A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to strengthen the laws against domestic violence, to provide additional assistance to domestic violence victims, and to make other changes as recommended by the house select committee on domestic violence.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
PART I. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER TREATMENT
SECTION 1.1.  G.S. 15A‑1343 reads as rewritten:
"§ 15A‑1343.  Conditions of probation.
(a)	In General. – The court may impose conditions of probation reasonably necessary to insure that the defendant will lead a law‑abiding life or to assist him to do so.
(b)	Regular Conditions. – As regular conditions of probation, a defendant must:
(1)	Commit no criminal offense in any jurisdiction.
(2)	Remain within the jurisdiction of the court unless granted written permission to leave by the court or his probation officer.
(3)	Report as directed by the court or his probation officer to the officer at reasonable times and places and in a reasonable manner, permit the officer to visit him at reasonable times, answer all reasonable inquiries by the officer and obtain prior approval from the officer for, and notify the officer of, any change in address or employment.
(4)	Satisfy child support and other family obligations as required by the court. If the court requires the payment of child support, the amount of the payments shall be determined as provided in G.S. 50‑13.4(c).
(5)	Possess no firearm, explosive device or other deadly weapon listed in G.S. 14‑269 without the written permission of the court.
(6)	Pay a supervision fee as specified in subsection (c1).
(7)	Remain gainfully and suitably employed or faithfully pursue a course of study or of vocational training that will equip him for suitable employment. A defendant pursuing a course of study or of vocational training shall abide by all of the rules of the institution providing the education or training, and the probation officer shall forward a copy of the probation judgment to that institution and request to be notified of any violations of institutional rules by the defendant.
(8)	Notify the probation officer if he fails to obtain or retain satisfactory employment.
(9)	Pay the costs of court, any fine ordered by the court, and make restitution or reparation as provided in subsection (d).
(10)	Pay the State of North Carolina for the costs of appointed counsel, public defender, or appellate defender to represent him in the case(s) for which he was placed on probation.
(11)	At a time to be designated by his probation officer, visit with his probation officer a facility maintained by the Division of Prisons.
(12)	Attend and complete an abuser treatment program if (i) the court finds the defendant is responsible for acts of domestic violence and (ii) there is a program, approved by the Domestic Violence Commission, reasonably available to the defendant, unless the court finds that such would not be in the best interests of justice.
In addition to these regular conditions of probation, a defendant required to serve an active term of imprisonment as a condition of special probation pursuant to G.S. 15A‑1344(e) or G.S. 15A‑1351(a) shall, as additional regular conditions of probation, obey the rules and regulations of the Department of Correction governing the conduct of inmates while imprisoned and report to a probation officer in the State of North Carolina within 72 hours of his discharge from the active term of imprisonment.
Regular conditions of probation apply to each defendant placed on supervised probation unless the presiding judge specifically exempts the defendant from one or more of the conditions in open court and in the judgment of the court. It is not necessary for the presiding judge to state each regular condition of probation in open court, but the conditions must be set forth in the judgment of the court.
Defendants placed on unsupervised probation are subject to the provisions of this subsection, except that defendants placed on unsupervised probation are not subject to the regular conditions contained in subdivisions (2), (3), (6), (8), and (11).
(b1)	Special Conditions. – In addition to the regular conditions of probation specified in subsection (b), the court may, as a condition of probation, require that during the probation the defendant comply with one or more of the following special conditions:
(1)	Undergo available medical or psychiatric treatment and remain in a specified institution if required for that purpose.
(2)	Attend or reside in a facility providing rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, social skills, or employment training, instruction, recreation, or residence for persons on probation.
(2a)	Repealed by Session Laws 2002, ch. 126, s. 17.18, effective August 15, 2002.
(2b)	Participate in and successfully complete a Drug Treatment Court Program pursuant to Article 62 of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes.
(3)	Submit to imprisonment required for special probation under G.S. 15A‑1351(a) or G.S. 15A‑1344(e).
(3a)	Repealed by Session Laws 1997‑57, s. 3.
(3b)	Submit to supervision by officers assigned to the Intensive Supervision Program established pursuant to G.S. 143B‑262(c), and abide by the rules adopted for that Program. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, intensive supervision also requires multiple contacts by a probation officer per week, a specific period each day during which the offender must be at his or her residence, and that the offender remain gainfully and suitably employed or faithfully pursue a course of study or of vocational training that will equip the offender for suitable employment.
(3c)	Remain at his or her residence unless the court or the probation officer authorizes the offender to leave for the purpose of employment, counseling, a course of study, or vocational training. The offender shall be required to wear a device which permits the supervising agency to monitor the offender's compliance with the condition electronically.
(4)	Surrender his or her driver's license to the clerk of superior court, and not operate a motor vehicle for a period specified by the court.
(5)	Compensate the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, as the case may be, for the replacement costs of any marine and estuarine resources or any wildlife resources which were taken, injured, removed, harmfully altered, damaged or destroyed as a result of a criminal offense of which the defendant was convicted. If any investigation is required by officers or agents of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or the Wildlife Resources Commission in determining the extent of the destruction of resources involved, the court may include compensation of the agency for investigative costs as a condition of probation. This subdivision does not apply in any case governed by G.S. 143‑215.3(a)(7).
(6)	Perform community or reparation service and pay any fee required by law or ordered by the court for participation in the community or reparation service program.
(7)	Submit at reasonable times to warrantless searches by a probation officer of his or her person and of his or her vehicle and premises while the probationer is present, for purposes specified by the court and reasonably related to his or her probation supervision, but the probationer may not be required to submit to any other search that would otherwise be unlawful. Whenever the warrantless search consists of testing for the presence of illegal drugs, the probationer may also be required to reimburse the Department of Correction for the actual cost of drug screening and drug testing, if the results are positive.
(8)	Not use, possess, or control any illegal drug or controlled substance unless it has been prescribed for him or her by a licensed physician and is in the original container with the prescription number affixed on it; not knowingly associate with any known or previously convicted users, possessors or sellers of any such illegal drugs or controlled substances; and not knowingly be present at or frequent any place where such illegal drugs or controlled substances are sold, kept, or used.
(8a)	Purchase the least expensive annual statewide license or combination of licenses to hunt, trap, or fish listed in G.S. 113‑270.2, 113‑270.3, 113‑270.5, 113‑271, 113‑272, and 113‑272.2 that would be required to engage lawfully in the specific activity or activities in which the defendant was engaged and which constitute the basis of the offense or offenses of which he was convicted.
(9)	If the offense is one in which there is evidence of physical, mental or sexual abuse of a minor, the court should encourage the minor and the minor's parents or custodians to participate in rehabilitative treatment and may order the defendant to pay the cost of such treatment.
