proving that defendant was in the legal custody of the Department of Correction at the time of the escape, serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony. Accordingly, the State is entitled to introduce evidence of any and all convictions for which defendant was in custody at the time of escape. State v. Parrish, 73 N.C. App. 662, 327 S.E.2d 613, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3397 (1985).

To sustain a conviction for escape the State must prove that the defendant was in lawful custody and was serving a sentence imposed upon a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction for a felony. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

The legislature, in setting the presumptive sentence for escape, presumably took into account that evidence of an underlying plea or conviction would be necessary to prove the offense. State v. Malone, 73 N.C. App. 323, 326 S.E.2d 302, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3271 (1985).

Failure to Prove Defendant Serving Sentence. —

Defendant was improperly convicted of felonious escape where the State failed to present any evidence that defendant was serving a sentence for the commission of a felony on the date defendant escaped from a county jail. State v. Miller, 146 N.C. App. 494, 553 S.E.2d 410, 2001 N.C. App. LEXIS 975 (2001).

Voluntary Return Not Proven. —

Motion to dismiss was properly denied in defendant’s trial for work-release escape under G.S. 148-45(g)(1) because, although the evidence demonstrated that defendant was recaptured within 24 hours, it also indicated that defendant’s family only surrendered him after officers threatened to obtain a search warrant and press criminal charges against the family members for harboring a fugitive; thus, defendant failed to show that the undisputed evidence supported the conclusion that he voluntarily returned into custody. State v. Lockhart, 181 N.C. App. 316, 639 S.E.2d 5, 2007 N.C. App. LEXIS 89 (2007).

What Evidence Competent to Show Lawfulness of Custody and Type of Offense. —

Certified copies of the record of the superior court showing defendant’s conviction and sentence, or a commitment issued under the hand and official seal of the clerk of the superior court, are admissible for the purpose of showing that defendant was in lawful custody at the time of the alleged escape. State v. Stallings, 267 N.C. 405 , 148 S.E.2d 252, 1966 N.C. LEXIS 1054 (1966).

A properly certified copy of the commitment is competent, when introduced into evidence, to show the lawfulness of the custody and the type of offense for which defendant was committed. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

The defense of duress or escaping against his will will not be available to a prisoner charged with escape except where such defendant meets all of the following five requirements: (1) The prisoner is faced with a specific threat of death, forcible sexual attack or substantial bodily injury in the immediate future; (2) there is no time for a complaint to the authorities or there exists a history of futile complaints which make any result from such complaints illusory; (3) there is no time or opportunity to resort to courts; (4) there is no evidence of force or violence used towards prison personnel or other “innocent” persons in the escape; and (5) the prisoner immediately reports to the proper authorities when he has attained a position of safety from the immediate threat. State v. Watts, 60 N.C. App. 191, 298 S.E.2d 436, 1982 N.C. App. LEXIS 3254 (1982).

Nature of Offense for Which Defendant Committed as Question for Jury. —

A defendant who has committed an escape is entitled to have his case submitted to the jury on the question of whether he was imprisoned while serving a sentence imposed for a felony or for a misdemeanor. State v. Ledford, 9 N.C. App. 245, 175 S.E.2d 605, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1325 (1970).

Prejudicial Error Not to Charge Jury That It Must Find Defendant Was Serving Sentence for Felony Conviction at Time of Escape. —

Since defendant’s plea of not guilty put in issue every essential element of the crime charged, and defendant was charged with escaping from the lawful custody of the State Department of Correction while then and there serving time for a felony, trial judge’s failure to instruct the jury that before they could convict defendant of the felony of escape charged, they must find beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the escape he was serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony, was prejudicial error which entitled defendant to a new trial. State v. McCloud, 11 N.C. App. 425, 181 S.E.2d 204, 1971 N.C. App. LEXIS 1547 (1971).

The court erred where it did not require the jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant was serving a felony sentence in a prosecution under this section. State v. Johnson, 21 N.C. App. 85, 203 S.E.2d 424, 1974 N.C. App. LEXIS 1719 (1974).

Instruction on Willfulness Unnecessary. —

In a prosecution for felonious escape under this section, the trial court was not required to instruct the jury pursuant to G.S. 148-4 that one of the essential elements of felonious escape is that the failure to remain in or return to confinement must be willful, since defendant was not charged with escape while outside the place of his confinement pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Correction under G.S. 148-4 , but was charged under this section, which establishes the general escape offense and does not contain the word willful. State v. Rose, 53 N.C. App. 608, 281 S.E.2d 404, 1981 N.C. App. LEXIS 2700 (1981).

Erroneous Reference to Another Section in Judgment and Commitment Order Held Not Prejudicial. —

The fact that the judgment and commitment order in an escape prosecution erroneously referred to G.S. 148-48 instead of this section was not prejudicial to the defendant. State v. Cobb, 9 N.C. App. 51, 175 S.E.2d 381, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1277 (1970).

Sentence of 12 Months Not Cruel and Unusual Punishment. —

A sentence of imprisonment for 12 months for felonious escape under this section does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of N.C. Const., Art. I, § 14 and U.S. Const., Amend. VIII. State v. Dixon, 5 N.C. App. 514, 168 S.E.2d 418, 1969 N.C. App. LEXIS 1385 (1969).

A sentence of one year is not excessive under this section. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711 , 144 S.E.2d 901, 1965 N.C. LEXIS 1087 (1965).

§ 148-46. Degree of protection against violence allowed. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. When any prisoner, or several combined shall offer violence to any officer, overseer, or correctional officer, or to any fellow prisoner, or attempt to do any injury to the prison building, or to any workshop, or other equipment, or shall attempt to escape, or shall resist, or disobey any lawful command, the officer, overseer, or correctional officer shall use any means necessary to defend himself, or to enforce the observance of discipline, or to secure the person of the offender, and to prevent an escape.
  2. A misdemeanor prisoner classified and treated as a convicted felon as the result of a consecutive felony sentence or sentences, or a convicted felon placed in the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety pending the outcome of an appeal, or a defendant charged with a felony or felonies and placed in the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety pending trial, shall be considered as a convicted felon in the custody of the Secretary of Public Safety against whom any means reasonably necessary, including deadly force, may be used to prevent an escape.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 27; 1975, c. 230; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2016-77, s. 8(d).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2016-77, s. 8(d), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “correctional officer” for “guard” twice in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” three times in subsection (b). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on use of deadly force in preventing escape of fleeing minor felon, see 34 N.C.L. Rev. 122 (1955).

CASE NOTES

Constitutional Liability. —

While simple reasonableness governs official forcible encounters with “free citizens,” a vastly different standard governs use of force against convicted prisoners. The prohibition in U.S. Const., Amend. VIII against cruel and unusual punishment requires liability for the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

This section specifically permits the use of force to enforce lawful orders by prison officials. The deference due to prison administrators in the establishment of policies reasonably related to legitimate governmental objectives is well established. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

The use of force against prisoners may be appropriate, depending upon the existence of certain factors: (1) The need for force; (2) the amount of force needed in relation to the amount used; (3) the extent of injury inflicted; and (4) whether the force arose out of good faith efforts to maintain discipline as opposed to the malicious infliction of harm. Stokes v. Galyan, 618 F. Supp. 1483, 1985 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 14825 (W.D.N.C. 1985).

Correctional officers can be held answerable at law only for obduracy and wantonness, not merely because lesser measures might have sufficed or where ordinary errors of judgment occurred. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

Administrator Dictates Policy. —

As long as prison authorities are rationally pursuing a legitimate penological objective, the administrator has the last word as to relevant prison policy. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

§ 148-46. Degree of protection against violence allowed. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. When any prisoner, or several combined shall offer violence to any officer, overseer, or correctional officer, or to any fellow prisoner, or attempt to do any injury to the prison building, or to any workshop, or other equipment, or shall attempt to escape, or shall resist, or disobey any lawful command, the officer, overseer, or correctional officer shall use any means necessary to defend himself, or to enforce the observance of discipline, or to secure the person of the offender, and to prevent an escape.
  2. A misdemeanor prisoner classified and treated as a convicted felon as the result of a consecutive felony sentence or sentences, or a convicted felon placed in the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction pending the outcome of an appeal, or a defendant charged with a felony or felonies and placed in the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction pending trial, shall be considered as a convicted felon in the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction against whom any means reasonably necessary, including deadly force, may be used to prevent an escape.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 27; 1975, c. 230; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2016-77, s. 8(d); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2016-77, s. 8(d), effective July 1, 2016, substituted “correctional officer” for “guard” twice in subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” three times in subsection (b). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For note on use of deadly force in preventing escape of fleeing minor felon, see 34 N.C.L. Rev. 122 (1955).

CASE NOTES

Constitutional Liability. —

While simple reasonableness governs official forcible encounters with “free citizens,” a vastly different standard governs use of force against convicted prisoners. The prohibition in U.S. Const., Amend. VIII against cruel and unusual punishment requires liability for the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

This section specifically permits the use of force to enforce lawful orders by prison officials. The deference due to prison administrators in the establishment of policies reasonably related to legitimate governmental objectives is well established. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

The use of force against prisoners may be appropriate, depending upon the existence of certain factors: (1) The need for force; (2) the amount of force needed in relation to the amount used; (3) the extent of injury inflicted; and (4) whether the force arose out of good faith efforts to maintain discipline as opposed to the malicious infliction of harm. Stokes v. Galyan, 618 F. Supp. 1483, 1985 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 14825 (W.D.N.C. 1985).

Correctional officers can be held answerable at law only for obduracy and wantonness, not merely because lesser measures might have sufficed or where ordinary errors of judgment occurred. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

Administrator Dictates Policy. —

As long as prison authorities are rationally pursuing a legitimate penological objective, the administrator has the last word as to relevant prison policy. Morrison v. Martin, 755 F. Supp. 683, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17840 (E.D.N.C.), aff'd, 917 F.2d 1302, 1990 U.S. App. LEXIS 25766 (4th Cir. 1990).

§ 148-46.1. Inflicting or assisting in infliction of self injury to prisoner resulting in incapacity to perform assigned duties. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Any person serving a sentence or sentences within the State prison system who, during the term of such imprisonment, willfully and intentionally inflicts upon himself any injury resulting in a permanent or temporary incapacity to perform work or duties assigned to him by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, or any prisoner who aids or abets any other prisoner in the commission of such offense, shall be punished as a Class H felon.

History. 1959, c. 1197; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1993, c. 539, s. 1323; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-443, s. 19.25(v); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(ffffffff).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-46.1 .

Cross References.

As to procedure for treatment of self-inflicted injuries upon prisoners where consent is refused, see G.S. 148-46.2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ffffffff), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-46.1. Inflicting or assisting in infliction of self injury to prisoner resulting in incapacity to perform assigned duties. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Any person serving a sentence or sentences within the State prison system who, during the term of such imprisonment, willfully and intentionally inflicts upon himself any injury resulting in a permanent or temporary incapacity to perform work or duties assigned to him by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, or any prisoner who aids or abets any other prisoner in the commission of such offense, shall be punished as a Class H felon.

History. 1959, c. 1197; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1993, c. 539, s. 1323; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-443, s. 19.25(v); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(ffffffff); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-46.1 .

Cross References.

As to procedure for treatment of self-inflicted injuries upon prisoners where consent is refused, see G.S. 148-46.2 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ffffffff), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-46.2. Procedure when consent is refused by prisoner. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

When the Secretary of Public Safety finds as a fact that the injury to any prisoner was willfully and intentionally self-inflicted and that an operation or treatment is necessary for the preservation or restoration of the health of the prisoner and that the prisoner is competent to act for himself or herself; and that attempts have been made to obtain consent for the proposed operation or treatment but such consent was refused, and the findings have been reduced to writing and entered into the prisoner’s records as a permanent part thereof, then the chief medical officer of the prison hospital or prison institution shall be authorized to give or withhold, on behalf of the prisoner, consent to the operation or treatment.

In all cases coming under the provisions of this section, the medical staff of the hospital or institution shall keep a careful and complete medical record of the treatment and surgical procedures undertaken. The record shall be signed by the chief medical officer of the hospital or institution and the surgeon performing any surgery. Any treatment of self-inflicted injuries shall also be subject to the provisions of G.S. 90-21.13 and G.S. 90-21.16.

History. 1959, c. 1196; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1981, c. 307, ss. 4-7, 9; 2004-203, s. 53(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor’s Note.

This section was formerly G.S. 130-191.1. It was amended and transferred to its present position by Session Laws 1981, c. 307, s. 9.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2004-203, s. 53(b), effective August 17, 2004, substituted “section” for “Article” and “G.S. 90-21.16” for “90-21.14” in the last paragraph.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence of the first paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-46.2. Procedure when consent is refused by prisoner. [Effective January 1, 2023]

When the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction finds as a fact that the injury to any prisoner was willfully and intentionally self-inflicted and that an operation or treatment is necessary for the preservation or restoration of the health of the prisoner and that the prisoner is competent to act for himself or herself; and that attempts have been made to obtain consent for the proposed operation or treatment but such consent was refused, and the findings have been reduced to writing and entered into the prisoner’s records as a permanent part thereof, then the chief medical officer of the prison hospital or prison institution shall be authorized to give or withhold, on behalf of the prisoner, consent to the operation or treatment.

In all cases coming under the provisions of this section, the medical staff of the hospital or institution shall keep a careful and complete medical record of the treatment and surgical procedures undertaken. The record shall be signed by the chief medical officer of the hospital or institution and the surgeon performing any surgery. Any treatment of self-inflicted injuries shall also be subject to the provisions of G.S. 90-21.13 and G.S. 90-21.16.

History. 1959, c. 1196; 1967, c. 996, s. 15; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1981, c. 307, ss. 4-7, 9; 2004-203, s. 53(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor’s Note.

This section was formerly G.S. 130-191.1. It was amended and transferred to its present position by Session Laws 1981, c. 307, s. 9.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2004-203, s. 53(b), effective August 17, 2004, substituted “section” for “Article” and “G.S. 90-21.16” for “90-21.14” in the last paragraph.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence of the first paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-47. Disposition of child born of female prisoner.

Any child born of a female prisoner while she is in custody shall as soon as practicable be surrendered to the director of social services of the county wherein the child was born upon a proper order of the domestic relations court or juvenile court of said county affecting the custody of said child. When it appears to be for the best interest of the child, the court may place custody beyond the geographical bounds of Wake County: Provided, however, that all subsequent proceedings and orders affecting custody of said child shall be within the jurisdiction of the proper court of the county where the infant is residing at the time such proceeding is commenced or such order is sought: Provided, further, that nothing in this section shall affect the right of the mother to consent to the adoption of her child nor shall the right of the mother to place her child with the legal father or other suitable relative be affected by the provisions of this section.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 28; 1955, c. 1027; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 982.

§ 148-48. Parole powers of Parole Commission unaffected.

Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to limit or restrict the power of the Parole Commission to parole prisoners under such conditions as it may impose or prevent the reimprisonment of such prisoners upon violation of the conditions of such parole, as now provided by law.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 29; 1955, c. 867, s. 8; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10.

CASE NOTES

Erroneous Reference to Statute Under Which Defendant Committed Held Not Prejudicial. —

It was not prejudicial to the defendant where, in the judgment and commitment as it appeared in the record, the statute under which the defendant was convicted was erroneously referred to as “G.S. 148.48” instead of G.S. 148-45 . State v. Cobb, 9 N.C. App. 51, 175 S.E.2d 381, 1970 N.C. App. LEXIS 1277 (1970).

§ 148-49. Prison indebtedness not assumed by Board of Transportation.

The Board of Transportation shall not assume or pay off any part of the deficit of the State prison existing on March 22, 1933.

History. 1933, c. 172, s. 33; 1973, c. 507, s. 5.

Article 3A. Facilities and Programs for Youthful Offenders. [Repealed]

§§ 148-49.1 through 148-49.9. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 732, s. 1.

Cross References.

For present provisions relating to facilities and programs for youthful offenders, see G.S. 148-49.10 et seq.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 732, s. 6, provided: “All commitments to the Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] under G.S. 148-49.3 shall be treated as commitments under G.S. 148-12(b).” Section 148-12(b) was repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Section 148-49.3 was also repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33, effective July 1, 1978.

Article 3B. Facilities and Programs for Youthful Offenders. [Repealed]

§§ 148-49.10 through 148-49.16. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 538, s. 34.

Editor’s Note.

