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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-03-17

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill makes two main changes to North Carolina law: (1) it expands permanent no contact orders so that judges can prohibit convicted violent offenders from contacting not just crime victims, but also the victim's immediate family members, and (2) it clarifies that child abuse laws apply to anyone providing care or supervision of a child under 16 who commits or allows sexual acts upon that child, classifying this as a felony.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill better protects vulnerable victims and their families from continued harassment or harm by convicted offenders by extending no contact protections beyond just the direct victim.
• •They contend that the child abuse clarification closes a potential legal gap and ensures that anyone—not just parents or guardians—who permits sexual abuse of a child they supervise faces serious felony charges, strengthening safeguards for children.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may raise concerns that expanding no contact orders to include immediate family members could be overly broad and difficult to enforce, potentially affecting family relationships or visitation rights in complex cases.
• •Some may also question whether the child abuse provision adequately distinguishes between different levels of culpability or whether it could result in overly harsh charges in cases involving negligence versus intentional conduct.