	
(10)	Satisfy any other conditions determined by the court to be reasonably related to his rehabilitation.
(b2)	Special Conditions of Probation for Sex Offenders and Persons Convicted of Offenses Involving Physical, Mental, or Sexual Abuse of a Minor. – As special conditions of probation, a defendant who has been convicted of an offense which is a reportable conviction as defined in G.S. 14‑208.6(4), or which involves the physical, mental, or sexual abuse of a minor, must:
(1)	Register as required by G.S. 14‑208.7 if the offense is a reportable conviction as defined by G.S. 14‑208.6(4).
(2)	Participate in such evaluation and treatment as is necessary to complete a prescribed course of psychiatric, psychological, or other rehabilitative treatment as ordered by the court.
(3)	Not communicate with, be in the presence of, or found in or on the premises of the victim of the offense.
(4)	Not reside in a household with any minor child if the offense is one in which there is evidence of sexual abuse of a minor.
(5)	Not reside in a household with any minor child if the offense is one in which there is evidence of physical or mental abuse of a minor, unless the court expressly finds that it is unlikely that the defendant's harmful or abusive conduct will recur and that it would be in the minor child's best interest to allow the probationer to reside in the same household with a minor child.
(6)	Satisfy any other conditions determined by the court to be reasonably related to his rehabilitation.
Defendants subject to the provisions of this subsection shall not be placed on unsupervised probation.
(b3)	Screening and Assessing for Chemical Dependency. – A defendant ordered to submit to a period of residential treatment in the Drug Alcohol Recovery Treatment program (DART) operated by the Department of Correction must undergo a screening to determine chemical dependency. If the screening indicates the defendant is chemically dependent, the court shall order an assessment to determine the appropriate level of treatment. The assessment may be conducted either before or after the court imposes the condition, but participation in the program shall be based on the results of the assessment.
(c)	Statement of Conditions. – A defendant released on supervised probation must be given a written statement explicitly setting forth the conditions on which he is being released. If any modification of the terms of that probation is subsequently made, he must be given a written statement setting forth the modifications.
(c1)	Supervision Fee. – Any person placed on supervised probation pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall pay a supervision fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) per month, unless exempted by the court. The court may exempt a person from paying the fee only for good cause and upon written motion of the person placed on supervised probation. No person shall be required to pay more than one supervision fee per month. The court may require that the fee be paid in advance or in a lump sum or sums, and a probation officer may require payment by such methods if he is authorized by subsection (g) to determine the payment schedule. Supervision fees must be paid to the clerk of court for the county in which the judgment was entered or the deferred prosecution agreement was filed. Fees collected under this subsection shall be transmitted to the State for deposit into the State's General Fund.
(d)	Restitution as a Condition of Probation. – As a condition of probation, a defendant may be required to make restitution or reparation to an aggrieved party or parties who shall be named by the court for the damage or loss caused by the defendant arising out of the offense or offenses committed by the defendant. When restitution or reparation is a condition imposed, the court shall take into consideration the factors set out in G.S. 15A‑1340.35 and G.S. 15A‑1340.36. As used herein, "reparation" shall include but not be limited to the performing of community services, volunteer work, or doing such other acts or things as shall aid the defendant in his rehabilitation. As used herein "aggrieved party" includes individuals, firms, corporations, associations, other organizations, and government agencies, whether federal, State or local, including the Crime Victims Compensation Fund established by G.S. 15B‑23. A government agency may benefit by way of reparation even though the agency was not a party to the crime provided that when reparation is ordered, community service work shall be rendered only after approval has been granted by the owner or person in charge of the property or premises where the work will be done.
(e)	Costs of Court and Appointed Counsel. – Unless the court finds there are extenuating circumstances, any person placed upon supervised or unsupervised probation under the terms set forth by the court shall, as a condition of probation, be required to pay all court costs and costs for appointed counsel or public defender in the case in which he was convicted. The cost of appointed counsel or public defender services shall be determined in accordance with rules adopted by the Office of Indigent Defense Services. The court shall determine the amount of those costs to be repaid and the method of payment.
(f)	Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 561, s. 5.
(g)	Probation Officer May Determine Payment Schedules. – If a person placed on supervised probation is required as a condition of that probation to pay any moneys to the clerk of superior court, the court may delegate to a probation officer the responsibility to determine the payment schedule. The court may also authorize the probation officer to transfer the person to unsupervised probation after all the moneys are paid to the clerk. If the probation officer transfers a person to unsupervised probation, he must notify the clerk of that action."
SECTION 1.2.  G.S. 143B‑262 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(e)	The Department, in consultation with the Domestic Violence Commission, and in accordance with established best practices, shall establish a domestic violence treatment program for offenders sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the custody of the Department and whose official record includes a finding by the court that the offender committed acts of domestic violence.
The Department shall ensure that inmates, whose record includes a finding by the court that the offender committed acts of domestic violence, complete a domestic violence treatment program prior to the completion of the period of incarceration, unless other requirements, deemed critical by the Department, prevent program completion. In the event an inmate does not complete the program during the period of incarceration, the Department shall document, in the inmate's official record, specific reasons why that particular inmate did not or was not able to complete the program."
SECTION 1.3.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART II. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 2.1.  G.S. 17C‑6(a)(2) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	In addition to powers conferred upon the Commission elsewhere in this Chapter, the Commission shall have the following powers, which shall be enforceable through its rules and regulations, certification procedures, or the provisions of G.S. 17C‑10:
…
(2)	Establish minimum educational and training standards that must be met in order to qualify for entry level employment and retention as a criminal justice officer in temporary or probationary status or in a permanent position. The standards for entry level employment shall include education and training in response to, and investigation of, domestic violence cases, as well as training in investigation for evidence‑based prosecutions."
SECTION 2.2.  The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the domestic violence education and training required by Section 2.1 of this part is incorporated into all Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) courses as soon as practicable. However, the domestic violence education and training shall be part of the required BLET curriculum no later than March 1, 2005.
SECTION 2.3.  G.S. 17C‑6(a)(14) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	In addition to powers conferred upon the Commission elsewhere in this Chapter, the Commission shall have the following powers, which shall be enforceable through its rules and regulations, certification procedures, or the provisions of G.S. 17C‑10:
…
(14)	Establish minimum standards for in‑service training for criminal justice officers. In‑service training standards shall include training in response to, and investigation of, domestic violence cases, as well as training investigation for evidence‑based prosecutions."
SECTION 2.4.  The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the domestic violence in‑service training required by Section 2.3 of this part is available no later than March 1, 2005.
SECTION 2.5.  G.S. 17C‑6(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(15)	Establish minimum standards and levels of training for certification of instructors for the domestic violence training required by subdivisions (2) and (14) of this subsection."