This Article was Article 3A of this Chapter as rewritten by Session Laws 1977, c. 732, s. 2, and recodified.

Article 4. Paroles.

§§ 148-50 through 148-51. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1955, c. 867, s. 13.

§ 148-51.1. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 226, s. 9.

§ 148-52. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1262, s. 10.

Cross References.

As to transfer of the functions of the Board of Paroles to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, see G.S. 143B-704 .

§ 148-52.1. Prohibited political activities of member of Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

No member of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall be permitted to use his position to influence elections or the political action of any person, serve as a member of the campaign committee of any political party, interfere with or participate in the preparation for any election or the conduct thereof at the polling place, or be in any manner concerned in the demanding, soliciting or receiving of any assessments, subscriptions or contributions, whether voluntary or involuntary, to any political party. Any Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission member who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to dismissal from office.

History. 1953, c. 17, s. 4; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1981, c. 260; 1993, c. 538, s. 44; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b).

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Preventive Justice: How Algorithms, Parole Boards, and Limited Retributivism Could End Mass Incarceration,” see 56 Wake Forest L. Rev. 97 (2021).

State Government Reorganization.

The Board of Paroles was transferred to the Department of Social Rehabilitation and Control by former G.S. 143A-168, enacted by Session Laws 1971, c. 864, and repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1262, s. 10. The functions of the Department of Social Rehabilitation and Control have been transferred to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. See G.S. 143B-704 .

CASE NOTES

Basis of Article. —

Sections 148-6, 148-26 and 148-33.1, as well as provisions with reference to paroles contained in this Article, are predicated upon the idea that the ability as well as the disposition of released prisoners to engage in honest employment and become law-abiding members of society is calculated to serve the best interests of the State and of its citizens. Pharr v. Garibaldi, 252 N.C. 803 , 115 S.E.2d 18, 1960 N.C. LEXIS 443 (1960).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

A person employed by the State as a probation and parole officer may file notice of candidacy and campaign for election to the office of sheriff assuming that no federal funds are involved with respect to the probation and parole officer’s employment and, thus, that proscriptions contained in the federal Hatch Act do not apply. See opinion of Attorney General to Sheriff Ralph L. Thomas, Carteret County, 55 N.C. Op. Att'y Gen. 35 (1985).

§ 148-53. Investigators and investigations of cases of prisoners. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

For the purpose of investigating the cases of prisoners, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint an adequate staff of competent investigators, particularly qualified for such work, with such reasonable clerical assistance as may be required, who shall, under the rules and regulations duly adopted by the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, investigate all cases designated by it, investigate cases of prisoners eligible for post-release supervision, and otherwise aid the Commission in passing upon the question of the parole and post-release supervision of prisoners, to the end that every prisoner in the custodial care of the State may receive full, fair, and just consideration.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 3; 1955, c. 867, s. 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 3; c. 711, s. 30; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1993, c. 538, s. 45; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(gggggggg).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(gggggggg), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the middle of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-53. Investigators and investigations of cases of prisoners. [Effective January 1, 2023]

For the purpose of investigating the cases of prisoners, the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint an adequate staff of competent investigators, particularly qualified for such work, with such reasonable clerical assistance as may be required, who shall, under the rules and regulations duly adopted by the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, investigate all cases designated by it, investigate cases of prisoners eligible for post-release supervision, and otherwise aid the Commission in passing upon the question of the parole and post-release supervision of prisoners, to the end that every prisoner in the custodial care of the State may receive full, fair, and just consideration.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 3; 1955, c. 867, s. 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 3; c. 711, s. 30; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32; 1993, c. 538, s. 45; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(gggggggg); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(gggggggg), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the middle of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-54. Parole and post-release supervision supervisors provided for; duties. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to appoint a sufficient number of competent parole and post-release supervision supervisors, who shall be particularly qualified for and adapted for the work required of them, and who shall under the direction of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, and under regulations prescribed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety after consultation with the Commission, exercise supervision and authority over paroled prisoners and persons on post-release supervision, assist paroled prisoners and persons on post-release supervision, and those who are to be paroled or released for post-release supervision in finding and retaining self-supporting employment, and to promote rehabilitation work with paroled and post-release supervised prisoners, to the end that they may become law-abiding citizens. The supervisors shall also, under the direction of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, maintain frequent contact with paroled and post-release supervised prisoners and find out whether or not they are observing the conditions of their paroles or post-release supervision, and assist them in every possible way toward compliance with the conditions, and they shall perform such other duties in connection with paroled prisoners as the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety may require. The number of supervisors may be increased by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as and when the number of paroled and post-release supervised prisoners to be supervised requires or justifies such increase.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 4; 1955, c. 867, s. 11; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 4; 1993, c. 538, s. 46; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-54. Parole and post-release supervision supervisors provided for; duties. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction is hereby authorized to appoint a sufficient number of competent parole and post-release supervision supervisors, who shall be particularly qualified for and adapted for the work required of them, and who shall under the direction of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction, and under regulations prescribed by the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction after consultation with the Commission, exercise supervision and authority over paroled prisoners and persons on post-release supervision, assist paroled prisoners and persons on post-release supervision, and those who are to be paroled or released for post-release supervision in finding and retaining self-supporting employment, and to promote rehabilitation work with paroled and post-release supervised prisoners, to the end that they may become law-abiding citizens. The supervisors shall also, under the direction of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction, maintain frequent contact with paroled and post-release supervised prisoners and find out whether or not they are observing the conditions of their paroles or post-release supervision, and assist them in every possible way toward compliance with the conditions, and they shall perform such other duties in connection with paroled prisoners as the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction may require. The number of supervisors may be increased by the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction as and when the number of paroled and post-release supervised prisoners to be supervised requires or justifies such increase.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 4; 1955, c. 867, s. 11; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 4; 1993, c. 538, s. 46; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(hhhhhhhh), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-54.1. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1955, c. 867, s. 13.

§ 148-55. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1262, s. 10.

§ 148-56. Assistance in supervision of parolees or post-release supervisees and preparation of case histories.

Upon request by the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, the county directors of social services shall assist in the supervision of parolees and shall prepare and submit to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission case histories or other information in connection with any case under consideration for parole or some form of executive clemency.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 6; 1955, c. 867, s. 9; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1993, c. 538, s. 47; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b).

§ 148-57. Rules and regulations for parole consideration. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission is hereby authorized and empowered to set up and establish rules and regulations in accordance with which prisoners eligible for parole consideration may have their cases reviewed and by which such proceedings may be initiated and considered. That the rules and regulations shall include but not be limited to, a plan whereby the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission may determine parole eligibility, and, when eligibility is so approved, provide for parole of a prisoner to a plan approved by the Secretary of Public Safety.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 7; 1955, c. 867, s. 4; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 2; 1993, c. 538, s. 48; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor’s Note.

This section was amended by Session Laws 1993, c. 538, s. 48, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . It has been set out in the form above at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the end of the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole as Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

§ 148-57. Rules and regulations for parole consideration. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission is hereby authorized and empowered to set up and establish rules and regulations in accordance with which prisoners eligible for parole consideration may have their cases reviewed and by which such proceedings may be initiated and considered. That the rules and regulations shall include but not be limited to, a plan whereby the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission may determine parole eligibility, and, when eligibility is so approved, provide for parole of a prisoner to a plan approved by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 7; 1955, c. 867, s. 4; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1977, c. 704, s. 2; 1993, c. 538, s. 48; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor’s Note.

This section was amended by Session Laws 1993, c. 538, s. 48, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . It has been set out in the form above at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” at the end of the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Honor-Grade Status, Work-Release Privilege and Parole as Discretionary Acts of Clemency. —

Honor-grade status, work-release privilege, and parole are discretionary acts of grace or clemency extended by the State as a reward for good behavior, conferring no vested rights upon the convicted person. An accused person must be given full constitutional protection before and during his trial, but procedures of constitutional dimension are not appropriate in subsequent determinations of rewards for good behavior while serving a validly imposed sentence of confinement. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972).

§ 148-57.1. Restitution as a condition of parole or post-release supervision.

  1. Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 474, s. 5.
  2. As a rehabilitative measure, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission is authorized to require a prisoner to whom parole or post-release supervision is granted to make restitution or reparation to an aggrieved party as a condition of parole or post-release supervision when the sentencing court recommends that restitution or reparation to an aggrieved party be made a condition of any parole or post-release supervision granted the defendant. When imposing restitution as a condition and setting up a payment schedule for the restitution, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall take into consideration the resources of the defendant, including all real and personal property owned by the defendant and the income derived from such property, his ability to earn, and his obligation to support dependents. The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall not be bound by such recommendation, but if it elects not to implement the recommendation, it shall state in writing the reasons therefor, and shall forward the same to the sentencing court.
  3. When an active sentence is imposed, the court shall consider whether, as a rehabilitative measure, it should recommend to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission that restitution or reparation by the defendant be made a condition of any parole or post-release supervision granted the defendant. If the court determines that restitution or reparation should not be recommended, it shall so indicate on the commitment. If, however, the court determines that restitution or reparation should be recommended, the court shall make its recommendation a part of the order committing the defendant to custody. The recommendation shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Article 81C of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall prepare and distribute forms which provide ample space to make restitution or reparation recommendations incident to commitments, which forms shall be conveniently structured to enable the sentencing court to make its recommendation.If the offense is one in which there is evidence of physical, mental or sexual abuse of a minor, the court may order, as a condition of parole or post-release supervision, that the defendant pay the cost of any rehabilitative treatment for the minor.
  4. The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall establish rules and regulations to implement this section, which shall include adequate notice to the prisoner that the payment of restitution or reparation by the prisoner is being considered as a condition of any parole or post-release supervision granted the prisoner, and opportunity for the prisoner to be heard. Such rules and regulations shall also provide additional methods whereby facts may be obtained to supplement the recommendation of the sentencing court.

History. 1977, c. 614, s. 8; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 36; 1985, c. 474, s. 5; 1987, c. 397, s. 4; c. 598, s. 4; 1993, c. 538, s. 49; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 1998-212, s. 19.4(h).

Legal Periodicals.

For article on plea bargaining statutes and practices in North Carolina, see 59 N.C.L. Rev. 477 (1981).

CASE NOTES

Constitutionality. —

Since the decision to impose restitution or reparation is discretionary with the trial court, the Secretary and the Parole Commission, and since indigency could be considered in making that decision, G.S. 148-33.2(c) and subsection (c) of this section are not unconstitutional as a denial of equal protection discriminating against indigent defendants. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

The requirement that a defendant pay restitution under G.S. 148-33.2(c) or subsection (c) of this section as a condition of obtaining work-release or parole is not inherently unconstitutional. Whether the restitution requirement is unconstitutional as applied to a particular defendant may only be determined by considering the defendant’s financial status and other relevant circumstances at the time when the restitution must be paid, that is, at the time he becomes eligible for parole or work-release privileges. State v. Parton, 303 N.C. 55 , 277 S.E.2d 410, 1981 N.C. LEXIS 1092 (1981).

A requirement that a defendant pay restitution as a condition of parole or work release is not inherently unconstitutional. State v. Arnette, 67 N.C. App. 194, 312 S.E.2d 547, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3009 (1984).

The constitutionality of a reparation requirement may only be considered if and when restitution is ordered. State v. Arnette, 67 N.C. App. 194, 312 S.E.2d 547 (1984). In accord with first paragraph in main volume. See State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

The constitutionality of a reparation requirement may only be determined by considering defendant’s financial status at the time when restitution may be paid. State v. Arnette, 67 N.C. App. 194, 312 S.E.2d 547, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3009 (1984).

There is no statutory requirement for a sentencing judge to inquire into a defendant’s ability to pay restitution when the judge merely recommends restitution as a condition of parole or work release. State v. Arnette, 67 N.C. App. 194, 312 S.E.2d 547, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3009 (1984).

Constitutionality of Requiring Repayment of Attorneys’ Fees. —

The interlocking statutes and court decisions that regulate North Carolina’s ability to recover the costs of court-appointed counsel meet constitutional requirements. The indigent defendant’s fundamental right to counsel is preserved under the system; he is given ample opportunity to challenge the decision to require repayment at all critical stages; and he is protected against heightened civil or criminal penalties based solely on his inability to pay. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Though far from a paragon of clarity and detail as a complete program, the North Carolina statutes relating to the repayment of attorneys’ fees by restitution embody all the required features of a constitutionally acceptable approach. The indigent defendant’s fundamental right to counsel is preserved under the North Carolina statute and no preconditions are placed on the exercise of that right beyond a reasonable and minimally intrusive procedure designed to establish the fact of indigency. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Like its civil recoupment statute, North Carolina’s procedures for imposing the reimbursement of court-appointed counsel fees as a condition of parole are narrowly drawn to avoid unfairness and discriminatory effects. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Claim of parolee under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 that North Carolina had placed an unconstitutional restraint on her freedom by conditioning her parole upon repayment of attorneys’ fees would be dismissed for failure to exhaust state remedies. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

Amount of Restitution Must Be Supported by Evidence. —

The amount of restitution recommended by the trial court must be supported by evidence adduced at trial or at sentencing. State v. Wilson, 340 N.C. 720 , 459 S.E.2d 192, 1995 N.C. LEXIS 397 (1995).

The decision to recommend restitution or reparation is discretionary, and the trial court is not required to impose such a condition. State v. Lambert, 40 N.C. App. 418, 252 S.E.2d 855, 1979 N.C. App. LEXIS 2271 (1979).

Parole Commission, etc., Not Bound by Recommendation of Restitution. —

Neither the Parole Commission nor the Department of Correction is bound by the judge’s recommendation of restitution as a condition of parole or work release. State v. Arnette, 67 N.C. App. 194, 312 S.E.2d 547, 1984 N.C. App. LEXIS 3009 (1984).

Restitution Cannot Be Imposed with Active Prison Sentence. —

When a court imposes an active sentence, it may recommend restitution as a condition of work-release, as a condition of post-release supervision and parole, or as a condition of probation, but it may not require the defendant to make restitution while serving an active sentence. State v. Hughes, 136 N.C. App. 92, 524 S.E.2d 63, 1999 N.C. App. LEXIS 1302 (1999).

Law Enforcement Agencies Not Victims for Restitution Purposes. —

While North Carolina statutes authorize the imposition of a condition, upon parole eligibility, of restitution to victims of crime who have suffered economic loss as a result of that crime, law enforcement agencies are not within the class of such victims. Evans v. Garrison, 657 F.2d 64, 1981 U.S. App. LEXIS 18529 (4th Cir. 1981).

State as “Aggrieved Party”. —

Although the North Carolina Supreme Court has never definitively decided the issue, there is persuasive authority in North Carolina law supporting the State’s right to claim the status of an “aggrieved party” for the expenses associated with providing court-appointed counsel. Alexander v. Johnson, 742 F.2d 117, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 19436 (4th Cir. 1984).

