North CarolinaHB 832025-2026 SessionHouse

AN ACT TO INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR COMMITTING THE OFFENSE OF DISSEMINATING HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS OR EXHIBITING HARMFUL PERFORMANCES TO MINORS; TO ESTABLISH THE OFFENSE OF HABITUAL INDECENT EXPOSURE; TO ADD THE OFFENSES OF DISSEMINATING HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS AND EXHIBITING HARMFUL PERFORMANCES TO MINORS TO THE LIST OF CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SEX OFFENDER AND PUBLIC PROTECTION REGISTRATION PROGRAM; AND TO PROHIBIT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES FROM PROVIDING SERVICE TO UNEMANCIPATED MINORS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING CONSENT FROM THE MINOR'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.

Sponsored By: John A. Torbett (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Broader investigation powers for corrections staff

State officials and employees who investigate offenders in the Department of Adult Correction, or misuse of that Department’s devices, are now exempt from certain limits in the law. This gives investigators fewer procedural barriers when handling those cases.

Tougher penalties for giving minors obscene material

Starting December 1, 2026, it is a Class H felony for someone 18 or older to knowingly give obscene material to a minor when they are at least four years older. It is a Class G felony if the child is under 13. The law also bans selling, giving, showing, or letting a minor see material harmful to minors, and letting a minor watch a harmful live performance. After a conviction, the judge must consider community safety and can order the person to register as a sex offender; these crimes are added to the list that can require registration when a judge orders it.

Trafficking training for vacation rental contractors

Vacation‑rental contractors must ensure housekeeping and check‑in/check‑out workers complete human‑trafficking awareness training required by law. It applies to staff who clean rentals or handle guest arrivals and departures. This adds training steps and small costs for affected businesses and workers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John A. Torbett
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Mike Clampitt
Republican • House
Brian Echevarria
Republican • House
Keith Kidwell
Republican • House
Donnie Loftis
Republican • House