SECTION 2.6.  The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the standards and training required for certification under Section 2.5 of this part are implemented no later than March 1, 2005.
SECTION 2.7.  G.S. 17E‑4(a)(2) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	The Commission shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities, which are enforceable through its rules and regulations, certification procedures, or the provisions of G.S. 17E‑8 and G.S. 17E‑9:
…
(2)	Establish minimum educational and training standards that may be met in order to qualify for entry level employment as an officer in temporary or probationary status or in a permanent  position. The standards for entry level employment of officers shall include training in response to, and investigation of, domestic violence cases, as well as training in investigation for evidence‑based prosecutions. For purposes of the domestic violence training requirement, the term 'officers' shall include justice officers as defined in G.S. 17E‑2(3)a., except that the term shall not include 'special deputy sheriffs' as defined in G.S. 17E‑2(3)a.;".
SECTION 2.8.  The North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the domestic violence education and training required by Section 2.7 of this part is incorporated into all Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) courses as soon as practicable.  However, the domestic violence education and training shall be part of the required BLET curriculum no later than March 1, 2005.
SECTION 2.9.  G.S. 17E‑4(a)(10) reads as rewritten:
"(10)	Enter into contracts incident to the administration of its authority pursuant to this Chapter;".
SECTION 2.10.  G.S. 17E‑4(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(11)	Establish minimum standards for in‑service training for justice officers. In‑service training standards shall include training in response to, and investigation of, domestic violence cases, as well as training in investigation for evidence‑based prosecutions. For purposes of the domestic violence training requirement, the term 'justice officer' shall include those defined in G.S. 17E‑2(3)a., except that the term shall not include 'special deputy sheriffs' as defined in G.S. 17E‑2(3)a.;".
SECTION 2.11.  The North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the domestic violence in‑service training required by Section 2.9 of this part is available no later than March 1, 2005. 
SECTION 2.12.  G.S. 17E‑4(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(12)	Establish minimum standards and levels of training for certification of instructors for the domestic violence training required by subdivisions (2) and (11) of this subsection."
SECTION 2.13.  The North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission shall ensure that the standards and training required for certification under Section 2.11 of this part are implemented no later than March 1, 2005.
SECTION 2.14.  The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission shall report to the General Assembly on or before March 1, 2005, on the exact standards implemented and the dates they were implemented.
SECTION 2.15.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART III. STUDY OF ANTI‑VIOLENCE EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND TRAINING FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL
SECTION 3.1.  The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, shall study the issue of anti‑violence programs in the schools.  In studying this issue, the Department shall answer the following:
(1)	How are schools currently addressing anti‑violence in their curriculum;
(2)	How do current curriculums vary at each grade level, K‑12;
(3)	Do currently used curriculums address physical violence and mental or verbal abuse, particularly instances of domestic and relationship violence;
(4)	Should the State require every public school to have an anti‑violence program of instruction incorporated into the curriculum;
(5)	Should an anti‑violence program be required at every grade level;
(6)	What would be an appropriate curriculum for each grade level;
(7)	What minimum requirements should be present in an appropriate curriculum to ensure that the curriculum addresses physical violence, mental or verbal abuse, and domestic and relationship violence;
(8)	Should the State implement a particular anti‑violence curriculum or allow individual schools to choose an appropriate curriculum from an approved list; and
(9)	What is the fiscal impact of implementing an anti‑violence program for all schools, including additional staffing needs, if any.
In studying this issue, the Department shall examine some of the anti‑violence programs that are in use throughout the country. In addition to any other specific programs examined, the Department shall review in detail the "Second Step" program developed by the Committee for Children.
The Department shall make a preliminary report to the House Select Committee on Domestic Violence and to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than October 1, 2004, and a final report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2005.
SECTION 3.2.  The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, shall study training for school personnel dealing with students who are victims of physical violence and mental or verbal abuse, particularly instances of domestic violence and relationship violence.  In studying this issue, the Department shall answer the following:
(1)	What type of training is currently available and/or required for school personnel.
(2)	Should training be required for school personnel.
(3)	If training should be required, which school personnel should be required to receive the training.
(4)	What type of training should be required.
(5)	What is the fiscal impact of requiring school personnel to receive such training.
The Department shall make a preliminary report to the House Select Committee on Domestic Violence and to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than October 1, 2004, and a final report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2005.
SECTION 3.3.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART IV. LEGAL SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SECTION 4.1.  Chapter 7A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Article to read:
"Article 37B.
"Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Act.
"§ 7A‑474.6.  Legislative findings and purpose.
The General Assembly of North Carolina declares it to be its purpose to provide access to legal representation for domestic violence victims in certain kinds of civil matters. The General Assembly finds that such representation can best be provided in an efficient, effective, and economic manner through established legal services programs in this State.
"§ 7A‑474.7.  Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)	"Domestic violence victim" means a resident of North Carolina that has been subjected to acts of domestic violence as defined in G.S. 50B‑1. A resident is not required to seek a protective order under Chapter 50B of the General Statutes to qualify as a domestic violence victim under this Article.
(2)	"Legal assistance" means the provision of any legal services, as defined by Chapter 84 of the General Statutes, consistent with this Article. Provided, that all legal services provided hereunder shall be performed consistently with the Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by the North Carolina State Bar. Provided, further, that no funds appropriated under this Article shall be used for lobbying to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation before any municipal, county, state, or national legislative body.
(3)	"Established legal services program" means the following not‑for‑profit corporations using State funds to serve the counties listed: Legal Aid Society of Northwest North Carolina, serving Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties; Pisgah Legal Services, serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties; and Legal Aid of North Carolina; or any successor entity or entities of the named organizations, or, should any of the named organizations dissolve, the entity or entities providing substantially the same services in substantially the same service area.
"§ 7A‑474.8.  Eligible activities and limitations.
(a)	Eligible Activities. – Funds appropriated under this Article shall be used only for the following purposes:
(1)	To provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims;
(2)	To provide education to domestic violence victims regarding their rights and duties under the law;
(3)	To involve the private bar in the representation of domestic violence victims pursuant to this Article.
(b)	Eligible Cases. – The funds shall be prioritized by each legal services program to serve the greatest number of eligible clients, with emphasis placed on representation of clients needing legal assistance with proceedings pursuant to Chapter 50B of the General Statutes. Legal assistance shall be provided to eligible clients under this Article only in the following types of cases:
(1)	Actions for protective orders issued pursuant to Chapter 50B of the General Statutes;
(2)	Child custody and visitation issues; and
(3)	Legal services which ensure the safety of the client and the client's children.
(c)	Limitations. – No funds appropriated under this Article shall be used for any of the following purposes:
(1)	To provide legal assistance with respect to any criminal proceeding; or
(2)	To provide legal assistance to any prisoner within the North Carolina Department of Correction with regard to the terms of that person's incarceration.