§§ 148-58, 148-58.1. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 35, provided: “None of the provisions of this act providing for the repeal of certain sections of the General Statutes shall constitute a reenactment of the common law.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

§ 148-59. Duties of clerks of superior courts as to commitments; statements filed with Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The several clerks of the superior courts shall attach to the commitment of each prisoner sentenced in such courts a statement furnishing such information as the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall by regulations prescribe, which information shall contain, among other things, the following:

  1. The court in which the prisoner was tried;
  2. The name of the prisoner and of all codefendants;
  3. The date or session when the prisoner was tried;
  4. The offense with which the prisoner was charged and the offense for which convicted;
  5. The judgment of the court and the date of the beginning of the sentence;
  6. The name and address of the presiding judge;
  7. The name and address of the prosecuting solicitor;
  8. The name and address of private prosecuting attorney, if any;
  9. The name and address of the arresting officer;
  10. All available information of the previous criminal record of the prisoner; and
  11. For all Class G or more serious felonies, the names and addresses of the following persons, where the presiding judge makes a finding of such facts:
    1. Any victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted;
    2. The parent or legal guardian of any minor victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted; and
    3. The next of kin of any homicide victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted.The prison authorities receiving the prisoner for the beginning of the service of sentence shall detach from the commitment the statement furnishing such information and forward it to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, together with any additional information in the possession of such prison authorities relating to the previous criminal record of such prisoner, and the information thus furnished shall constitute the foundation and file of the prisoner’s case. Forms for furnishing the information required by this section shall, upon request, be furnished to the said clerks by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety without charge.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 9; 1953, c. 17, s. 2; 1955, c. 867, s. 12; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 108, s. 90; c. 1262, s. 10; 1993, c. 538, s. 50; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 12, s. 2; c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiiii).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-59 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 12, ss. 1, 2 made identical amendments to this section in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 , by amending the version of this section appearing in the 1993 supplement and the version appearing in the 1987 replacement chapter.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiiii), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and throughout the last paragraph of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the section heading and twice in the ending undesignated paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

File to Contain Names and Addresses of Sworn Officials. —

The file must contain the name and address of the judge, the investigating officer, and the State’s prosecutor. These sworn officials know more of the background of the case than the record discloses. Hence, these officers may be consulted on matters in addition to that which the record discloses. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

§ 148-59. Duties of clerks of superior courts as to commitments; statements filed with Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The several clerks of the superior courts shall attach to the commitment of each prisoner sentenced in such courts a statement furnishing such information as the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall by regulations prescribe, which information shall contain, among other things, the following:

  1. The court in which the prisoner was tried;
  2. The name of the prisoner and of all codefendants;
  3. The date or session when the prisoner was tried;
  4. The offense with which the prisoner was charged and the offense for which convicted;
  5. The judgment of the court and the date of the beginning of the sentence;
  6. The name and address of the presiding judge;
  7. The name and address of the prosecuting solicitor;
  8. The name and address of private prosecuting attorney, if any;
  9. The name and address of the arresting officer;
  10. All available information of the previous criminal record of the prisoner; and
  11. For all Class G or more serious felonies, the names and addresses of the following persons, where the presiding judge makes a finding of such facts:
    1. Any victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted;
    2. The parent or legal guardian of any minor victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted; and
    3. The next of kin of any homicide victims of the offense for which the prisoner was convicted.The prison authorities receiving the prisoner for the beginning of the service of sentence shall detach from the commitment the statement furnishing such information and forward it to the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, together with any additional information in the possession of such prison authorities relating to the previous criminal record of such prisoner, and the information thus furnished shall constitute the foundation and file of the prisoner’s case. Forms for furnishing the information required by this section shall, upon request, be furnished to the said clerks by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction without charge.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 9; 1953, c. 17, s. 2; 1955, c. 867, s. 12; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1973, c. 108, s. 90; c. 1262, s. 10; 1993, c. 538, s. 50; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 12, s. 2; c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiiii); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-59 .

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 12, ss. 1, 2 made identical amendments to this section in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 , by amending the version of this section appearing in the 1993 supplement and the version appearing in the 1987 replacement chapter.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(iiiiiiii), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and throughout the last paragraph of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the section heading and twice in the ending undesignated paragraph. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

File to Contain Names and Addresses of Sworn Officials. —

The file must contain the name and address of the judge, the investigating officer, and the State’s prosecutor. These sworn officials know more of the background of the case than the record discloses. Hence, these officers may be consulted on matters in addition to that which the record discloses. Goble v. Bounds, 281 N.C. 307 , 188 S.E.2d 347, 1972 N.C. LEXIS 1059 (1972).

§ 148-60. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 35, provided: “None of the provisions of this act providing for the repeal of certain sections of the General Statutes shall constitute a reenactment of the common law.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

§ 148-60.1. Allowances for paroled prisoner and prisoner on post-release supervision.

Upon the release of any prisoner upon parole or post-release supervision, the superintendent or warden of the institution shall provide the prisoner with suitable clothing and, if needed, an amount of money sufficient to purchase transportation to the place within the State where the prisoner is to reside. The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission may, in its discretion, provide that the prisoner shall upon his release on parole or post-release supervision receive a sum of money of at least forty-five dollars ($45.00).

History. 1953, c. 17, s. 8; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1086, s. 120(b); 1993, c. 538, s. 51; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b).

§§ 148-60.2 through 148-62. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 33.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 34, provided: “All statutes which refer to sections repealed or amended by the act shall be deemed, insofar as possible, to refer to those provisions of this act which accomplish the same or an equivalent purpose.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 35, provided: “None of the provisions of this act providing for the repeal of certain sections of the General Statutes shall constitute a reenactment of the common law.”

Session Laws 1977, c. 711, s. 39, as amended by Session Laws 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1147, s. 32, effective July 1, 1978, provided: “This act shall become effective July 1, 1978, and applies to all matters addressed by its provisions without regard to when a defendant’s guilt was established or when judgment was entered against him, except that the provisions of this act regarding parole shall not apply to persons sentenced before July 1, 1978.”

§ 148-62.1. Entitlement of indigent parolee and post-release supervisee to counsel, in discretion of Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

Any parolee or post-release supervisee who is an indigent under the terms of G.S. 7A-450(a) may be determined entitled, in the discretion of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, to the services of counsel at State expense at a parole revocation hearing at which either:

  1. The parolee or post-release supervisee claims not to have committed the alleged violation of the parole or post-release supervision conditions; or
  2. The parolee or post-release supervisee claims there are substantial reasons which justified or mitigated the violation and make revocation inappropriate, even if the violation is a matter of public record or is uncontested, and that the reasons are complex or otherwise difficult to develop or present; or
  3. The parolee or post-release supervisee is incapable of speaking effectively for himself;

    and where the Commission feels, on a case by case basis, that such appointment in accordance with either (1), (2) or (3) above is necessary for fundamental fairness.

    If the parolee or post-release supervisee is determined to be indigent and entitled to services of counsel, counsel shall be appointed in accordance with rules adopted by the Office of Indigent Defense Services.

History. 1973, c. 1116, s. 2; 1993, c. 538, s. 52; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2000-144, s. 45.

Cross References.

For the Indigent Defense Services Act, see Chapter 7A, Subchapter IX, Article 39B, G.S. 7A-498 et seq.

Legal Periodicals.

For article on probation and parole revocation procedures and related issues, see 13 Wake Forest L. Rev. 5 (1977).

§ 148-63. Arrest powers of police officers.

Any officer who is authorized to make arrests of fugitives from justice shall have full authority and power to arrest any parolee whose parole has been revoked or any post-release supervisee who has been revoked.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 13; 1993, c. 538, s. 53; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b).

§ 148-64. Cooperation of prison and parole officials and employees. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The officials and employees of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall at all times cooperate with and furnish each other such information and assistance as will promote the purposes of this Chapter and the purposes for which these agencies were established. The Commission shall have free access to all prisoners.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 14; 1955, c. 867, s. 7; 1967, c. 996, ss. 11, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1993, c. 538, s. 54; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjjj).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-64 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjjj), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-64. Cooperation of prison and parole officials and employees. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The officials and employees of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall at all times cooperate with and furnish each other such information and assistance as will promote the purposes of this Chapter and the purposes for which these agencies were established. The Commission shall have free access to all prisoners.

History. 1935, c. 414, s. 14; 1955, c. 867, s. 7; 1967, c. 996, ss. 11, 15; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1993, c. 538, s. 54; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjjj); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-64 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(jjjjjjjj), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-64.1. Early conditional release of inmates subject to a removal order; revocation of release. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Eligibility for Early Release. —  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission may conditionally release an inmate into the custody and control of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement if all of the following requirements are satisfied:
    1. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety has received a final order of removal for the inmate from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    2. The inmate was convicted of a nonviolent criminal offense and is incarcerated for that offense. If the inmate was convicted of and is incarcerated for more than one offense, then all of the offenses of which the inmate was convicted and is incarcerated must be nonviolent criminal offenses. As used in this subdivision, the term “nonviolent criminal offense” means a conviction for an impaired driving offense or a felony violation of any of the following:
      1. G.S. 14-54 .
      2. G.S. 14-56 .
      3. G.S. 14-71.1 .
      4. G.S. 14-100 , where the thing of value is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
      5. G.S. 90-95(d)(4).
    3. The inmate has served at least half of the minimum sentence imposed by the court or, in the case of an inmate convicted of an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , the inmate has met all of the parole eligibility requirements under G.S. 15A-1371 , notwithstanding G.S. 20-179(p)(3).
    4. The inmate was not convicted of an impaired driving offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury, as that term is defined in G.S. 14-32.4 .
    5. The inmate agrees not to reenter the United States unlawfully.
  2. Release Is Discretionary. —  The decision to release an inmate once the requirements of subsection (a) of this section are satisfied is in the sole, unappealable discretion of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.
  3. Return of Inmates. —  In the event that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unable to or does not deport the inmate, the inmate shall be returned to the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety to serve the remainder of the original sentence.
  4. Unlawful Reentry Constitutes Violation. —  An inmate released pursuant to this section who returns unlawfully and willfully to the United States violates the conditions of the inmate’s early release.
  5. Arrest Authority. —  An inmate who violates the conditions of the inmate’s early release is subject to arrest by a law enforcement officer.
  6. Effect of Violation. —  Upon notification from any federal or state law enforcement agency that the inmate is in custody, and after notice and opportunity to be heard, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall revoke the inmate’s release and reimprison the inmate for a period equal to the inmate’s maximum sentence minus time already served by the inmate upon a finding that an inmate has violated the conditions of the inmate’s early release.
  7. Violators Ineligible for Future Release. —  Upon revocation of release under this subsection, the inmate shall not be eligible for any future release under this section or for any other release from confinement, other than post-release supervision, until the remainder of the sentence of imprisonment is served.

History. 2008-199, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkkk).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-64.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), were enacted by Session Laws 2008-199, s. 3 as subsections (b1), (c), (d), (e), and (f), respectively. They were redesignated at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkkk), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (a)(1) and subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in subdivision (a)(1) and subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-64.1. Early conditional release of inmates subject to a removal order; revocation of release. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Eligibility for Early Release. —  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission may conditionally release an inmate into the custody and control of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement if all of the following requirements are satisfied:
    1. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction has received a final order of removal for the inmate from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    2. The inmate was convicted of a nonviolent criminal offense and is incarcerated for that offense. If the inmate was convicted of and is incarcerated for more than one offense, then all of the offenses of which the inmate was convicted and is incarcerated must be nonviolent criminal offenses. As used in this subdivision, the term “nonviolent criminal offense” means a conviction for an impaired driving offense or a felony violation of any of the following:
      1. G.S. 14-54 .
      2. G.S. 14-56 .
      3. G.S. 14-71.1 .
      4. G.S. 14-100 , where the thing of value is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
      5. G.S. 90-95(d)(4).
    3. The inmate has served at least half of the minimum sentence imposed by the court or, in the case of an inmate convicted of an impaired driving offense under G.S. 20-138.1 , the inmate has met all of the parole eligibility requirements under G.S. 15A-1371 , notwithstanding G.S. 20-179(p)(3).
    4. The inmate was not convicted of an impaired driving offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury, as that term is defined in G.S. 14-32.4 .
    5. The inmate agrees not to reenter the United States unlawfully.
  2. Release Is Discretionary. —  The decision to release an inmate once the requirements of subsection (a) of this section are satisfied is in the sole, unappealable discretion of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.
  3. Return of Inmates. —  In the event that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unable to or does not deport the inmate, the inmate shall be returned to the custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction to serve the remainder of the original sentence.
  4. Unlawful Reentry Constitutes Violation. —  An inmate released pursuant to this section who returns unlawfully and willfully to the United States violates the conditions of the inmate’s early release.
  5. Arrest Authority. —  An inmate who violates the conditions of the inmate’s early release is subject to arrest by a law enforcement officer.
  6. Effect of Violation. —  Upon notification from any federal or state law enforcement agency that the inmate is in custody, and after notice and opportunity to be heard, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall revoke the inmate’s release and reimprison the inmate for a period equal to the inmate’s maximum sentence minus time already served by the inmate upon a finding that an inmate has violated the conditions of the inmate’s early release.
  7. Violators Ineligible for Future Release. —  Upon revocation of release under this subsection, the inmate shall not be eligible for any future release under this section or for any other release from confinement, other than post-release supervision, until the remainder of the sentence of imprisonment is served.

History. 2008-199, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkkk); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-64.1 .

Editor’s Note.

Subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), were enacted by Session Laws 2008-199, s. 3 as subsections (b1), (c), (d), (e), and (f), respectively. They were redesignated at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(kkkkkkkk), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (a)(1) and subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in subdivision (a)(1) and subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1955, c. 867, s. 13.

Article 4A. Out-of-State Parolee Supervision. [Repealed]

§§ 148-65.1 through 148-65.3. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 2002-166, s. 2, effective October 23, 2003.

Article 4B. Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision.

§ 148-65.4. Short title.

This Article may be cited as “The Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision.”

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1.

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2002-166, s. 3, provides: “This act shall not be construed to obligate the General Assembly to appropriate any funds to implement the provisions of this act. The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] shall implement the provisions of this act with funds that are otherwise appropriated or available to the Department.”

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, amended the article heading, which formerly read “Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders.”

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, substituted “Adult Offender Supervision” for “the Supervision of Adult Offenders” in the article heading and text of section.

§ 148-65.5. Governor to execute compact; form of compact.

The Governor of North Carolina is authorized and directed to execute a compact on behalf of the State of North Carolina with any state of the United States legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:

Preamble.

Whereas: The Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Parolees and Probationers was established in 1937, it is the earliest corrections “compact” established among the states, and has not been amended since its adoption over 62 years ago;

Whereas: This compact is the only vehicle for the controlled movement of adult parolees and probationers across state lines, and it currently has jurisdiction over more than a quarter of a million offenders;

Whereas: The complexities of the compact have become more difficult to administer, and many jurisdictions have expanded supervision expectations to include currently unregulated practices such as victim input, victim notification requirements, and sex offender registration;

Whereas: After hearings, national surveys, and a detailed study by a task force appointed by the National Institute of Corrections, the overwhelming recommendation has been to amend the document to bring about an effective management capacity that addresses public safety concerns and offender accountability;

Whereas: The General Assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. The Governor is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a compact on behalf of the State of North Carolina with any state of the United States and other territorial possessions of the United States legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows;

Whereas: Upon the adoption of this Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, it is the intention of the General Assembly to repeal the previous Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Parolees and Probationers one year after the effective date of this compact.

Article I. Purpose.

  1. The compacting states to this Interstate Compact recognize that each state is responsible for the supervision of adult offenders in the community who are authorized pursuant to the bylaws and rules of this compact to travel across state lines both to and from each compacting state in such a manner as to track the location of offenders, transfer supervision authority in an orderly and efficient manner, and when necessary return offenders to the originating jurisdictions. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 U.S.C. § 112 (1965), has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.
  2. It is the purpose of this compact and the Interstate Commission created hereunder, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states:
    1. To provide the framework for the promotion of public safety and to protect the rights of victims through the control and regulation of the interstate movement of offenders in the community;
    2. To provide for the effective tracking, supervision, and rehabilitation of these offenders by the sending and receiving states; and
    3. To equitably distribute the costs, benefits, and obligations of the compact among the compacting states.
  3. In addition, this compact will:
    1. Create an Interstate Commission which will establish uniform procedures to manage the movement between states of adults placed under community supervision and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies, which will promulgate rules to achieve the purpose of this compact;
    2. Ensure an opportunity for input and timely notice to victims and to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines;
    3. Establish a system of uniform data collection, access to information on active cases by authorized criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state councils, state executive, judicial, and legislative branches and criminal justice administrators;
    4. Monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of offenders and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance; and
    5. Coordinate training and education regarding regulations of interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.
  4. The compacting states recognize that there is no “right” of any offender to live in another state and that duly accredited officers of a sending state may at all times enter a receiving state and there apprehend and retake any offender under supervision subject to the provision of this compact and bylaws and rules promulgated hereunder. It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the Interstate Commission created herein are the formation of the public policies and are therefore public business.

    Article II. Definitions.

    (a) As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

    1. “Adult” means both individuals legally classified as adults and juveniles treated as adults by court order, statute, or operation of law.
    2. “Bylaws” means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling the Interstate Commission’s actions or conduct.
    3. “Compact Administrator” means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant to the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state’s supervision and transfer of offenders subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission, and policies adopted by the state council under this compact.
    4. “Compacting state” means any state that has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.
    5. “Commissioner” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article III of this compact.
    6. “Interstate Commission” means the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision established by this compact.
    7. “Member” means the commissioner of a compacting state or designee, who shall be a person officially connected with the commissioner.
    8. “Noncompacting state” means any state that has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.
    9. “Offender” means an adult placed under, or subject to, supervision as the result of the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies.
    10. “Person” means any individual, corporation, business enterprise, or other legal entity, either public or private.
    11. “Rules” means acts of the Interstate Commission, duly promulgated pursuant to Article VIII of this compact, substantially affecting interested parties in addition to the Interstate Commission, which shall have the force and effect of law in the compacting states.
    12. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any other territorial possessions of the United States.
    13. “State council” means the resident member of the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision created by each state under Article III of this compact.

