New legislation in North Carolina will take effect starting December 1, bringing significant changes in school safety, law enforcement procedures, and traffic regulations. Among the highlights are laws allowing firearms in private schools, the enactment of Iryna’s Law, and updated driving restrictions.
Guns in Private Schools
House Bill 193 permits employees and volunteers at private schools to carry firearms and stun guns on school property. They must have written approval from the school’s board or administration, a concealed handgun permit, and completed firearms training. The law also extends permission to those attending religious services if the private school is affiliated with a place of worship. Supporters cited a prior shooting incident at a religious school as justification. Governor Josh Stein vetoed the bill, expressing concerns about safety, stating, “We should keep (guns) out of our schools unless they are in the possession of law enforcement.” Despite this, the Republican-majority General Assembly overturned some vetoes with bipartisan support, enabling the bill to pass.
Iryna’s Law
This law is a response to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light-rail transit. It modifies pretrial release, electronic monitoring, and detention rules for violent offenders, prompting changes in sheriff offices statewide. Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson announced that, due to resource constraints caused by this law, his office can no longer accept ICE detainees. Johnson explained that the new rules impact bed space, classification, and supervision of detainees, forcing prioritization toward local and state inmates to comply with state law and court orders.
New Driving Regulations
Senate Bill 391 introduces restrictions on heavy trucks and tinted windows. Trucks weighing 26,001 pounds or more, requiring a commercial driver’s license, are banned from using the left-most lane of highways with six or more lanes, except when entering, exiting, passing, or avoiding hazards. Additionally, drivers must roll down the window on the side where a police officer approaches if the vehicle has tinted windows. This measure aims to improve officer visibility and safety during stops.
Additional Changes
These laws were enacted despite some veto opposition and reflect evolving policy priorities in public safety and traffic management. Citizens and officials are advised to review the full list of new laws effective this December for comprehensive compliance.
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