"§ 7A‑474.9.  Funds.
Funds to provide representation pursuant to this Article shall be provided to the North Carolina State Bar for provision of direct services by and support of the established legal services programs. The North Carolina State Bar shall allocate these funds directly to each of the established legal services programs with Pisgah Legal Services receiving the allocation for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties, and Legal Aid Society of Northwest North Carolina receiving the allocation for Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties. Funds shall be allocated to each program based on the counties served by that program using the following formula:
(1)	Twenty percent (20%) based on a fixed equal dollar amount for each county;
(2)	Eighty percent (80%) based on the rate of civil actions filed pursuant to Chapter 50B of the General Statutes in that county.
The North Carolina State Bar shall not use any of these funds for its administrative costs.
"§ 7A‑474.10.  Records and reports.
The established legal services programs shall keep appropriate records and make periodic reports, as requested, to the North Carolina State Bar. The North Carolina State Bar shall report annually to the General Assembly on the amount of the funds disbursed and the use of the funds by each legal services program receiving funds. The report to the General Assembly shall be made by January 15 of each year beginning January 15, 2006."
SECTION 4.2.  G.S. 84‑4.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 84‑4.1.  Limited practice of out‑of‑state attorneys.
(a)	Any attorney domiciled in another state, and regularly admitted to practice in the courts of record of that state and in good standing therein, having been retained as attorney for a party to any civil or criminal legal proceeding pending in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, the Office of Administrative Hearings of North Carolina, or any administrative agency, may, on motion, be admitted to practice in that forum for the sole purpose of appearing for a client in the litigation. The motion required under this section shall be signed by the attorney and shall contain or be accompanied by:
(1)	The attorney's full name, post‑office address, bar membership number, and status as a practicing attorney in another state.
(2)	A statement, signed by the client, setting forth the client's address and declaring that the client has retained the attorney to represent the client in the proceeding.
(3)	A statement that unless permitted to withdraw sooner by order of the court, the attorney will continue to represent the client in the proceeding until the final determination thereof, and that with reference to all matters incident to the proceeding, the attorney agrees to be subject to the orders and amenable to the disciplinary action and the civil jurisdiction of the General Court of Justice and the North Carolina State Bar in all respects as if the attorney were a regularly admitted and licensed member of the Bar of North Carolina in good standing.
(4)	A statement that the state in which the attorney is regularly admitted to practice grants like privileges to members of the Bar of North Carolina in good standing.
(5)	A statement to the effect that the attorney has associated and is personally appearing in the proceeding, with an attorney who is a resident of this State and is duly and legally admitted to practice in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina, upon whom service may be had in all matters connected with the legal proceedings, or any disciplinary matter, with the same effect as if personally made on the foreign attorney within this State.
(6)	A statement accurately disclosing a record of all that attorney's disciplinary history. Discipline shall include (i) public discipline by any court or lawyer regulatory organization, and (ii) revocation of any pro hac vice admission.
(7)	A fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Compliance with the foregoing requirements does not deprive the court of the discretionary power to allow or reject the application.
(b)	Fees collected under this section shall be remitted to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.9."
SECTION 4.3.  Section 4.1 of this part is effective when it becomes law.  Section 4.2 of this part becomes effective July 1, 2004, and applies to all motions filed on or after that date.  The remainder of this part is effective when it becomes law.
PART V. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VICTIM SERVICES
SECTION 5.1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Administration, to be credited to the Domestic Violence Center Fund established under G.S. 50B‑9, the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the 2004‑2005 fiscal year.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that this become a recurring appropriation.
SECTION 5.2.  This part becomes effective July 1, 2004. 
PART VI. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATES ON CHILD FATALITY TASK FORCE
SECTION 6.1.  G.S. 7B‑1402 reads as rewritten:
"§ 7B‑1402.  Task Force – creation; membership; vacancies.
(a)	There is created the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force within the Department of Health and Human Services for budgetary purposes only.
(b)	The Task Force shall be composed of 35 members, 11 of whom shall be ex officio members, four of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, 10 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 10 of whom shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The ex officio members other than the Chief Medical Examiner shall be nonvoting members and may designate representatives from their particular departments, divisions, or offices to represent them on the Task Force. The members shall be as follows:
(1)	The Chief Medical Examiner;
(2)	The Attorney General;
(3)	The Director of the Division of Social Services;
(4)	The Director of the State Bureau of Investigation;
(5)	The Director of the Division of Maternal and Child Health of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(6)	The Director of the Governor's Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office;
(7)	The Superintendent of Public Instruction;
(8)	The Chairman of the State Board of Education;
(9)	The Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services;
(10)	The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(11)	The Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts;
(12)	A director of a county department of social services, appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the President of the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services;
(13)	A representative from a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome counseling and education program, appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Director of the Division of Maternal and Child Health of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(14)	A representative from the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute, appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the President of the Institute;
(15)	A director of a local department of health, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the President of the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors;
(16)	A representative from a private group, other than the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute, that advocates for children, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon recommendation of private child advocacy organizations;
(17)	A pediatrician, licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon recommendation of the North Carolina Pediatric Society;
(18)	A representative from the North Carolina League of Municipalities, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon recommendation of the League;
(18a)	A representative from the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon recommendation of the Director of the Commission;
(19)	One public member, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(20)	A county or municipal law enforcement officer, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate upon recommendation of organizations that represent local law enforcement officers;
(21)	A district attorney, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate upon recommendation of the President of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys;
(22)	A representative from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate upon recommendation of the Association;
(22a)	A representative from the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate upon recommendation of the Executive Director of the Coalition;
(23)	One public member, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
(24)	Five members of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and five members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(c)	All members of the Task Force are voting members. Vacancies in the appointed membership shall be filled by the appointing officer who made the initial appointment. Terms shall be two years. The members shall elect a chair who shall preside for the duration of the chair's term as member. In the event a vacancy occurs in the chair before the expiration of the chair's term, the members shall elect an acting chair to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term."
SECTION 6.2.  The public members serving on the Child Fatality Task Force on the effective date of this act shall complete their current terms.  The new appointments contained in Section 1 of this act shall take effect at the end of those terms.
SECTION 6.3.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART VII. STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
SECTION 7.1.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall study and develop a plan for serving clients of domestic violence programs with mental health and substance abuse service needs.  The plan will address providing diagnostic and referral services for any client suspected of having a mental illness or a substance abuse problem.  The plan will also address the delivery of appropriate services to clients meeting the target population criteria, as defined in the State Plan developed pursuant to G.S. 122C‑102.  Services must be best practices, as determined by the Department.  The Department will consult various stakeholders in the domestic violence network of organizations.  The Department will also consider the delivery of services to children identified through domestic violence programs.  The Department shall also consider the fiscal impact, if any, of implementing the plan developed pursuant to this study.