      Article III. The Compact Commission.

      (a) The compacting states hereby create the “Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision”. The Interstate Commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The Interstate Commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth herein, including the power to sue and be sued, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

      (b) The Interstate Commission shall consist of commissioners selected and appointed by resident members of a State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision for each state. In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the Interstate Commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners but who are members of interested organizations; such noncommissioner members must include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the Interstate Commission shall be ex officio (nonvoting) members. The Interstate Commission may provide in its bylaws for such additional, ex officio, nonvoting members as it deems necessary.

      (c) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.

      (d) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of 27 or more compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and meetings shall be open to the public.

  5. The Interstate Commission shall establish an executive committee that shall include commission officers, members, and others as shall be determined by the bylaws. The executive committee oversees the day-to-day activities managed by the executive director and Interstate Commission staff; administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws, and as directed by the Interstate Commission; and performs other duties as directed by the commission or set forth in the bylaws.

    Article IV. The State Council.

    (a) Each member state shall create a State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision that shall be responsible for the appointment of the commissioner who shall serve on the Interstate Commission from that state. Each state council shall appoint as its commissioner the Compact Administrator from that state to serve on the Interstate Commission in such capacity under or pursuant to applicable law of the member state. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership must include at least one representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims groups, and compact administrators.

    (b) Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the Compact Administrator, who shall be appointed by the state council or by the Governor in consultation with the legislature and the judiciary. In addition to appointment of its own commissioner to the National Interstate Commission, each state council shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state including, but not limited to, development of policy operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

    Article V. Powers and Duties of the Interstate Commission.

    The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:

    1. To adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission.
    2. To promulgate rules that shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact.
    3. To oversee, supervise, and coordinate the interstate movement of offenders subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the compact commission.
    4. To enforce compliance with compact provisions, Interstate Commission rules, and bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial process.
    5. To establish and maintain offices.
    6. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.
    7. To borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, members and their staffs.
    8. To establish and appoint committees and hire staff when it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder.
    9. To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel.
    10. To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of same.
    11. To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.
    12. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed.
    13. To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article X of this compact.
    14. To sue or be sued.
    15. To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states.
    16. To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.
    17. To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.
    18. To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.
    19. To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.

      Article VI. Organization and Operation of the Interstate Commission.

      (a) Bylaws. — The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, within 12 months of the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:

      (1) Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;

      (2) Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary and providing reasonable standards and procedures:

      1. For the establishment of committees, and
      2. Governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate Commission;

        (3) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;

        (4) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission;

        (5) Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the Interstate Commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any compacting state, the bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the Interstate Commission;

        (6) Providing a mechanism for winding up the operations of the Interstate Commission and the equitable return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

        (7) Providing transition rules for “start- up” administration of the compact; and

        (8) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

        (b) Officers and Staff. — The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect from among its members a chair and a vice-chair, each of whom shall have such authorities and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chair or, in the chair’s absence or disability, the vice-chair shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, and hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a member.

        (c) Corporate Records of the Interstate Commission. — The Interstate Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

        (d) Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification. — The members, officers, executive director, and employees of the Interstate Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.The Interstate Commission shall defend the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner’s representatives or employees, or the Interstate Commission’s representatives or employees, in any civil action seeking to impose liability, arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, the appointed designee or employees, or the Interstate Commission’s representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.

        Article VII. Activities of the Interstate Commission.

        (a) The interstate commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this compact.

        (b) Except as otherwise provided in this compact and unless a greater percentage is required by the bylaws, in order to constitute an act of the Interstate Commission, such act shall have been taken at a meeting of the Interstate Commission and shall have received an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present.

        (c) Each member of the Interstate Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which the compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission. A member shall vote in person on behalf of the state and shall not delegate a vote to another member state. However, a state council shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the member state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication. Any voting conducted by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication shall be subject to the same quorum requirements of meetings where members are present in person.

        (d) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. The chairperson of the Interstate Commission may call additional meetings at any time and, upon the request of a majority of the members, shall call additional meetings.

        (e) The Interstate Commission’s bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. In promulgating such rules, the Interstate Commission may make available to law enforcement agencies records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure, and may enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.

  6. Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate rules consistent with the principles contained in the “Government in Sunshine Act”, U.S.C. § 552(b), as may be amended. The Interstate Commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to:
    1. Relate solely to the Interstate Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
    2. Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;
    3. Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential;
    4. Involve accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;
    5. Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
    6. Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
    7. Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of, the Interstate Commission with respect to a regulated entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of such entity;
    8. Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the life of a person or the stability of a regulated entity; and
    9. Specifically relate to the Interstate Commission’s issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or proceeding.
  7. For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the Interstate Commission’s chief legal officer shall publicly certify that, in the officer’s opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The Interstate Commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any recall vote (reflected in the vote of each member on the question). All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in such minutes.
  8. The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of offenders as directed through its bylaws and rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, and data exchange and reporting requirements.

    Article VIII. Rule-making Functions of the Interstate Commission.

    (a) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact including transition rules governing administration of the compact during the period in which it is being considered and enacted by the states.

    (b) Rule making shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted pursuant thereto. Such rule making shall substantially conform to the principles of the federal Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C.S. section 551, et seq., and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. § 1, et seq., as may be amended (hereinafter “APA”). All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

    (c) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

    (d) When promulgating a rule, the Interstate Commission shall:

    1. Publish the proposed rule stating with particularity the text of the rule that is proposed and the reason for the proposed rule;
    2. Allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which information shall be publicly available;
    3. Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing; and
    4. Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on the rule- making record. Not later than 60 days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person may file a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the Federal District Court where the Interstate Commission’s principle office is located for judicial review of such rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission’s action is not supported by substantial evidence, (as defined in the APA), in the rule-making record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside. Subjects to be addressed within 12 months after the first meeting must, at a minimum, include:
      1. Notice to victims and opportunity to be heard;
      2. Offender registration and compliance;
      3. Violations/returns;
      4. Transfer procedures and forms;
      5. Eligibility for transfer;
      6. Collection of restitution and fees from offenders;
      7. Data collection and reporting;
      8. The level of supervision to be provided by the receiving state;
      9. Transition rules governing the operation of the compact and the Interstate Commission during all or part of the period between the effective date of the compact and the date on which the last eligible state adopts the compact; and
      10. Mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

        (e) The existing rules governing the operation of the previous compact superceded by this Act shall be null and void 12 months after the first meeting of the Interstate Commission created hereunder.

        (f) Upon determination by the Interstate Commission that an emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rule-making procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied to said rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule.

        Article IX. Oversight, Enforcement, and Dispute Resolution by the Interstate Commission.

        (a) Oversight. — The Interstate Commission shall oversee the interstate movement of adult offenders in the compacting states and shall monitor such activities being administered in noncompacting states that may significantly affect compacting states.The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Interstate Commission, the Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

        (b) Dispute Resolution. — The compacting states shall report to the Interstate Commission on issues or activities of concern to them and cooperate with and support the Interstate Commission in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.The Interstate Commission shall attempt to resolve any disputes or other issues which are subject to the compact and which may arise among compacting states and noncompacting states.The Interstate Commission shall enact a bylaw or promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.

        (c) Enforcement. — The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions of this compact using any and all means set forth in Article XII, subsection (b) of this compact.

        Article X. Finance.

        (a) The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

        (b) The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment for each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff that must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission’s annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of the state and the volume of interstate movement of offenders in each compacting state and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs said assessment.

        (c) The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

        (d) The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

        Article XI. Compacting State, Effective Date, and Amendment.

        (a) Any state, as defined in article ii of this compact, is eligible to become a compacting state.

        (b) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than 35 of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2002, or upon enactment into law by the 35th jurisdiction. Therefore, it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state, upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees will be invited to participate in Interstate Commission activities on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States.

        (c) Amendments to the compact may be proposed by the Interstate Commission for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states.

        Article XII. Withdrawal, Default, Termination, and Judicial Enforcement.

        (a) Withdrawal. — Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every compacting state; provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact (“withdrawing state”) by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute which enacted the compact into law.The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the Chair of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw within 60 days of its receipt thereof.The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state’s reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

        (b) Default. — If the Interstate Commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted (“defaulting state”) in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, the bylaws, or any duly promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

        (1) Fines, fees, and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the Interstate Commission;

        (2) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission;

        (3) Suspension and termination of membership in the compact. Suspension shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the Governor; the Chief Justice or Chief Judicial Officer of the state; the Majority and Minority Leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature; and the state council.The grounds of default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform such obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, Interstate Commission bylaws, or duly promulgated rules. The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission on the defaulting state pending a cure of the default. The Interstate Commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the Interstate Commission, in addition to any other penalties imposed herein, the defaulting state may be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of suspension. Within 60 days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the Interstate Commission shall notify the Governor; the Chief Justice or Chief Judicial Officer of the state; the Majority and Minority Leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature; and the state council of such termination.The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including any obligations the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state. Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the Interstate Commission pursuant to the rules.

        (c) Judicial Enforcement. — The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the Federal District where the Interstate Commission has its offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and bylaws against any compacting state in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.

        (d) Dissolution of Compact. — The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting state that reduces membership in the compact to one compacting state.Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be wound up, and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

        Article XIII. Severability and Construction.

        (a) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provision of the compact shall be enforceable.

        (b) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally constructed to effectuate its purposes.

        Article XIV. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws.

        (a) Other Laws. — Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact.All compacting states’ laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

        (b) Binding Effect of the Compact. — All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the compacting states.All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms.Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding such meaning or interpretation.In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by such provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective, and such obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which such obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, substituted “Adult Offender Supervision” for “the Supervision of Adult Offenders” in the sixth paragraph of the “Preamble.”

§ 148-65.6. Implementation of the compact. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The North Carolina State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision shall be established, consisting of 14 members. North Carolina’s Commissioner to the Interstate Compact Commission is a member of the State Council and serves as chair of the State Council. The remaining members of the State Council shall consist of the following:
    1. One member representing the executive branch, to be appointed by the Governor;
    2. One member from a victim’s assistance group, to be appointed by the Governor;
    3. One at-large member, to be appointed by the Governor;
    4. One member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
    5. One member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
    6. A superior court judge, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;

      (6a) A district court judge, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;

    7. Four members representing the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, to be appointed by the Director of the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice;
    8. A district attorney, to be appointed by the Governor; and
    9. A sheriff, to be appointed by the Governor.

      (a1) The Governor, in consultation with the legislature and judiciary, shall appoint the Compact Administrator. The Compact Administrator shall be appointed by the State Council as North Carolina’s Commissioner to the Interstate Compact Commission.

  2. The State Council shall meet at least twice a year and may also hold special meetings at the call of the chairperson. All terms are for three years.
  3. The State Council may advise the Compact Administrator on participation in the Interstate Commission activities and administration of the compact.
  4. The members of the State Council shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with the policies of the Office of State Budget and Management.
  5. The State Council shall act in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of Public Safety concerning this State’s participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state, including recommendations for policy concerning the operations and procedures of the compact within this State.
  6. The Governor shall by executive order provide for any other matters necessary for implementation of the compact at the time that it becomes effective, and, except as otherwise provided for in this section, the State Council may promulgate rules or regulations necessary to implement and administer the compact.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i), (k); 2017-186, s. 2(llllllll).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (v), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, in subsection (a), substituted “14” for “11” in the first sentence, rewrote the second sentence; added subdivisions (a)(6a), (a)(8) and (a)(9); and added subsection (a1).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2( llllllll ), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in subdivision (a)(7).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (v), substituted “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry” for “Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (a)(7) and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in subsection (e). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65.6. Implementation of the compact. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The North Carolina State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision shall be established, consisting of 14 members. North Carolina’s Commissioner to the Interstate Compact Commission is a member of the State Council and serves as chair of the State Council. The remaining members of the State Council shall consist of the following:
    1. One member representing the executive branch, to be appointed by the Governor;
    2. One member from a victim’s assistance group, to be appointed by the Governor;
    3. One at-large member, to be appointed by the Governor;
    4. One member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
    5. One member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
    6. A superior court judge, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;

      (6a) A district court judge, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;

    7. Four members representing the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry, to be appointed by the Director of the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry;
    8. A district attorney, to be appointed by the Governor; and
    9. A sheriff, to be appointed by the Governor.

      (a1) The Governor, in consultation with the legislature and judiciary, shall appoint the Compact Administrator. The Compact Administrator shall be appointed by the State Council as North Carolina’s Commissioner to the Interstate Compact Commission.

  2. The State Council shall meet at least twice a year and may also hold special meetings at the call of the chairperson. All terms are for three years.
  3. The State Council may advise the Compact Administrator on participation in the Interstate Commission activities and administration of the compact.
  4. The members of the State Council shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with the policies of the Office of State Budget and Management.
  5. The State Council shall act in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction concerning this State’s participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state, including recommendations for policy concerning the operations and procedures of the compact within this State.
  6. The Governor shall by executive order provide for any other matters necessary for implementation of the compact at the time that it becomes effective, and, except as otherwise provided for in this section, the State Council may promulgate rules or regulations necessary to implement and administer the compact.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i), (k); 2017-186, s. 2(llllllll); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (v).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (v), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, in subsection (a), substituted “14” for “11” in the first sentence, rewrote the second sentence; added subdivisions (a)(6a), (a)(8) and (a)(9); and added subsection (a1).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2( llllllll ), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” twice in subdivision (a)(7).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (v), substituted “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry” for “Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in subdivision (a)(7) and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in subsection (e). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65.7. Fees. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Persons convicted in this State who make a request for transfer to another state pursuant to the compact shall pay a transfer application of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each transfer application submitted. The transfer application fee shall be paid to the Compact Commissioner upon submission of the transfer application. The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee may waive the application fee if either the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee finds that payment of the fee will constitute an undue economic burden on the offender.All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Interstate Compact Fund and shall be used only to support administration of the Interstate Compact.The Interstate Compact Fund is established within the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety as a nonreverting, interest-bearing special revenue account. Accordingly, revenue in the Fund at the end of a fiscal year does not revert, and interest and other investment income earned by the Fund shall be credited to it. All moneys collected by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be deposited and held in this Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to supplement funds otherwise available to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for the administration of the Interstate Compact.
  2. Persons supervised in this State pursuant to this compact shall pay the supervision fee specified in G.S. 15A-1374(c). The fee shall be paid to the clerk of court in the county in which the person initially receives supervision services in this State. The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee may waive the fee if either the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee finds that payment of the fee will constitute an undue economic burden on the offender.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1; 2011-145, ss. 19.1(h), 31.25; 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmmm).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.16, provides: “Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 148-65.7 , fees collected for the Interstate Compact Fund during the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium may be used by the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety during the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium to provide training programs and equipment purchases for the Section of Community Corrections, but only as long as sufficient funds remain available in the Fund to support the mission of the Interstate Compact Program.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2021-180, 19C.4(a), (b), provides: “(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 148-65.7 , fees collected for the Interstate Compact Fund during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium may be used by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to provide training programs and equipment purchases for the Section of Community Corrections, but only to the extent sufficient funds remain available in the Fund to support the mission of the Interstate Compact Program.