The Department shall make a preliminary report to the House Select Committee on Domestic Violence and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services no later than October 1, 2004, and a final report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2005.
SECTION 7.2.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART VIII. STUDY OF CLE CREDIT FOR PRO BONO LEGAL REPRESENTATION
SECTION 8.1.  The North Carolina State Bar, in cooperation with the North Carolina Bar Association, shall study the issue of providing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit to active attorneys for providing pro bono legal representation.  The Bar shall consider what types of pro bono legal representation, if any, should qualify for CLE credit and what administrative requirements would be necessary to provide such credit.  The Bar shall specifically look at the possible benefits of providing CLE credit for pro bono legal representation to domestic violence victims.  The Bar shall also consider the fiscal impact, if any, of providing the credit.
The Bar shall make a preliminary report to the House Select Committee on Domestic Violence no later than October 1, 2004, and a final report to the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2005.
SECTION 8.2.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART IX. DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIP AGGRAVATING FACTOR
SECTION 9.1. G.S. 15A‑1340.16(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Aggravating Factors. – The following are aggravating factors:
(1)	The defendant induced others to participate in the commission of the offense or occupied a position of leadership or dominance of other participants.
(2)	The defendant joined with more than one other person in committing the offense and was not charged with committing a conspiracy.
(2a)	The offense was committed for the benefit of, or at the direction of, any criminal street gang, with the specific intent to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct by gang members, and the defendant was not charged with committing a conspiracy. A "criminal street gang" means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of felony or violent misdemeanor offenses, or delinquent acts that would be felonies or violent misdemeanors if committed by an adult, and having a common name or common identifying sign, colors, or symbols.
(3)	The offense was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or effecting an escape from custody.
(4)	The defendant was hired or paid to commit the offense.
(5)	The offense was committed to disrupt or hinder the lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of laws.
(6)	The offense was committed against or proximately caused serious injury to a present or former law enforcement officer, employee of the Department of Correction, jailer, fireman, emergency medical technician, ambulance attendant, justice or judge, clerk or assistant or deputy clerk of court, magistrate, prosecutor, juror, or witness against the defendant, while engaged in the performance of that person's official duties or because of the exercise of that person's official duties.
(7)	The offense was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
(8)	The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person by means of a weapon or device which would normally be hazardous to the lives of more than one person.
(9)	The defendant held public office at the time of the offense and the offense related to the conduct of the office.
(10)	The defendant was armed with or used a deadly weapon at the time of the crime.
(11)	The victim was very young, or very old, or mentally or physically infirm, or handicapped.
(12)	The defendant committed the offense while on pretrial release on another charge.
(13)	The defendant involved a person under the age of 16 in the commission of the crime.
(14)	The offense involved an attempted or actual taking of property of great monetary value or damage causing great monetary loss, or the offense involved an unusually large quantity of contraband.
(15)	The defendant took advantage of a position of trust or confidence, including a domestic relationship, to commit the offense.
(16)	The offense involved the sale or delivery of a controlled substance to a minor.
(17)	The offense for which the defendant stands convicted was committed against a victim because of the victim's race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin.
(18)	The defendant does not support the defendant's family.
(18a)	The defendant has previously been adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a Class A, B1, B2, C, D, or E felony if committed by an adult.
(19)	The serious injury inflicted upon the victim is permanent and debilitating.
(20)	Any other aggravating factor reasonably related to the purposes of sentencing.
Evidence necessary to prove an element of the offense shall not be used to prove any factor in aggravation, and the same item of evidence shall not be used to prove more than one factor in aggravation. Evidence necessary to establish that an enhanced sentence is required under G.S. 15A‑1340.16A may not be used to prove any factor in aggravation.
The judge shall not consider as an aggravating factor the fact that the defendant exercised the right to a jury trial."
SECTION 9.2.  This part is effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART X. CREATE STRANGULATION OFFENSE
SECTION 10.1.  G.S. 14‑32.4 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14‑32.4.  Assault inflicting serious bodily injury; strangulation; penalties.
(a)	Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, any person who assaults another person and inflicts serious bodily injury is guilty of a Class F felony. "Serious bodily injury" is defined as bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death, or that causes serious permanent disfigurement, coma, a permanent or protracted condition that causes extreme pain, or permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or that results in prolonged hospitalization.
(b)	Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, any person who assaults another person and inflicts physical injury by strangulation is guilty of a Class H felony."
SECTION 10.2.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART XI. AMEND HABITUAL MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT STATUTE
SECTION 11.1.  G.S. 14‑33.2 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14‑33.2.  Habitual misdemeanor assault.
A person commits the offense of habitual misdemeanor assault if that person violates any of the provisions of G.S. 14‑33 and causes physical injury, or G.S. 14‑34, and has two or more prior convictions for either misdemeanor or felony assault. A conviction under this section shall not be used as a prior conviction for any other habitual offense statute. A person convicted of violating this section is guilty of a Class H felony."
SECTION 11.2.  This part is effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.  Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of this part are not abated or affected by this part, and the statutory provisions that would be applicable but for this part remain applicable to those prosecutions.
PART XII. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE TRACKING
SECTION 12.1.  Article 86 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 15A‑1382.1. Reports of disposition; domestic violence; sentencing.
(a)	When a defendant is found guilty of an offense involving assault, or communicating a threat, the presiding judge shall determine whether the defendant and victim had a personal relationship. If the judge determines that there was a personal relationship between the defendant and the victim, then the judge shall indicate on the form reflecting the judgment that the case involved domestic violence. The clerk of court shall insure that the official record of the defendant's conviction includes the court's determination, so that any inquiry into the defendant's criminal record will reflect that the offense involved domestic violence.
(b)	If the presiding judge determines that there was a personal relationship between the defendant and the victim, and a sentence to community punishment is imposed, the judge shall determine whether the defendant shall comply with one or more of the special conditions of probation set forth at G.S. 15A‑1343(b1), in addition to any other authorized punishment. Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 15A‑1340.11(6)c., the court may require the defendant to comply with the provisions of G.S. 15A‑1343(b1)(3c).
(c)	The following definitions apply to this section:
(1)	"Personal relationship" is as defined in G.S. 50B‑1(b).
(2)	"An offense involving assault" includes any offense where an assault occurred, whether or not the conviction is for an offense under Article 8 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes.
(3)	"Inquiry" shall include any lawful review of the criminal records of persons convicted of an offense in this State, whether by law enforcement personnel or by private individuals."