“(b) No later than October 1 of each fiscal year, the Department of Public Safety shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the amount of funds used pursuant to this section and for what purposes the funds were used.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, substituted “Fees” for “Supervision fee” in the section heading; added subsection (a); designated the previously existing provisions as subsection (b), and added the third sentence in present subsection (b).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmmm), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), substituted “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” three times in the last paragraph of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65.7. Fees. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Persons convicted in this State who make a request for transfer to another state pursuant to the compact shall pay a transfer application of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each transfer application submitted. The transfer application fee shall be paid to the Compact Commissioner upon submission of the transfer application. The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee may waive the application fee if either the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee finds that payment of the fee will constitute an undue economic burden on the offender.All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Interstate Compact Fund and shall be used only to support administration of the Interstate Compact.The Interstate Compact Fund is established within the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction as a nonreverting, interest-bearing special revenue account. Accordingly, revenue in the Fund at the end of a fiscal year does not revert, and interest and other investment income earned by the Fund shall be credited to it. All moneys collected by the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be deposited and held in this Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to supplement funds otherwise available to the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction for the administration of the Interstate Compact.
  2. Persons supervised in this State pursuant to this compact shall pay the supervision fee specified in G.S. 15A-1374(c). The fee shall be paid to the clerk of court in the county in which the person initially receives supervision services in this State. The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee may waive the fee if either the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee finds that payment of the fee will constitute an undue economic burden on the offender.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1; 2011-145, ss. 19.1(h), 31.25; 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmmm); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.16, provides: “Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 148-65.7 , fees collected for the Interstate Compact Fund during the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium may be used by the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety during the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium to provide training programs and equipment purchases for the Section of Community Corrections, but only as long as sufficient funds remain available in the Fund to support the mission of the Interstate Compact Program.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2021-180, 19C.4(a), (b), provides: “(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 148-65.7 , fees collected for the Interstate Compact Fund during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium may be used by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to provide training programs and equipment purchases for the Section of Community Corrections, but only to the extent sufficient funds remain available in the Fund to support the mission of the Interstate Compact Program.

“(b) No later than October 1 of each fiscal year, the Department of Public Safety shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the amount of funds used pursuant to this section and for what purposes the funds were used.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, substituted “Fees” for “Supervision fee” in the section heading; added subsection (a); designated the previously existing provisions as subsection (b), and added the third sentence in present subsection (b).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(mmmmmmmm), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(t), substituted “Division of Community Supervision and Reentry of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” three times in the last paragraph of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65.8. Interstate parole and probation hearing procedures.

  1. Where supervision of an offender is being administered pursuant to the Interstate Compact for  Adult Offender Supervision, the appropriate judicial or administrative authorities in this State shall notify the Compact Administrator of the sending state whenever, in their view, consideration should be given to retaking or reincarceration for a parole, probation, or post-release supervision violation. Prior to the giving of any such notification, a hearing shall be held in accordance with this section within a reasonable time, unless such hearing is waived by the offender. Pending any proceeding pursuant to this section, the appropriate officers of this State may take custody of and detain the offender involved for a period not to exceed 15 days prior to the hearing. The offender shall not be entitled to bail pending the hearing.
  2. Any hearing pursuant to this section may be before the Administrator of the Interstate Compact for  Adult Offender Supervision, a deputy of the Administrator, any other person appointed by the Administrator, or any person authorized pursuant to the laws of this State to hear cases of alleged parole, probation, or post-release supervision violation, except that no hearing officer shall be the person making the allegation of violation.
  3. With respect to any hearing pursuant to this section, the offender:
    1. Shall have reasonable notice in writing of the nature and content of the allegations to be made, including notice that its purpose is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the offender has committed a violation that may lead to a revocation of parole, probation, or post-release supervision.
    2. Shall be permitted to advise with any persons whose assistance the offender reasonably desires, prior to the hearing.
    3. Shall have the right to confront and examine any persons who have made allegations against the offender, unless the hearing officer determines that such confrontation would present a substantial present or subsequent danger of harm to such person or persons.
    4. May admit, deny, or explain the violation alleged and may present proof, including affidavits and other evidence, in support of the offender’s contentions.

      (c1) A record of the hearing shall be made and preserved. As soon as practicable following termination of any hearing conducted pursuant to this section or the waiver of such hearing, the appropriate officer or officers of this State shall report to the sending state, furnish a copy of the hearing record, and make recommendations regarding the disposition to be made of the offender by the sending state. If the hearing recommendation is to retake or reincarcerate the offender, the hearing officer or officers may detain the offender until notice is received from the sending state. If the sending state provides notice that it intends to retake or reincarcerate the offender, the offender shall remain in custody for such reasonable period after the hearing or waiver as may be necessary to arrange for the retaking or reincarceration.

  4. In any case of alleged parole or probation violation by a person being supervised in another state pursuant to the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, any appropriate judicial or administrative officer or agency in another state may hold a hearing on the alleged violation. Upon receipt of the record of a parole, probation, or post-release supervision violation hearing held in another state pursuant to a statute substantially similar to this section, that record shall have the same standing and effect as though the proceeding of which it is a record was had before the appropriate officer or officers in this State, and any recommendations contained in or accompanying the record shall be fully considered by the appropriate officer or officers of this State in making disposition of the matter.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2008-189, s. 1.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-189, s. 1, effective August 7, 2008, substituted “Adult Offender Supervision” for “the Supervision of Adult Offenders” throughout; in subsection (a), deleted the former third sentence relating to reporting to the sending state, deleted the end of the former fourth sentence related to the period necessary to arrange for retaking or reincarceration, added the last sentence; in subdivision (c)(4), deleted the last sentence relating to preserving a record of the proceedings; and added subsection (c1).

§ 148-65.9. North Carolina sentence to be served in another jurisdiction. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Public Safety, may direct that the balance of any sentence imposed by the courts of this State shall be served concurrently with a sentence or sentences in another state or federal institution and may effect a transfer of custody of such individual to the other jurisdiction for such purpose. In the event the individual’s sentence liability in the other jurisdiction terminates prior to the expiration of the individual’s North Carolina sentence, the individual shall be either paroled (if eligible) or returned to the prison department of this State, in the discretion of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective until January 1, 2023. For the section as amended January 1, 2023, see the following section, also numbered G.S. 148-65.9 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-65.9. North Carolina sentence to be served in another jurisdiction. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, may direct that the balance of any sentence imposed by the courts of this State shall be served concurrently with a sentence or sentences in another state or federal institution and may effect a transfer of custody of such individual to the other jurisdiction for such purpose. In the event the individual’s sentence liability in the other jurisdiction terminates prior to the expiration of the individual’s North Carolina sentence, the individual shall be either paroled (if eligible) or returned to the prison department of this State, in the discretion of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

History. 2002-166, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Section Set Out Twice.

The section above is effective January 1, 2023. For the section as in effect until January 1, 2023, see the preceding section, also numbered G.S. 148-65.9 .

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 5. Farming Out Convicts.

§ 148-66. Cities and towns and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may contract for prison labor. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The corporate authorities of any city or town may contract in writing with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for the employment of convicts upon the highways or streets of such city or town, and such contracts when so exercised shall be valid and enforceable against such city or town, and the Attorney General may prosecute an action in the Superior Court of Wake County in the name of the State for their enforcement.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hereby authorized and empowered to contract, in writing, with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for the employment and use of convicts under its supervision to be worked on the State test farms and/or State experimental stations.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 1; Code, s. 3449; Rev., s. 5410; C.S., s. 7758; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 605, s. 1; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 10(1); 1997-261, s. 106; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnnn).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnnn), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For comment on the 1943 amendment, see 21 N.C.L. Rev. 333 (1943).

§ 148-66. Cities and towns and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may contract for prison labor. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The corporate authorities of any city or town may contract in writing with the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for the employment of convicts upon the highways or streets of such city or town, and such contracts when so exercised shall be valid and enforceable against such city or town, and the Attorney General may prosecute an action in the Superior Court of Wake County in the name of the State for their enforcement.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hereby authorized and empowered to contract, in writing, with the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction for the employment and use of convicts under its supervision to be worked on the State test farms and/or State experimental stations.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 1; Code, s. 3449; Rev., s. 5410; C.S., s. 7758; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 605, s. 1; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 10(1); 1997-261, s. 106; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnnn); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(nnnnnnnn), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For comment on the 1943 amendment, see 21 N.C.L. Rev. 333 (1943).

§ 148-67. Hiring to cities and towns and State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall in their discretion, upon application to them, hire to the corporate authorities of any city or town for the purposes specified in G.S. 148-66 , such convicts as are mentally and physically capable of performing the work or labor contemplated and are not at the time of such application hired or otherwise engaged in labor under the direction of the Division; but the convicts so hired for services shall be fed, clothed and quartered while so employed by the Division.

Upon application to it, it shall be the duty of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, in its discretion, to hire to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purposes of working on the State test farms and/or State experimental stations, such convicts as may be mentally and physically capable of performing the work or labor contemplated; but the convicts so hired for services under this paragraph shall be fed, clothed and quartered while so employed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 2; Code, s. 3450; Rev., s. 5411; C.S., s. 7759; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 605, s. 2; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 10(2); 1997-261, s. 107; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(oooooooo).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(oooooooo), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-67. Hiring to cities and towns and State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall in their discretion, upon application to them, hire to the corporate authorities of any city or town for the purposes specified in G.S. 148-66 , such convicts as are mentally and physically capable of performing the work or labor contemplated and are not at the time of such application hired or otherwise engaged in labor under the direction of the Division; but the convicts so hired for services shall be fed, clothed and quartered while so employed by the Division.

Upon application to it, it shall be the duty of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, in its discretion, to hire to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purposes of working on the State test farms and/or State experimental stations, such convicts as may be mentally and physically capable of performing the work or labor contemplated; but the convicts so hired for services under this paragraph shall be fed, clothed and quartered while so employed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 2; Code, s. 3450; Rev., s. 5411; C.S., s. 7759; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1943, c. 605, s. 2; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1985, c. 226, s. 10(2); 1997-261, s. 107; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(oooooooo); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(oooooooo), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” throughout this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-68. Payment of contract price; interest; enforcement of contracts.

The corporate authorities of any city or town so hiring convicts shall pay into the treasury of the State for the labor of any convict so hired such sum or sums of money at such time or times as may be agreed upon in the contract of hire; and if any such city or town fails to pay the State money due for such hiring, the same shall bear interest from the time it is due until paid at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum; and an action to recover the same may be instituted by the Attorney General in the name of the State in the courts of Wake County.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 3; Code, s. 3451; Rev., s. 5412; C.S., s. 7760; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35.

§ 148-69. Agents; levy of taxes; payment of costs and expenses.

The corporate authorities of any city or town so hiring convicts may appoint and remove at will all such necessary agents to superintend the construction or improvement of such highways and streets as they may deem proper, or to pay the costs and expenses incident to such hiring may levy taxes and raise money as in other respects.

History. 1881, c. 127, s. 4; Code, s. 3452; Rev., s. 5413; C. S., s. 7761; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35.

§ 148-70. Management and care of inmates. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety in all contracts for labor shall provide for feeding and clothing the inmates and shall maintain, control and guard the quarters in which the inmates live during the time of the contracts; and the Division shall provide for the guarding and working of such inmates under its sole supervision and control. The Division may make such contracts for the hire of the inmates confined in the State prison as may in its discretion be proper.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 2; 1919, c. 80, s. 1; C.S., s. 7762; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1959, c. 170, s. 2; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1975, c. 730, s. 1; 1983, c. 717, s. 14; 1985, c. 118; c. 226, s. 11; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 2; 2007-280, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(pppppppp).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 4, effective August 1, 2007, in the section heading, substituted a period for a semicolon following “inmates” and deleted “prison industries; disposition of products of inmate labor”; deleted the language beginning with “In accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of Chapter 66...” and ending with “...by the Governor pursuant to G.S. 66-58(f) ” in the first undesignated paragraph; deleted the second, third, fourth, and fifth undesignated paragraphs, and deleted subdivisions (1) through (3) related to management and care of inmates and prison facilities.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(pppppppp), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-70. Management and care of inmates. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction in all contracts for labor shall provide for feeding and clothing the inmates and shall maintain, control and guard the quarters in which the inmates live during the time of the contracts; and the Division shall provide for the guarding and working of such inmates under its sole supervision and control. The Division may make such contracts for the hire of the inmates confined in the State prison as may in its discretion be proper.

History. 1917, c. 286, s. 2; 1919, c. 80, s. 1; C.S., s. 7762; 1925, c. 163; 1931, c. 145, s. 35; 1933, c. 172, s. 18; 1957, c. 349, s. 10; 1959, c. 170, s. 2; 1967, c. 996, s. 13; 1975, c. 730, s. 1; 1983, c. 717, s. 14; 1985, c. 118; c. 226, s. 11; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 902, s. 2; 2007-280, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 61; 2017-186, s. 2(pppppppp); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2007-280, s. 4, effective August 1, 2007, in the section heading, substituted a period for a semicolon following “inmates” and deleted “prison industries; disposition of products of inmate labor”; deleted the language beginning with “In accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of Chapter 66...” and ending with “...by the Governor pursuant to G.S. 66-58(f) ” in the first undesignated paragraph; deleted the second, third, fourth, and fifth undesignated paragraphs, and deleted subdivisions (1) through (3) related to management and care of inmates and prison facilities.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(pppppppp), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 5A. Prison Labor for Farm Work. [Repealed]

§§ 148-70.1 through 148-70.7. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1957, c. 349, s. 11.

Article 6. Reformatory. [Repealed]

§§ 148-71 through 148-73. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1947, c. 262, s. 3.

Article 7. Records, Statistics, Research and Planning.

§ 148-74. Records Section. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

Case records and related materials compiled for the use of the Secretary of Public Safety and the Parole Commission shall be maintained in a single central file system designed to minimize duplication and maximize effective use of such records and materials. When an individual is committed to the State prison system after a period on probation, the probation files on that individual shall be made a part of the combined files used by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety and the Parole Commission. The administration of the Records Section shall be under the control and direction of the Secretary of Public Safety.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 1; 1953, c. 55, ss. 2, 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1985, c. 226, s. 12; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqqq).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqqq), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” twice and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Access to Prison Records Limited to Named Parties. —

Prison records are confidential and only named parties have access to them. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

Prison Records Not Subject to Inspection by Public or Inmates. —

Prison records are confidential and are not subject to inspection by the public or by the inmate involved. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

A State prisoner does not have a constitutional right of access to his prison file. Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

However, in certain limited circumstances a claim of constitutional magnitude is raised where a prisoner alleges (1) that information is in his file, (2) that the information is false, and (3) that it is relied on to a constitutionally significant degree. But see Shabazz v. Keating, 1999 OK 26, 977 P.2d 1089 (1999), questioning the present day viability of this opinion in light of later 4th circuit jurisprudence. Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

§ 148-74. Records Section. [Effective January 1, 2023]

Case records and related materials compiled for the use of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction and the Parole Commission shall be maintained in a single central file system designed to minimize duplication and maximize effective use of such records and materials. When an individual is committed to the State prison system after a period on probation, the probation files on that individual shall be made a part of the combined files used by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and the Parole Commission. The administration of the Records Section shall be under the control and direction of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 1; 1953, c. 55, ss. 2, 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1985, c. 226, s. 12; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqqq); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(qqqqqqqq), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” twice and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the second sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Access to Prison Records Limited to Named Parties. —

Prison records are confidential and only named parties have access to them. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

Prison Records Not Subject to Inspection by Public or Inmates. —

Prison records are confidential and are not subject to inspection by the public or by the inmate involved. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

A State prisoner does not have a constitutional right of access to his prison file. Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

However, in certain limited circumstances a claim of constitutional magnitude is raised where a prisoner alleges (1) that information is in his file, (2) that the information is false, and (3) that it is relied on to a constitutionally significant degree. But see Shabazz v. Keating, 1999 OK 26, 977 P.2d 1089 (1999), questioning the present day viability of this opinion in light of later 4th circuit jurisprudence. Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

§ 148-75. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1963, c. 1174, s. 5.

§ 148-76. Duties of Records Section.

The Records Section shall maintain the combined case records and receive and collect fingerprints, photographs, and other information to assist in locating, identifying, and keeping records of criminals. The information collected shall be classified, compared, and made available to law-enforcement agencies, courts, correctional agencies, or other officials requiring criminal identification, crime statistics, and other information respecting crimes and criminals.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 3; 1953, c. 55, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12.

CASE NOTES

Access to Prison Records Limited to Named Parties. —

Prison records are confidential and only named parties have access to them. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

Prison Records Not Subject to Inspection by Public or Inmates. —

Prison records are confidential and are not subject to inspection by the public or by the inmate involved. Goble v. Bounds, 13 N.C. App. 579, 186 S.E.2d 638, 1972 N.C. App. LEXIS 2282 (1972); Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

However, in certain limited circumstances a claim of constitutional magnitude is raised where a prisoner alleges (1) that information is in his file, (2) that the information is false, and (3) that it is relied on to a constitutionally significant degree. But see Shabazz v. Keating, 1999 OK 26, 977 P.2d 1089 (1999), questioning the present day viability of this opinion in light of later 4th circuit jurisprudence. Paine v. Baker, 595 F.2d 197, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 15773 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 925, 100 S. Ct. 263, 62 L. Ed. 2d 181, 1979 U.S. LEXIS 3471 (1979).