SECTION 12.2.  This part is effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART XIII. AMEND PROBATION RULES
SECTION 13.1.  G.S. 15A‑1343.2 reads as rewritten:
"§ 15A‑1343.2.  Special probation rules for persons sentenced under Article 81B.
(a)	Applicability. – This section applies only to persons sentenced under Article 81B of this Chapter.
(b)	Purposes of Probation for Community and Intermediate Punishments. – The Department of Correction shall develop a plan to handle offenders sentenced to community and intermediate punishments. The probation program designed to handle these offenders shall have the following principal purposes: to hold offenders accountable for making restitution, to ensure compliance with the court's judgment, to effectively rehabilitate offenders by directing them to specialized treatment or education programs, and to protect the public safety.
(c)	Probation Caseload Goals. – It is the goal of the General Assembly that, subject to the availability of funds, caseloads for probation officers supervising persons sentenced to community punishment should not exceed an average of 90 offenders per officer, and caseloads for offenders sentenced to intermediate punishments should not exceed an average of 60 offenders per officer by July 1, 1998.
(d)	Lengths of Probation Terms Under Structured Sentencing. – Unless the court makes specific findings that longer or shorter periods of probation are necessary, the length of the original period of probation for offenders sentenced under Article 81B shall be as follows:
(1)	For misdemeanants sentenced to community punishment, not less than six nor more than 18 months;
(2)	For misdemeanants sentenced to intermediate punishment, not less than 12 nor more than 24 months;
(3)	For felons sentenced to community punishment, not less than 12 nor more than 30 months; and
(4)	For felons sentenced to intermediate punishment, not less than 18 nor more than 36 months.
If the court finds at the time of sentencing that a longer period of probation is necessary, that period may not exceed a maximum of five years, as specified in G.S. 15A‑1342 and G.S. 15A‑1351.
Extension. – The court may with the consent of the offender extend the original period of the probation if necessary to complete a program of restitution or to complete medical or psychiatric treatment ordered as a condition of probation. This extension may be for no more than three years, and may only be ordered in the last six months of the original period of probation.
(e)	Delegation to Probation Officer in Community Punishment. – Unless the presiding judge specifically finds in the judgment of the court that delegation is not appropriate, the Division of Community Corrections in the Department of Correction may require an offender sentenced to community punishment to any of the following:
(1)	Perform up to 20 hours of community service, and pay the fee prescribed by law for this supervision.
(2)	Report to the offender's probation officer on a frequency to be determined by the officer.
(3)	Submit to substance abuse assessment, monitoring or treatment.
(4)	Submit to a curfew that requires the offender to remain in a specified place for a specified period each day and wear a device that permits the offender's compliance with the condition to be monitored electronically.If the Division imposes any of the above requirements, then it may subsequently reduce or remove those same requirements.
If the probation officer exercises authority delegated by the court pursuant to this subsection, the offender may file a motion with the court to review the action taken by the probation officer. The offender shall be given notice of the right to seek such a court review. The Division may exercise any authority delegated to it under this subsection only if it first determines that the offender has failed to comply with one or more of the conditions of probation imposed by the court.
(f)	Delegation to Probation Officer in Intermediate Punishments. – Unless the presiding judge specifically finds in the judgment of the court that delegation is not appropriate, the Division of Community Corrections in the Department of Correction may require an offender sentenced to intermediate punishment to any of the following:
(1)	Perform up to 50 hours of community service, and pay the fee prescribed by law for this supervision.
(2)	Submit to a curfew that requires the offender to remain in a specified place for a specified period each day and wear a device that permits the offender's compliance with the condition to be monitored electronically.
(3)	Submit to substance abuse assessment, monitoring or treatment.
(4)	Participate in an educational or vocational skills development program.
If the Division imposes any of the above requirements, then it may subsequently reduce or remove those same requirements.
If the probation officer exercises authority delegated to him or her by the court pursuant to this subsection, the offender may file a motion with the court to review the action taken by the probation officer. The offender shall be given notice of the right to seek such a court review. The Division may exercise any authority delegated to it under this subsection only if it first determines that the offender has failed to comply with one or more of the conditions of probation imposed by the court.
(g)	Repealed by Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 19, s. 3.
(h)	Definitions. – For purposes of this section, the definitions in G.S. 15A‑1340.11 apply."
SECTION 13.2.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART XIV. STUDY OF MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
SECTION 14.1.  The General Assembly finds that the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission has adopted formal criteria for classifying felony offenses. The Sentencing Commission has identified three general types of harms:  harms to persons (including both physical and mental injury); harms to property; and (3) harms to society.  The degrees of harm are divided into three levels:
(1)	Injury to person, property, or society;
(2)	Significant injury to person, property, or society, and
(3)	Serious injury to person, property, or society. The stated purpose of establishing the criteria was "to create a rational and consistent philosophical basis for classifying offenses; to assure proportionality in severity; and to provide a guidepost for classifying new crimes in the future."
In contrast to the felony classification criteria, the Commission did not create classification criteria for misdemeanors. However, the current misdemeanor sentencing laws include an assault offense that has serious injury as an element – even though "serious injury to a person" is a category of harm for felony offense classification. The General Assembly finds that the classification of assault offenses that involve serious injury as misdemeanors is inconsistent with the Sentencing Commission's classification of felonies based on harm.
The North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, pursuant to its statutory responsibilities under Article 4 of Chapter 164 of the General Statutes, shall study the classification of misdemeanor offenses. In particular, the Commission shall examine the classification of assault offenses in relation to property offenses, crimes against society, and felony assault offenses. The Commission shall develop a system for classifying misdemeanor offenses on the basis of their severity. The Commission may consider reclassifying existing offenses and creating new offenses in order to insure proportionality and consistency. The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2005 General Assembly, 2005 Regular Session. The report shall describe the status of the Commission's work, and shall include any completed policy recommendations and proposed legislation. The Commission shall make a final report to the 2005 General Assembly, 2006 Regular Session.
SECTION 14.2.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART XV. WARRANTLESS ARREST FOR VIOLATION OF PRETRIAL RELEASE CONDITIONS
SECTION 15.1.  G.S. 15A‑401 reads as rewritten:
"§ 15A‑401.  Arrest by law‑enforcement officer.
(a)	Arrest by Officer Pursuant to a Warrant. –
(1)	Warrant in Possession of Officer. – An officer having a warrant for arrest in his possession may arrest the person named or described therein at any time and at any place within the officer's territorial jurisdiction.
(2)	Warrant Not in Possession of Officer. – An officer who has knowledge that a warrant for arrest has been issued and has not been executed, but who does not have the warrant in his possession, may arrest the person named therein at any time. The officer must inform the person arrested that the warrant has been issued and serve the warrant upon him as soon as possible. This subdivision applies even though the arrest process has been returned to the clerk under G.S. 15A‑301.