Illustrative Cases. —

Defendant was not prejudiced by the State’s subpoenaing and obtaining, pursuant to this section, all of his confidential prison records and disclosing those records during cross-examination of witnesses. State v. Cummings, 352 N.C. 600 , 536 S.E.2d 36, 2000 N.C. LEXIS 753 (2000), cert. denied, 532 U.S. 997, 121 S. Ct. 1660, 149 L. Ed. 2d 641, 2001 U.S. LEXIS 3277 (2001).

§ 148-77. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 2012-168, s. 5(a), effective July 12, 2012.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); repealed by 2012-168, s. 5(a), effective July 12, 2012.

Cross References.

For present similar provisions, see G.S. 143B-600(a), which establishes, within the Division of Administration of the Department of Public Safety, a Research and Planning Section responsible for statistics, research, and planning to facilitate regular improvement in the structure, administration, and programs of the Department of Public Safety.

Editor’s Note.

Former § 148-77 pertained to statistics, research, and planning.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), effective January 1, 2012, substituted “Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety” for “Department of Correction” twice, and substituted “Division” for “Department.”

§ 148-78. Reports. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety may prepare and release reports on the work of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, including statistics and other data, accounts of research, and recommendations for legislation.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 5; 1953, c. 55, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrrr).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrrrr), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-78. Reports. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may prepare and release reports on the work of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, including statistics and other data, accounts of research, and recommendations for legislation.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 5; 1953, c. 55, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrrr); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(rrrrrrrrr), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), (p), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” near the beginning and substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-79. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1965, c. 1049, s. 2.

Cross References.

For present provisions relating to the duty of the State Bureau of Investigation to provide criminal information, see G.S. 143B-906 .

§ 148-80. Seal of Records Section; certification of records.

A seal shall be provided to be affixed to any paper, record, copy or form or true copy of any of the same in the files or records of the Records Section, and when so certified under seal by the duly appointed custodian, such record or copy shall be admitted as evidence in any court of the State.

History. 1925, c. 228, s. 7; 1953, c. 55, s. 4; 1967, c. 996, s. 12.

§ 148-81. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1965, c. 1049, s. 2.

Article 8. Compensation to Persons Erroneously Convicted of Felonies.

§ 148-82. Provision for compensation.

  1. Any person who, having been convicted of a felony and having been imprisoned therefor in a State prison of this State, and who was thereafter or who shall hereafter be granted a pardon of innocence by the Governor upon the grounds that the crime with which the person was charged either was not committed at all or was not committed by that person, may as hereinafter provided present by petition a claim against the State for the pecuniary loss sustained by the person through his or her erroneous conviction and imprisonment, provided the petition is presented within five years of the granting of the pardon.
  2. Any person who, having been convicted of a felony after pleading not guilty or nolo contendere and having been imprisoned therefor in a State prison of this State, and who is determined to be innocent of all charges and against whom the charges are dismissed pursuant to G.S. 15A-1469 may as hereinafter provided present by petition a claim against the State for the pecuniary loss sustained by the person through his or her erroneous conviction and imprisonment, provided the petition is presented within five years of the date that the dismissal of the charges is entered by the three-judge panel under G.S. 15A-1469 .

History. 1947, c. 465, s. 1; 1997-388, s. 1; 2010-171, s. 3; 2012-7, s. 11.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2010-171, s. 3, effective August 2, 2010, added the subsection (a) designation and subsection (b).

Legal Periodicals.

For brief comment on this Article, see 25 N.C.L. Rev. 403 (1947).

CASE NOTES

Estates. —

North Carolina General Assembly did not intend for testamentary estates to recover compensation for persons erroneously convicted of felonies; “person” indicated the actual individual who was wrongfully incarcerated, and it would have been impossible for the North Carolina Industrial Commission to assess how an unconscious inanimate legal entity would have been deprived of loss of life opportunities. Estate of Jerry Jacobs v. State, 242 N.C. App. 396, 775 S.E.2d 873, 2015 N.C. App. LEXIS 671 (2015).

In a case where estates were attempting to recover for decedents who received posthumous pardons, the claims did not survive their deaths since the pardons were not received during their lifetimes. The claims only accrued upon the issuance of the pardons of innocence. Estate of Jerry Jacobs v. State, 242 N.C. App. 396, 775 S.E.2d 873, 2015 N.C. App. LEXIS 671 (2015).

§ 148-83. Form, requisites and contents of petition; nature of hearing.

Such petition shall be addressed to the Industrial Commission, and must include a full statement of the facts upon which the claim is based, verified in the manner provided for verifying complaints in civil actions, and it may be supported by affidavits substantiating such claim. Upon its presentation the Industrial Commission shall fix a time and a place for a hearing, and shall mail notice to the claimant, and shall notify the Attorney General, at least 15 days before the time fixed therefor.

History. 1947, c. 465, s. 2; 1963, c. 1174, s. 4; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1997-388, s. 2.

§ 148-84. Evidence; action by Industrial Commission; payment and amount of compensation.

  1. At the hearing the claimant may introduce evidence in the form of affidavits or testimony to support the claim, and the Attorney General may introduce counter affidavits or testimony in refutation. If the Industrial Commission finds from the evidence that the claimant received a pardon of innocence for the reason that the crime was not committed at all, received a pardon of innocence for the reason that the crime was not committed by the claimant, or that the claimant was determined to be innocent of all charges by a three-judge panel under G.S. 15A-1469 and also finds that the claimant was imprisoned and has been vindicated in connection with the alleged offense for which he or she was imprisoned, the Industrial Commission shall award to the claimant an amount equal to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each year or the pro rata amount for the portion of each year of the imprisonment actually served, including any time spent awaiting trial. However, (i) in no event shall the compensation, including the compensation provided in subsection (c) of this section, exceed a total amount of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), and (ii) a claimant is not entitled to compensation for any portion of a prison sentence during which the claimant was also serving a concurrent sentence for conviction of a crime other than the one for which the pardon of innocence was granted.The Director of the Budget shall pay the amount of the award to the claimant out of the Contingency and Emergency Fund, or out of any other available State funds. The Industrial Commission shall give written notice of its decision to all parties concerned. The determination of the Industrial Commission shall be subject to judicial review upon appeal of the claimant or the State according to the provisions and procedures set forth in Article 31 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
  2. Reserved.
  3. In addition to the compensation provided under subsection (a) of this section, the Industrial Commission shall determine the extent to which incarceration has deprived a claimant of educational or training opportunities and, based upon those findings, may award the following compensation for loss of life opportunities:
    1. Job skills training for at least one year through an appropriate State program; and
    2. Expenses for tuition and fees at any public North Carolina community college or constituent institution of The University of North Carolina for any degree or program of the claimant’s choice that is available from one or more of the applicable institutions. Claimants are also entitled to assistance in meeting any admission standards or criteria required at any of those institutions, including assistance in satisfying requirements for a certificate of equivalency of completion of secondary education. A claimant may apply for aid under this subdivision within 10 years of the claimant’s release from incarceration, and aid shall continue for up to a total of five years when initiated within the 10-year period, provided the claimant makes satisfactory progress in the courses or degree program in which the claimant is enrolled.

History. 1947, c. 465, s. 3; 1963, c. 1174, s. 4; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1997-388, s. 3; 2001-424, s. 25.12(a); 2008-173, ss. 1, 2; 2009-570, s. 24; 2010-171, s. 4.

Editor’s Note.

This section, as amended, does not contain a subsection (b). Subsection (b) of this section has been so designated and set out as “Reserved” at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2008-173, ss. 1 and 2, effective August 4, 2008, and applicable to any person granted a pardon of innocence by the Governor on or after January 1, 2004, designated the previously existing provisions as subsection (a); in subsection (a), substituted “fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)” for “twenty thousand dollars ($20,000),” added the clause (i) designator and made related changes, in clause (i), inserted “including the compensation provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section” and substituted “seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000)” for “five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)”, and added clause (ii); and added subsection (c).

Session Laws 2009-570, s. 24, effective August 28, 2009, substituted “subsection (c) of this section” for “subsections (b) and (c) of this section” in the last sentence of the first paragraph of subsection (a); and substituted “subsection (a) of this section” for “subsections (a) and (b) of this section” in the introductory language of subsection (c).

Session Laws 2010-171, s. 4, effective August 2, 2010, in the second sentence in subsection (a), inserted “received a pardon of innocence for the reason that the crime,” “or that the claimant was determined to be innocent of all charges by a three-judge panel under G.S. 15A-1469 ,” and “also finds,” and made a related grammatical change.

CASE NOTES

Estates. —

North Carolina General Assembly did not intend for testamentary estates to recover compensation for persons erroneously convicted of felonies; “person” indicated the actual individual who was wrongfully incarcerated, and it would have been impossible for the North Carolina Industrial Commission to assess how an unconscious inanimate legal entity would have been deprived of loss of life opportunities. Estate of Jerry Jacobs v. State, 242 N.C. App. 396, 775 S.E.2d 873, 2015 N.C. App. LEXIS 671 (2015).

Article 9. Prison Advisory Council. [Repealed]

§§ 148-85 through 148-88. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1957, c. 349, s. 11.

Article 10. Interstate Agreement on Detainers. [Repealed]

§§ 148-89 through 148-95. [Transferred]

Transferred to §§ 15A-761 to 15A-767 by Session Laws 1973, c. 1286, s. 22, as amended by Session Laws 1975, c. 573.

§§ 148-96 through 148-100.

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Article 11. Inmate Grievance Commission. [Repealed]

§§ 148-101 through 148-118. [Repealed]

Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 746, s. 1.

Cross References.

As to corrections administrative remedy procedure, see now G.S. 148-118.1 et seq.

Article 11A. Corrections Administrative Remedy Procedure.

§ 148-118.1. Authority. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety shall adopt an Administrative Remedy Procedure in compliance with 42 U.S.C. 1997, the “Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act”. The Administrative Remedy Procedure and any amendments or changes thereto shall be adopted only after prior consultation with the Grievance Resolution Board.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(ssssssss).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ssssssss), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

§ 148-118.1. Authority. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction shall adopt an Administrative Remedy Procedure in compliance with 42 U.S.C. 1997, the “Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act”. The Administrative Remedy Procedure and any amendments or changes thereto shall be adopted only after prior consultation with the Grievance Resolution Board.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(ssssssss); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ssssssss), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” near the beginning of the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Legal Periodicals.

For article, “Connecting the Disconnected: Communication Technologies for the Incarcerated,” see 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 561 (2018).

§ 148-118.2. Effect. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Upon approval of the Administrative Remedy Procedure by a federal court as authorized and required by 42 U.S.C. 1997(e)(a), and the implementation of the procedure, this procedure shall constitute the administrative remedies available to a prisoner for the purpose of preserving any cause of action under the purview of the Administrative Remedy Procedure, which a prisoner may claim to have against the State of North Carolina, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, or its employees.
  2. No State court shall entertain a prisoner’s grievance or complaint which falls under the purview of the Administrative Remedy Procedure unless and until the prisoner shall have exhausted the remedies as provided in said procedure. If the prisoner has failed to pursue administrative remedies through this procedure, any petition or complaint he files shall be stayed for 90 days to allow the prisoner to file a grievance and for completion of the procedure. If at the end of 90 days the prisoner has failed to timely file his grievance, then the petition or complaint shall be dismissed. Provided, however, that the court can waive the exhaustion requirement if it finds such waiver to be in the interest of justice.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(tttttttt).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(tttttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (a)

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.2. Effect. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Upon approval of the Administrative Remedy Procedure by a federal court as authorized and required by 42 U.S.C. 1997(e)(a), and the implementation of the procedure, this procedure shall constitute the administrative remedies available to a prisoner for the purpose of preserving any cause of action under the purview of the Administrative Remedy Procedure, which a prisoner may claim to have against the State of North Carolina, the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction, or its employees.
  2. No State court shall entertain a prisoner’s grievance or complaint which falls under the purview of the Administrative Remedy Procedure unless and until the prisoner shall have exhausted the remedies as provided in said procedure. If the prisoner has failed to pursue administrative remedies through this procedure, any petition or complaint he files shall be stayed for 90 days to allow the prisoner to file a grievance and for completion of the procedure. If at the end of 90 days the prisoner has failed to timely file his grievance, then the petition or complaint shall be dismissed. Provided, however, that the court can waive the exhaustion requirement if it finds such waiver to be in the interest of justice.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(tttttttt); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(tttttttt), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in subsection (a)

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.3. Publication of procedure.

The Administrative Remedy Procedure shall be published in the North Carolina Register.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2.

§ 148-118.4. Definitions. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

For purposes of this Article, “prisoner” shall refer to all prisoners in the physical custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuuu).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.4. Definitions. [Effective January 1, 2023]

For purposes of this Article, “prisoner” shall refer to all prisoners in the physical custody of the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuuu); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(uuuuuuuu), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.5. Records confidentiality. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

All reports, investigations, and like supporting documents prepared by the Division for purposes of responding to the prisoner’s request for an administrative remedy shall be deemed to be confidential. All formal written responses to the prisoner’s request shall be furnished to the prisoner as a matter of course as required by the procedure. The Grievance Resolution Board shall have access to all relevant records developed by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvvv).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.5. Records confidentiality. [Effective January 1, 2023]

All reports, investigations, and like supporting documents prepared by the Division for purposes of responding to the prisoner’s request for an administrative remedy shall be deemed to be confidential. All formal written responses to the prisoner’s request shall be furnished to the prisoner as a matter of course as required by the procedure. The Grievance Resolution Board shall have access to all relevant records developed by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvvv); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(vvvvvvvv), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p), substituted “Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” at the end of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.6. Grievance Resolution Board. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Grievance Resolution Board is established as a separate agency within the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. It shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Of the members so appointed, three shall be attorneys selected from a list of 10 persons recommended by the Council of the North Carolina State Bar. The remaining two members shall be persons of knowledge and experience in one or more fields under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Public Safety. In the event a vacancy occurs on the Board prior to the expiration of a member’s term, the Governor shall appoint a new Board member to serve the unexpired term. If the vacancy occurs in one of the positions designated for an attorney, the Governor shall select another attorney from a list of five persons recommended by the Council of the North Carolina State Bar. The Board shall perform those functions assigned to it by the Governor and shall review the grievance procedure. The Grievance Resolution Board shall meet not less then quarterly to review summaries of grievances. All members of the Inmate Grievance Commission, appointed by the Governor pursuant to G.S. 148-101 , may complete their terms as members of the Board. Each member of the Board shall receive per diem and travel expenses as authorized for members of State commissions and boards under G.S. 138-5 .

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwwww).

Editor’s Note.

Section 148-101, referred to in the next to the last sentence, was repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 746, s. 1.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(iiii), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(iiii), substituted “the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence, and substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Secretary of Public Safety” in the third sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.6. Grievance Resolution Board. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Grievance Resolution Board is established as a separate agency within the Department of Adult Correction. It shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Of the members so appointed, three shall be attorneys selected from a list of 10 persons recommended by the Council of the North Carolina State Bar. The remaining two members shall be persons of knowledge and experience in one or more fields under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. In the event a vacancy occurs on the Board prior to the expiration of a member’s term, the Governor shall appoint a new Board member to serve the unexpired term. If the vacancy occurs in one of the positions designated for an attorney, the Governor shall select another attorney from a list of five persons recommended by the Council of the North Carolina State Bar. The Board shall perform those functions assigned to it by the Governor and shall review the grievance procedure. The Grievance Resolution Board shall meet not less then quarterly to review summaries of grievances. All members of the Inmate Grievance Commission, appointed by the Governor pursuant to G.S. 148-101 , may complete their terms as members of the Board. Each member of the Board shall receive per diem and travel expenses as authorized for members of State commissions and boards under G.S. 138-5 .

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwwww); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(iiii).

Editor’s Note.

Section 148-101, referred to in the next to the last sentence, was repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 746, s. 1.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(iiii), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(wwwwwwww), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(iiii), substituted “the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety” in the first sentence, and substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Secretary of Public Safety” in the third sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.7. Removal of members.