(b)	Arrest by Officer Without a Warrant. –
(1)	Offense in Presence of Officer. – An officer may arrest without a warrant any person who the officer has probable cause to believe has committed a criminal offense in the officer's presence.
(2)	Offense Out of Presence of Officer. – An officer may arrest without a warrant any person who the officer has probable cause to believe:
a.	Has committed a felony; or
b.	Has committed a misdemeanor, and:
1.	Will not be apprehended unless immediately arrested, or
2.	May cause physical injury to himself or others, or damage to property unless immediately arrested; or
c.	Has committed a misdemeanor under G.S. 14‑72.1, 14‑134.3, 20‑138.1, or 20‑138.2; or
d.	Has committed a misdemeanor under G.S. 14‑33(a), 14‑33(c)(1), 14‑33(c)(2), or 14‑34 when the offense was committed by a person with whom the alleged victim has a personal relationship as defined in G.S. 50B‑1; 
e.	Has committed a misdemeanor under G.S.  50B‑4.1(a); or
f.	Has violated a pretrial release order entered under G.S. 15A‑534.1(a)(2).
(3)	Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 150.
(4)	A law enforcement officer may detain an individual arrested for violation of an order limiting freedom of movement or access issued pursuant to G.S. 130A‑475 or G.S. 130A‑145 in the area designated by the State Health Director or local health director pursuant to such order. The person may be detained in such area until the initial appearance before a judicial official pursuant to G.S. 15A‑511 and G.S. 15A‑534.5.
(c)	How Arrest Made. –
(1)	An arrest is complete when:
a.	The person submits to the control of the arresting officer who has indicated his intention to arrest, or
b.	The arresting officer, with intent to make an arrest, takes a person into custody by the use of physical force.
(2)	Upon making an arrest, a law‑enforcement officer must:
a.	Identify himself as a law‑enforcement officer unless his identity is otherwise apparent,
b.	Inform the arrested person that he is under arrest, and
c.	As promptly as is reasonable under the circumstances, inform the arrested person of the cause of the arrest, unless the cause appears to be evident.
(d)	Use of Force in Arrest. –
(1)	Subject to the provisions of subdivision (2), a law‑enforcement officer is justified in using force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary:
a.	To prevent the escape from custody or to effect an arrest of a person who he reasonably believes has committed a criminal offense, unless he knows that the arrest is unauthorized; or
b.	To defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of physical force while effecting or attempting to effect an arrest or while preventing or attempting to prevent an escape.
(2)	A law‑enforcement officer is justified in using deadly physical force upon another person for a purpose specified in subdivision (1) of this subsection only when it is or appears to be reasonably necessary thereby:
a.	To defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force;
b.	To effect an arrest or to prevent the escape from custody of a person who he reasonably believes is attempting to escape by means of a deadly weapon, or who by his conduct or any other means indicates that he presents an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to others unless apprehended without delay; or
c.	To prevent the escape of a person from custody imposed upon him as a result of conviction for a felony.
Nothing in this subdivision constitutes justification for willful, malicious or criminally negligent conduct by any person which injures or endangers any person or property, nor shall it be construed to excuse or justify the use of unreasonable or excessive force.
(e)	Entry on Private Premises or Vehicle; Use of Force. –
(1)	A law‑enforcement officer may enter private premises or a vehicle to effect an arrest when:
a.	The officer has in his possession a warrant or order or a copy of the warrant or order for the arrest of a person, provided that an officer may utilize a copy of a warrant or order only if the original warrant or order is in the possession of a member of a law enforcement agency located in the county where the officer is employed and the officer verifies with the agency that the warrant is current and valid; or the officer is authorized to arrest a person without a warrant or order having been issued,
b.	The officer has reasonable cause to believe the person to be arrested is present, and
c.	The officer has given, or made reasonable effort to give, notice of his authority and purpose to an occupant thereof, unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the giving of such notice would present a clear danger to human life.
(2)	The law‑enforcement officer may use force to enter the premises or vehicle if he reasonably believes that admittance is being denied or unreasonably delayed, or if he is authorized under subsection (e)(1)c to enter without giving notice of his authority and purpose.
(f)	Use of Deadly Weapon or Deadly Force to Resist Arrest. –
(1)	A person is not justified in using a deadly weapon or deadly force to resist an arrest by a law‑enforcement officer using reasonable force, when the person knows or has reason to know that the officer is a law‑enforcement officer and that the officer is effecting or attempting to effect an arrest.
(2)	The fact that the arrest was not authorized under this section is no defense to an otherwise valid criminal charge arising out of the use of such deadly weapon or deadly force.
(3)	Nothing contained in this subsection (f) shall be construed to excuse or justify the unreasonable or excessive force by an officer in effecting an arrest. Nothing contained in this subsection (f) shall be construed to bar or limit any civil action arising out of an arrest not authorized by this Article."
SECTION 15.2.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
PART XVI. CONFORM STATE FIREARMS LAW TO FEDERAL LAW
SECTION 16.1.  G.S. 14‑415.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14‑415.1.  Possession of firearms, etc., by felon prohibited.
(a)	It shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to purchase, own, possess, or have in his custody, care, or control any firearm or any weapon of mass death and destruction as defined in G.S. 14‑288.8(c). For the purposes of this section, a firearm is (i) any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or its frame or receiver, or (ii) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.
Every person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished as a Class G felon.

(b)	Prior convictions which cause disentitlement under this section shall only include:
(1)	Felony convictions in North Carolina that occur before, on, or after December 1, 1995; and
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 487, s. 3.
(3)	Violations of criminal laws of other states or of the United States that occur before, on, or after December 1, 1995, and that are substantially similar to the crimes covered in subdivision (1) which are punishable where committed by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
When a person is charged under this section, records of prior convictions of any offense, whether in the courts of this State, or in the courts of any other state or of the United States, shall be admissible in evidence for the purpose of proving a violation of this section. The term "conviction" is defined as a final judgment in any case in which felony punishment, or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, as the case may be, is permissible, without regard to the plea entered or to the sentence imposed. A judgment of a conviction of the defendant or a plea of guilty by the defendant to such an offense certified to a superior court of this State from the custodian of records of any state or federal court shall be prima facie evidence of the facts so certified.
(c)	The indictment charging the defendant under the terms of this section shall be separate from any indictment charging him with other offenses related to or giving rise to a charge under this section. An indictment which charges the person with violation of this section must set forth the date that the prior offense was committed, the type of offense and the penalty therefore, and the date that the defendant was convicted or plead guilty to such offense, the identity of the court in which the conviction or plea of guilty took place and the verdict and judgment rendered therein."