The Governor may remove any member of the Grievance Resolution Board for one or more of the following reasons:

  1. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or of any criminal offense the effect of which is to prevent or interfere with the performance of Board duties.
  2. Failure to regularly attend meetings of the Board.
  3. Failure to carry out duties assigned by the Board or its chairman.
  4. Acceptance of another office or the conduct of other business conflicting with or tending to conflict with the performance of Board duties.
  5. Any other ground that, under law, necessitates or justifies the removal of a State employee.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2.

§ 148-118.8. Appointment, salary, and authority of Executive Director and inmate grievance examiners. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. The Grievance Resolution Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Public Safety, shall provide the Governor with at least three nominees, and the Governor shall appoint an Executive Director from those nominees. The Grievance Resolution Board shall appoint grievance examiners. The Executive Director shall manage the staff and perform such other functions as are assigned to the Director by the Grievance Resolution Board. The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The grievance examiners shall serve at the pleasure of the Grievance Resolution Board. The grievance examiners shall be subject to Article 2 of Chapter 126 of the North Carolina General Statutes for purposes of salary and leave. Support staff, equipment, and facilities for the Board shall be provided by the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety.
  2. The inmate grievance examiners shall investigate inmate grievances pursuant to the procedures established by the Administrative Remedy Procedure. Examiners shall attempt to resolve grievances through mediation with all parties. Otherwise, the inmate grievance examiners shall either (i) order such relief as is appropriate; or (ii) deny the grievance. The decision of the grievance examiner shall be binding, unless the Secretary of Public Safety (i) finds that such relief is not appropriate, (ii) gives a written explanation for this finding, and (iii) makes an alternative order of relief or denies the grievance.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2013-382, s. 9.1(c); 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(a); 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxxx).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(b), provides: “The following entities and positions created by Chapter 126 of the General Statutes are hereby renamed by this act:

  1. The State Personnel Commission is renamed the ‘North Carolina Human Resources Commission.’
  2. The Office of State Personnel is renamed the ‘North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’
  3. The State Personnel Director is renamed the ‘Director of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(c), provides: “Modification of References. — The Revisor of Statutes shall delete any references in the General Statutes to the State Personnel Act, State Personnel Commission, the State Personnel Director, and the Office of State Personnel (or any derivatives thereof) and substitute references to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, the State Human Resources Commission, the Director of the Office of State Human Resources, and the Office of Human Resources (or the appropriate derivative thereof) to effectuate the renaming set forth in this section wherever conforming changes are necessary.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(b), as amended by Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.2, provides: “The Department of Public Safety and the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board shall report by October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Brief summary of the inmate grievance process.

“(2) Number of grievance appeals received by the Board.

“(3) Number of grievance appeals resolved by the Board.

“(4) Type of grievance by category.

“(5) Number of orders written by examiners.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(jjjj), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(a), effective July 1, 2015, rewrote subsection (a).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(jjjj), in subsections (a) and (b), substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction,” for “the Secretary of Public Safety,”; and substituted “the Department of Adult Correction.” for “the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety.” in the last sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.8. Appointment, salary, and authority of Executive Director and inmate grievance examiners. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. The Grievance Resolution Board, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, shall provide the Governor with at least three nominees, and the Governor shall appoint an Executive Director from those nominees. The Grievance Resolution Board shall appoint grievance examiners. The Executive Director shall manage the staff and perform such other functions as are assigned to the Director by the Grievance Resolution Board. The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The grievance examiners shall serve at the pleasure of the Grievance Resolution Board. The grievance examiners shall be subject to Article 2 of Chapter 126 of the North Carolina General Statutes for purposes of salary and leave. Support staff, equipment, and facilities for the Board shall be provided by the Department of Adult Correction.
  2. The inmate grievance examiners shall investigate inmate grievances pursuant to the procedures established by the Administrative Remedy Procedure. Examiners shall attempt to resolve grievances through mediation with all parties. Otherwise, the inmate grievance examiners shall either (i) order such relief as is appropriate; or (ii) deny the grievance. The decision of the grievance examiner shall be binding, unless the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction (i) finds that such relief is not appropriate, (ii) gives a written explanation for this finding, and (iii) makes an alternative order of relief or denies the grievance.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2013-382, s. 9.1(c); 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(a); 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxxx); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(jjjj).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(b), provides: “The following entities and positions created by Chapter 126 of the General Statutes are hereby renamed by this act:

  1. The State Personnel Commission is renamed the ‘North Carolina Human Resources Commission.’
  2. The Office of State Personnel is renamed the ‘North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’
  3. The State Personnel Director is renamed the ‘Director of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.’

Session Laws 2013-382, s. 9.1(c), provides: “Modification of References. — The Revisor of Statutes shall delete any references in the General Statutes to the State Personnel Act, State Personnel Commission, the State Personnel Director, and the Office of State Personnel (or any derivatives thereof) and substitute references to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, the State Human Resources Commission, the Director of the Office of State Human Resources, and the Office of Human Resources (or the appropriate derivative thereof) to effectuate the renaming set forth in this section wherever conforming changes are necessary.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(b), as amended by Session Laws 2016-94, s. 17C.2, provides: “The Department of Public Safety and the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board shall report by October 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board. The annual report shall include the following with respect to the prior fiscal year:

“(1) Brief summary of the inmate grievance process.

“(2) Number of grievance appeals received by the Board.

“(3) Number of grievance appeals resolved by the Board.

“(4) Type of grievance by category.

“(5) Number of orders written by examiners.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as ‘The Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2015.’ ”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium.”

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 33.6, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 1.2, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2016.’ ”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.4, provides: “Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2016-2017 fiscal year.”

Session Laws 2016-94, s. 39.7, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(jjjj), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2015-241, s. 16C.13B(a), effective July 1, 2015, rewrote subsection (a).

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(xxxxxxxx), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence of subsection (a).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(jjjj), in subsections (a) and (b), substituted “the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction,” for “the Secretary of Public Safety,”; and substituted “the Department of Adult Correction.” for “the Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety.” in the last sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.9. Investigatory power of the Grievance Resolution Board. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of Public Safety may request that the Grievance Resolution Board investigate matters involving broad policy concerns. The Grievance Resolution Board may convene a fact-finding hearing to consider the issues presented for investigation. A record of testimony presented at such hearing shall be maintained by the Board. The Board shall report the findings of its investigation to the Secretary within a reasonable time. In no event shall such a request on the part of the Secretary result in a delay of the resolution of an inmate’s grievance beyond the 90 day period.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-118.9. Investigatory power of the Grievance Resolution Board. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may request that the Grievance Resolution Board investigate matters involving broad policy concerns. The Grievance Resolution Board may convene a fact-finding hearing to consider the issues presented for investigation. A record of testimony presented at such hearing shall be maintained by the Board. The Board shall report the findings of its investigation to the Secretary within a reasonable time. In no event shall such a request on the part of the Secretary result in a delay of the resolution of an inmate’s grievance beyond the 90 day period.

History. 1987, c. 746, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 12. Interstate Corrections Compact.

§ 148-119. Short title.

This Article shall be known and may be cited as the Interstate Corrections Compact.

History. 1979, c. 623.

§ 148-120. Governor to execute; form of compact.

The Governor of North Carolina is hereby authorized and requested to execute, on behalf of the State of North Carolina, with any other state or states legally joining therein a compact which shall be in form substantially as follows:

The contracting states solemnly agree that:

  1. The party states, desiring by common action to fully utilize and improve their institutional facilities and provide adequate programs for the confinement, treatment and rehabilitation of various types of offenders, declare that it is the policy of each of the party states to provide such facilities and programs on a basis of cooperation with one another, and with the federal government, thereby serving the best interest of such offenders and of society and effecting economies in capital expenditures and operational costs. The purpose of this compact is to provide for the mutual development and execution of such programs of cooperation for the confinement, treatment and rehabilitation of offenders with the most economical use of human and material resources.
  2. As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
    1. “State” means a state of the United States; the United States of America; a territory or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
    2. “Sending state” means a state party to this compact in which conviction or court commitment was had.
    3. “Receiving state” means a state party to this compact to which an inmate is sent for confinement other than a state in which conviction or court commitment was had.
    4. “Inmate” means a male or female offender who is committed, under sentence to or confined in a penal or correctional institution.
    5. “Institution” means any penal or correctional facility, including but not limited to a facility for the mentally ill or mentally defective, in which inmates as defined in (2)d. above may lawfully be confined.
    1. Each party state may make one or more contracts with any one or more of the other party states, or with the federal government, for the confinement of inmates on behalf of a sending state in institutions situated within receiving states. Any such contract shall provide for:
      1. Its duration;
      2. Payments to be made to the receiving state or to the federal government, by the sending state for inmate maintenance, extraordinary medical and dental expenses, and any participation in or receipt by inmates of rehabilitative or correctional services, facilities, programs or treatment not reasonably included as part of normal maintenance;
      3. Participation in programs of inmate employment, if any; the disposition or crediting of any payments received by inmates on account thereof; and the crediting of proceeds from or disposal of any products resulting therefrom;
      4. Delivery and retaking of inmates;
      5. Such other matters as may be necessary and appropriate to fix the obligations, responsibilities and rights of the sending and receiving states.
    2. The terms and provisions of this compact shall be a part of any contract entered into by the authority of or pursuant thereto and nothing in any such contract shall be inconsistent therewith.
    1. Whenever the duly constituted authorities in a state party to this compact, and which has entered into a contract pursuant to Article III, Subsection (1) [paragraph a. of subdivision (3)] shall decide that confinement in, or transfer of an inmate to, an institution within the territory of another party state is necessary or desirable in order to provide adequate quarters and care or an appropriate program of rehabilitation or treatment, said officials may direct that the confinement be within an institution within the territory of said other party state, the receiving state to act in that regard solely as agent for the sending state.
    2. The appropriate officials of any state party to this compact shall have access, at all reasonable times, to any institution in which it has a contractual right to confine inmates for the purpose of inspecting the facilities thereof and visiting such of its inmates as may be confined in the institution.
    3. Inmates confined in an institution pursuant to the terms of this compact shall at all times be subject to the jurisdiction of the sending state and may at any time be removed therefrom for transfer to a prison or other institution within the sending state, for transfer to another institution in which the sending state may have a contractual or other right to confine inmates, for release on probation or parole, for discharge, or for any other purpose permitted by the laws of the sending state, provided that the sending state shall continue to be obligated to such payments as may be required pursuant to the terms of any contract entered into under the terms of Article III, Subsection (1) [paragraph a. of subdivision (3)].
    4. Each receiving state shall provide regular reports to each sending state on the inmates of that sending state in institutions pursuant to this compact including a conduct record of each inmate and certify said record to the official designated by the sending state, in order that each inmate may have official review of his or her record in determining and altering the disposition of said inmate in accordance with the law which may obtain in the sending state and in order that the same may be a source of information for the sending state.
    5. All inmates who may be confined in an institution pursuant to the provisions of this compact shall be treated in a reasonable and humane manner and shall be treated equally with such similar inmates of the receiving state as may be confined in the same institution. The fact of confinement in a receiving state shall not deprive any inmate so confined of any legal rights which said inmate would have had if confined in an appropriate institution of the sending state.
    6. Any hearing or hearings to which an inmate confined pursuant to this compact may be entitled by the laws of the sending state may be had before the appropriate authorities of the sending state, or of the receiving state if authorized by the sending state. The receiving state shall provide adequate facilities for such hearings as may be conducted by the appropriate officials of a sending state. In the event such hearing or hearings are had before officials of the receiving state, the governing law shall be that of the sending state and a record of the hearing or hearings as prescribed by the sending state shall be made. Said record, together with any recommendations of the hearing officials, shall be transmitted forthwith to the official or officials before whom the hearing would have been had if it had taken place in the sending state. In any and all proceedings had pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision, the officials of the receiving state shall act solely as agents of the sending state and no final determination shall be made in any matter except by the appropriate officials of the sending state.
    7. Any inmate confined pursuant to this compact shall be released within the territory of the sending state unless the inmate, and the sending and receiving states, shall agree upon release in some other place. The sending state shall bear the cost of such return to its territory.
    8. Any inmate confined pursuant to the terms of this compact shall have any and all rights to participate in and derive any benefits or incur or be relieved of any obligations or have such obligations modified or his status changed on account of any action or proceeding in which he could have participated if confined in any appropriate institution of the sending state located within such state.
    9. The parents, guardian, trustee, or other person or persons entitled under the laws of the sending state to act for, advise or otherwise function with respect to any inmate shall not be deprived of or restricted in his exercise of any power in respect of any inmate confined pursuant to the terms of this compact.
    1. Any decision of the sending state in respect to any matter over which it retains jurisdiction pursuant to this compact shall be conclusive upon and not reviewable within the receiving state, but if at the time the sending state seeks to remove an inmate from an institution in the receiving state there is pending against the inmate within such state any criminal charge or if the inmate is formally accused of having committed within such state a criminal offense, the inmate shall not be returned without the consent of the receiving state until discharge from prosecution or other form of proceeding, imprisonment or detention for such offense. The duly accredited officers of the sending state shall be permitted to transport inmates pursuant to this compact through any and all states party to this compact without interference.
    2. An inmate who escapes from an institution in which he is confined pursuant to this compact shall be deemed a fugitive from the sending state and from the state in which the institution is situated. In the case of an escape to a jurisdiction other than the sending or receiving state, the responsibility for institution of extradition or rendition proceedings shall be that of the sending state, but nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or affect the activities of officers and agencies of any jurisdiction directed toward the apprehension and return of an escapee.
  3. Any state party to this compact may accept federal aid for use in connection with any institution or program, the use of which is or may be affected by this compact or any contract pursuant hereto; and any inmate in a receiving state pursuant to this compact may participate in any such federally-aided program or activity for which the sending and receiving states have made contractual provision, provided that if such program or activity is not part of the customary correctional regimen, the express consent of the appropriate official of the sending state shall be required therefor.
  4. This compact shall enter into force and become effective and binding upon the states so acting when it has been enacted into law by any two states. Thereafter, this compact shall enter into force and become effective and binding as to any other of said states upon similar action by such state.
  5. This compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon a party state until it shall have enacted a statute repealing the same and providing for the sending of formal written notice of withdrawal from the compact to the appropriate official of all other party states. An actual withdrawal shall not take effect until one year after the notice provided in said statute has been sent. Such withdrawal shall not relieve the withdrawing state from its obligations assumed hereunder prior to the effective date of withdrawal. Before effective date of withdrawal, a withdrawing state shall remove to its territory, at its own expense, such inmates as it may have confined pursuant to the provisions of this compact.
  6. Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to abrogate or impair any agreement or other arrangement which a party state may have with a nonparty state for the confinement, rehabilitation or treatment of inmates nor to repeal any other laws of a party state authorizing the making of cooperative institutional arrangements.
  7. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed and shall be severable. If any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

History. 1979, c. 623.

§ 148-121. Proceedings to be open; all documents public records; exception. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, at least 30 days before a transfer of a North Carolina inmate to another state system pursuant to this Article is approved, the Secretary of Public Safety shall give notice that the transfer is being considered. The Secretary shall give notice of the proposed transfer by:
    1. Notifying the district attorney of the district where the prisoner was convicted, the judge who presided at the prisoner’s trial, the law-enforcement agency that arrested the prisoner, and the victim of the prisoner’s crime;
    2. Posting notice at the courthouse in the county in which the prisoner was convicted; and
    3. Notifying any other person who has made a written request to receive notice of a transfer of the prisoner.
  2. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, all written comments regarding a transfer are public records under General Statutes Chapter 132.
  3. If, in the discretion of the Secretary, such notice or disclosure requirements provided for in this section would jeopardize the safety of persons or property, the provisions of this section do not apply.

History. 1983, c. 874, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-121. Proceedings to be open; all documents public records; exception. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, at least 30 days before a transfer of a North Carolina inmate to another state system pursuant to this Article is approved, the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction shall give notice that the transfer is being considered. The Secretary shall give notice of the proposed transfer by:
    1. Notifying the district attorney of the district where the prisoner was convicted, the judge who presided at the prisoner’s trial, the law-enforcement agency that arrested the prisoner, and the victim of the prisoner’s crime;
    2. Posting notice at the courthouse in the county in which the prisoner was convicted; and
    3. Notifying any other person who has made a written request to receive notice of a transfer of the prisoner.
  2. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, all written comments regarding a transfer are public records under General Statutes Chapter 132.
  3. If, in the discretion of the Secretary, such notice or disclosure requirements provided for in this section would jeopardize the safety of persons or property, the provisions of this section do not apply.

History. 1983, c. 874, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the first sentence of subsection (a). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Article 13. Transfer of Convicted Foreign Citizens Under Federal Treaty.

§ 148-122. Transfer of convicted foreign citizens under treaty; consent by Governor. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

If a treaty in effect between the United States and a foreign country provides for the transfer or exchange of convicted offenders to the country of which the offenders are citizens or nationals, the Governor may, on behalf of the State and subject to the terms of the treaty, authorize the Secretary of Public Safety to consent to the transfer or exchange of offenders and take any other action necessary to initiate the participation of the State in the treaty.

History. 2002-166, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2002-166, s. 3, provides: “This act shall not be construed to obligate the General Assembly to appropriate any funds to implement the provisions of this act. The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] shall implement the provisions of this act with funds that are otherwise appropriated or available to the Department.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-122. Transfer of convicted foreign citizens under treaty; consent by Governor. [Effective January 1, 2023]

If a treaty in effect between the United States and a foreign country provides for the transfer or exchange of convicted offenders to the country of which the offenders are citizens or nationals, the Governor may, on behalf of the State and subject to the terms of the treaty, authorize the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to consent to the transfer or exchange of offenders and take any other action necessary to initiate the participation of the State in the treaty.

History. 2002-166, s. 4; 2011-145, s. 19.1(i); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o).

Editor’s Note.

Session Laws 2002-166, s. 3, provides: “This act shall not be construed to obligate the General Assembly to appropriate any funds to implement the provisions of this act. The Department of Correction [Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety] shall implement the provisions of this act with funds that are otherwise appropriated or available to the Department.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(o), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction” for “Secretary of Public Safety” in the middle of this section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§§ 148-123 through 148-127.

Reserved for future codification purposes.

History. 2007-280, s. 1.

Article 14. Correction Enterprises.

§ 148-128. Authorization for Correction Enterprises. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is established as a division of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice may develop and operate industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises that employ incarcerated offenders in an effort to provide them with meaningful work experiences and rehabilitative opportunities that will increase their employability upon release from prison. Enterprises operated under this Article shall be known as “Correction Enterprises.”

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, ss. 2(yyyyyyyy), 3(a).

Editor’s Note.

The sections in this Article were renumbered at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes, the numbers in Session Laws 2007-280, s. 1, having been G.S. 148-123 through 148-129.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(kkkk), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(kkkk), rewrote the first sentence, which read: “The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is established as a division of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.”, and in the second sentence, substituted “The Division of Correction Enterprises” for The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice”. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-128. Authorization for Correction Enterprises. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Correction Enterprises is established as a division of the Department of Adult Correction. The Division of Correction Enterprises may develop and operate industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises that employ incarcerated offenders in an effort to provide them with meaningful work experiences and rehabilitative opportunities that will increase their employability upon release from prison. Enterprises operated under this Article shall be known as “Correction Enterprises.”

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, ss. 2(yyyyyyyy), 3(a); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(kkkk).

Editor’s Note.

The sections in this Article were renumbered at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes, the numbers in Session Laws 2007-280, s. 1, having been G.S. 148-123 through 148-129.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 3(a), provides: “The Revisor of Statutes shall change any additional references in the General Statutes to the ‘Division of Adult Correction’ to the ‘Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.’ ”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(kkkk), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(yyyyyyyy), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” throughout the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(kkkk), rewrote the first sentence, which read: “The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is established as a division of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.”, and in the second sentence, substituted “The Division of Correction Enterprises” for The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice”. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-129. Purposes of Correction Enterprises.

Correction Enterprises shall serve all of the following purposes to:

  1. Provide incarcerated offenders a work and training environment that emulates private industry.
  2. Provide incarcerated offenders with training opportunities that allow them to increase work skills and employability upon release from prison.
  3. Provide quality goods and services.
  4. Aid victims by contributing a portion of its proceeds to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
  5. Generate sufficient funds from the sale of goods and services to be a self-supporting operation.

History. 2007-280, s. 1.

§ 148-130. Correction Enterprises Fund. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

  1. All revenues from the sale of articles and commodities manufactured or produced by Correction Enterprises shall be deposited with the State Treasurer to be kept and maintained as a special revolving working-capital fund designated “Correction Enterprises Fund.
  2. Revenue in the Correction Enterprises Fund shall be applied first to capital and operating expenditures, including salaries and wages of personnel necessary to develop and operate Correction Enterprises and incentive wages for inmates employed by Correction Enterprises or participating in work assignments established by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. Of the remaining revenue in the Fund, five percent (5%) of the net proceeds, before expansion costs, shall be credited to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund established in G.S. 15B-23 as soon as practicable after net proceeds have been determined for the previous year. At the direction of the Governor, the remainder shall be used for other purposes within the State prison system or shall be transferred to the General Fund.
  3. The Correction Enterprises Fund shall be the source of all incentive wages and allowances paid to inmates employed by Correction Enterprises and inmates participating in work assignments established by the Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(j); 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzzz).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, added “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsection (b) and in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(r), substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsection (b) and at the end of subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-130. Correction Enterprises Fund. [Effective January 1, 2023]

  1. All revenues from the sale of articles and commodities manufactured or produced by Correction Enterprises shall be deposited with the State Treasurer to be kept and maintained as a special revolving working-capital fund designated “Correction Enterprises Fund.”
  2. Revenue in the Correction Enterprises Fund shall be applied first to capital and operating expenditures, including salaries and wages of personnel necessary to develop and operate Correction Enterprises and incentive wages for inmates employed by Correction Enterprises or participating in work assignments established by the Division of Prisons. Of the remaining revenue in the Fund, five percent (5%) of the net proceeds, before expansion costs, shall be credited to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund established in G.S. 15B-23 as soon as practicable after net proceeds have been determined for the previous year. At the direction of the Governor, the remainder shall be used for other purposes within the State prison system or shall be transferred to the General Fund.
  3. The Correction Enterprises Fund shall be the source of all incentive wages and allowances paid to inmates employed by Correction Enterprises and inmates participating in work assignments established by the Division of Prisons.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(j); 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzzz); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(r).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(r), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(zzzzzzzz), effective December 1, 2017, added “and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsection (b) and in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(r), substituted “Division of Prisons” for “Section of Prisons of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the first sentence of subsection (b) and at the end of subsection (c). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-131. Powers and responsibilities. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

In order to fulfill the purposes set forth in G.S. 148-129 , the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary in the operation of its enterprises, including any of the following actions to:

  1. Develop and operate industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises either within prison facilities or outside the prison facilities.
  2. Plan and establish new industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises so long as any new enterprise is specifically approved by the Governor as required by G.S. 66-58(f) .
  3. Employ inmates and any other personnel that may be necessary in the operation of Correction Enterprises.
  4. Expand, diminish, or discontinue any enterprise operating under its authority.
  5. Purchase any machinery, equipment, materials, and supplies required in the operation of its enterprises.
  6. Market and sell the goods and services produced by Correction Enterprises.
  7. Determine the prices at which products and services produced by inmate labor shall be sold.
  8. Execute and enter into contracts.
  9. Establish and operate an enterprise that complies with all applicable federal laws and guidelines required by the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (Justice Assistance Act of 1984: Public Law 98-473, Section 819).
  10. Establish policies and procedures regarding the operation of Correction Enterprises.
  11. Take any action necessary and appropriate for the effective operation of its enterprises, so long as that action complies with applicable State and federal laws.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(j); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaaa).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(llll), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language,

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9( llll ), substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-131. Powers and responsibilities. [Effective January 1, 2023]

In order to fulfill the purposes set forth in G.S. 148-129 , the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction is authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary in the operation of its enterprises, including any of the following actions to:

  1. Develop and operate industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises either within prison facilities or outside the prison facilities.
  2. Plan and establish new industrial, agricultural, and service enterprises so long as any new enterprise is specifically approved by the Governor as required by G.S. 66-58(f) .
  3. Employ inmates and any other personnel that may be necessary in the operation of Correction Enterprises.
  4. Expand, diminish, or discontinue any enterprise operating under its authority.
  5. Purchase any machinery, equipment, materials, and supplies required in the operation of its enterprises.
  6. Market and sell the goods and services produced by Correction Enterprises.
  7. Determine the prices at which products and services produced by inmate labor shall be sold.
  8. Execute and enter into contracts.
  9. Establish and operate an enterprise that complies with all applicable federal laws and guidelines required by the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (Justice Assistance Act of 1984: Public Law 98-473, Section 819).
  10. Establish policies and procedures regarding the operation of Correction Enterprises.
  11. Take any action necessary and appropriate for the effective operation of its enterprises, so long as that action complies with applicable State and federal laws.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(j); 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaaa); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(llll).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(llll), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(aaaaaaaaa), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language,

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9( llll ), substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-132. Distribution of products and services. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is empowered and authorized to market and sell products and services produced by Correction Enterprises to any of the following entities:

  1. Any public agency or institution owned, managed, or controlled by the State.
  2. Any county, city, or town in this State.
  3. Any federal, state, or local public agency or institution in any other state of the union.
  4. An entity or organization that has tax-exempt status pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Products purchased by an entity pursuant to this subdivision may not be resold.
  5. Any current employee or retiree of the State of North Carolina, member, employee, or retiree of the North Carolina National Guard, or of a unit of local government of this State, verified through federal or State-issued identification, or through proof of retirement status, but purchases by a State employee or retiree, National Guard member, employee, or retiree, or local governmental employee or retiree may not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) during any calendar year. Products purchased by State employees or retirees, National Guard members, employees or retirees, and local governmental employees and retirees under this section may not be resold.
  6. Private contractors when the goods purchased will be used to perform work under a contract with a public agency.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2009-451, s. 19.16; 2011-145, ss. 18.14, 19.1(j); 2013-289, s. 6; 2017-154, s. 1; 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbbb).

Editor’s Note.

This section was amended by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.16, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . The act failed to account for both versions of subdivision (5). The amendment by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 18.14, which removed the sunset provision, corrected the oversight.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmmm), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.16, effective July 1, 2009, in subdivision (5), in the first sentence, inserted “or retiree” near the beginning, “or of a unit of local government of this State” and “or through proof of retirement status” near the middle, and substituted “purchases by a State or local governmental employee or retiree” for “a State employee’s purchases” near the end, and in the last sentence, inserted “and local governmental” and “and retirees” near the middle.

Session Laws 2017-154, s. 1, effective July 21, 2017, rewrote subdivision (5) which formerly read: “Any current employee or retiree of the State of North Carolina or of a unit of local government of this State, verified through State-issued identification, or through proof of retirement status, but purchases by a State or local governmental employee or retiree may not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) during any calendar year. Products purchased by State and local governmental employees and retirees under this section may not be resold.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmmm), substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-132. Distribution of products and services. [Effective January 1, 2023]

The Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction is empowered and authorized to market and sell products and services produced by Correction Enterprises to any of the following entities:

  1. Any public agency or institution owned, managed, or controlled by the State.
  2. Any county, city, or town in this State.
  3. Any federal, state, or local public agency or institution in any other state of the union.
  4. An entity or organization that has tax-exempt status pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Products purchased by an entity pursuant to this subdivision may not be resold.
  5. Any current employee or retiree of the State of North Carolina, member, employee, or retiree of the North Carolina National Guard, or of a unit of local government of this State, verified through federal or State-issued identification, or through proof of retirement status, but purchases by a State employee or retiree, National Guard member, employee, or retiree, or local governmental employee or retiree may not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) during any calendar year. Products purchased by State employees or retirees, National Guard members, employees or retirees, and local governmental employees and retirees under this section may not be resold.
  6. Private contractors when the goods purchased will be used to perform work under a contract with a public agency.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2009-451, s. 19.16; 2011-145, ss. 18.14, 19.1(j); 2013-289, s. 6; 2017-154, s. 1; 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbbb); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmmm).

Editor’s Note.

This section was amended by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.16, in the coded bill drafting format provided by G.S. 120-20.1 . The act failed to account for both versions of subdivision (5). The amendment by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 18.14, which removed the sunset provision, corrected the oversight.

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2011.’ ”

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 32.5, is a severability clause.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmmm), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2009-451, s. 19.16, effective July 1, 2009, in subdivision (5), in the first sentence, inserted “or retiree” near the beginning, “or of a unit of local government of this State” and “or through proof of retirement status” near the middle, and substituted “purchases by a State or local governmental employee or retiree” for “a State employee’s purchases” near the end, and in the last sentence, inserted “and local governmental” and “and retirees” near the middle.

Session Laws 2017-154, s. 1, effective July 21, 2017, rewrote subdivision (5) which formerly read: “Any current employee or retiree of the State of North Carolina or of a unit of local government of this State, verified through State-issued identification, or through proof of retirement status, but purchases by a State or local governmental employee or retiree may not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) during any calendar year. Products purchased by State and local governmental employees and retirees under this section may not be resold.”

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(bbbbbbbbb), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(mmmm), substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the introductory language. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-133. Inmate wages and conditions of employment.

  1. The Secretary shall adopt rules for the administration and management of personnel policies for inmates who work for Correction Enterprises, including wages, working hours, training requirements, and conditions of employment. The Secretary shall adopt rules to ensure that inmates participating in the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program comply with all applicable federal rules and regulations.
  2. No inmate working for Correction Enterprises shall be paid more than three dollars ($3.00) per day unless applicable State or federal laws require a higher salary. Inmates who are employed as part of the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program shall be paid in accordance with applicable federal rules and regulations.

History. 2007-280, s. 1.

§ 148-134. Preference for Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety products. [Effective until January 1, 2023]

All departments, institutions, and agencies of this State that are supported in whole or in part by the State shall give preference to Correction Enterprises products in purchasing articles, products, and commodities that these departments, institutions, and agencies require and that are manufactured or produced within the State prison system and offered for sale to them by Correction Enterprises. No article or commodity available from Correction Enterprises shall be purchased by any State department, institution, or agency from any other source unless the prison product does not meet the standard specifications and the reasonable requirements of the department, institution, or agency as determined by the Secretary of Administration or the requisition cannot be complied with because of an insufficient supply of the articles or commodities required. The provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes respecting contracting for the purchase of all supplies, materials, and equipment required by the State government or any of its departments, institutions, or agencies under competitive bidding shall not apply to articles or commodities available from Correction Enterprises. The Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be required to keep the price of such articles or commodities substantially in accord with that paid by governmental agencies for similar articles and commodities of equivalent quality.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(ccccccccc).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(nnnn), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ccccccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(nnnn), rewrote the section heading, which read: “Preference for Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety products.”; and substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 148-134. Preference for Division of Prisons of Department of Adult Correction products. [Effective January 1, 2023]

All departments, institutions, and agencies of this State that are supported in whole or in part by the State shall give preference to Correction Enterprises products in purchasing articles, products, and commodities that these departments, institutions, and agencies require and that are manufactured or produced within the State prison system and offered for sale to them by Correction Enterprises. No article or commodity available from Correction Enterprises shall be purchased by any State department, institution, or agency from any other source unless the prison product does not meet the standard specifications and the reasonable requirements of the department, institution, or agency as determined by the Secretary of Administration or the requisition cannot be complied with because of an insufficient supply of the articles or commodities required. The provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes respecting contracting for the purchase of all supplies, materials, and equipment required by the State government or any of its departments, institutions, or agencies under competitive bidding shall not apply to articles or commodities available from Correction Enterprises. The Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction shall be required to keep the price of such articles or commodities substantially in accord with that paid by governmental agencies for similar articles and commodities of equivalent quality.

History. 2007-280, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (j); 2017-186, s. 2(ccccccccc); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(nnnn).

Editor's Note.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aaaaa), made the amendments to this section by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(nnnn), effective January 1, 2023, and further provides: “On and after that date, any references or directives in this act to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Adult Correction in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the Section of Juvenile Justice of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, or the Section of Community Corrections of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice shall be construed to apply to the appropriate division of either the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Adult Correction pursuant to the departmental changes enacted by this section.”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 1.1, provides: “This act shall be known as the ‘Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021.’”

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 43.7, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments.

Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(ccccccccc), effective December 1, 2017, inserted “and Juvenile Justice” in the section heading and in the last sentence of the section.

Session Laws 2021-180, s. 19C.9(nnnn), rewrote the section heading, which read: “Preference for Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety products.”; and substituted “the Division of Correction Enterprises of the Department of Adult Correction” for “the Section of Correction Enterprises of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice” in the last sentence. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.