SECTION 16.2.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004, 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 statutory provisions that would be applicable but for this act remain applicable to those prosecutions.
PART XVII. SPECIFICALLY ALLOW CROSS WARRANTS
SECTION 17.1.  G.S. 15A‑304 reads as rewritten:
"§ 15A‑304.  Warrant for arrest.
(a)	Definition. – A warrant for arrest consists of a statement of the crime of which the person to be arrested is accused, and an order directing that the person so accused be arrested and held to answer to the charges made against him. It is based upon a showing of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.
(b)	When Issued. – A warrant for arrest may be issued, instead of or subsequent to a criminal summons, when it appears to the judicial official that the person named should be taken into custody. Circumstances to be considered in determining whether the person should be taken into custody may include, but are not limited to, failure to appear when previously summoned, facts making it apparent that a person summoned will fail to appear, danger that the person accused will escape, danger that there may be injury to person or property, or the seriousness of the offense.
(c)	Statement of the Crime. – The warrant must contain a statement of the crime of which the person to be arrested is accused. No warrant for arrest, nor any arrest made pursuant thereto, is invalid because of any technicality of pleading if the statement is sufficient to identify the crime.
(d)	Showing of Probable Cause. – A judicial official may issue a warrant for arrest only when he is supplied with sufficient information, supported by oath or affirmation, to make an independent judgment that there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the person to be arrested committed it. The information must be shown by one or more of the following:
(1)	Affidavit;
(2)	Oral testimony under oath or affirmation before the issuing official; or
(3)	Oral testimony under oath or affirmation presented by a sworn law enforcement officer to the issuing official by means of an audio and video transmission in which both parties can see and hear each other. Prior to the use of audio and video transmission pursuant to this subdivision, the procedures and type of equipment for audio and video transmission shall be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts by the senior regular resident superior court judge and the chief district court judge for a judicial district or set of districts and approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
If the information is insufficient to show probable cause, the warrant may not be issued. A judicial official shall not refuse to issue a warrant for the arrest of a person solely because a prior warrant has been issued for the arrest of another person involved in the same matter.
(e)	Order for Arrest. – The order for arrest must direct that a law‑enforcement officer take the defendant into custody and bring him without unnecessary delay before a judicial official to answer to the charges made against him.
(f)	Who May Issue. – A warrant for arrest, valid throughout the State, may be issued by:
(1)	A Justice of the Supreme Court.
(2)	A judge of the Court of Appeals.
(3)	A judge of the superior court.
(4)	A judge of the district court, as provided in G.S. 7A‑291.
(5)	A clerk, as provided in G.S. 7A‑180 and 7A‑181.
(6)	A magistrate, as provided in G.S. 7A‑273."
SECTION 17.2.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART XVIII. CLARIFY NURSE'S PRIVILEGE
SECTION 18.1.  G.S. 8‑53.13 reads as rewritten:
"§ 8‑53.13.  Nurse privilege.
No person licensed pursuant to Article 9A of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes shall be required to disclose any information that may have been acquired in rendering professional nursing services, and which information was necessary to enable that person to render professional nursing services, except that the presiding judge of a superior or district court may compel disclosure if, in the court's opinion, disclosure is necessary to a proper administration of justice and disclosure is not prohibited by other 
statute or rule. Nothing in this section shall preclude the admission of otherwise admissible written or printed medical records in any judicial proceeding, in accordance with the procedure set forth in G.S. 8-44.1, after a determination by the court that disclosure should be compelled as set forth herein."
SECTION 18.2.  G.S. 8‑53.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 8‑53.1.  Physician‑patient and nurse privilege waived in child abuse.
Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 8‑53 and G.S. 8‑53.13, the physician‑patient  or nurse privilege shall not be a ground for excluding evidence regarding the abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16 years or regarding an illness of or injuries to such child or the cause thereof in any judicial proceeding related to a report pursuant to the North Carolina Juvenile Code, Chapter 7B of the General Statutes of North Carolina."
SECTION 18.3.  This part becomes effective December 1, 2004.
PART XIX. TEMPORARY CHILD CUSTODY IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS
SECTION 19.1.  G.S. 50‑13.2(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b)	An order for custody of a minor child may grant joint custody to the parents, exclusive custody to one person, agency, organization, or institution, or grant custody to two or more persons, agencies, organizations, or institutions. Any order for custody shall include such terms, including visitation, as will best promote the interest and welfare of the child. If the court finds that domestic violence has occurred, the court shall enter such orders that best protect the children and party who were the victims of domestic violence, in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 50B‑3(a1)(1), (2), and (3). If a party is absent or relocates with or without the children because of an act of domestic violence, the absence or relocation shall not be a factor that weighs against the party in determining custody or visitation. Absent an order of the court to the contrary, each parent shall have equal access to the records of the minor child involving the health, education, and welfare of the child."
SECTION 19.2.  G.S. 50B‑2 reads as rewritten:
"§ 50B‑2.  Institution of civil action; motion for emergency relief; temporary  orders; temporary custody.
(a)	Any person residing in this State may seek relief under this Chapter by filing a civil action or by filing a motion in any existing action filed under Chapter 50 of the General Statutes alleging acts of domestic violence against himself or herself or a minor child who resides with or is in the custody of such person. Any aggrieved party entitled to relief under this Chapter may file a civil action and proceed pro se, without the assistance of legal counsel. The district court division of the General Court of Justice shall have original jurisdiction over actions instituted under this Chapter. No court costs shall be assessed for the filing, issuance, registration, or service of a protective order or petition for a protective order or witness subpoena in compliance with the Violence Against Women Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3796gg‑5.
(b)	Emergency Relief. – A party may move the court for emergency relief if he or she believes there is a danger of serious and immediate injury to himself or herself or a minor child. A hearing on a motion for emergency relief, where no ex parte order is entered, shall be held after five days' notice of the hearing to the other party or after five days from the date of service of process on the other party, whichever occurs first, provided, however, that no hearing shall be required if the service of process is not completed on the other party. If the party is proceeding pro se and does not request an ex parte hearing, the clerk shall set a date for hearing and issue a notice of hearing within the time periods provided in this subsection, and shall effect service of the summons, complaint, notice, and other papers through the appropriate law enforcement agency where the defendant is to be served.
(c)	Ex Parte Orders. – Prior to the hearing, if it clearly appears to the court from specific facts shown, that there is a danger of acts of domestic violence against the aggrieved party or a minor child, the court may enter orders as it deems necessary to protect the aggrieved party or minor children from those acts provided, however, that a temporary order for custody ex parte and prior to service of process and notice shall not be entered unless the court finds that the child is exposed to a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse. If the court finds that the child is exposed to a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse, upon request of the aggrieved party, the court shall consider and may order the other party to stay away from a minor child, or to return a minor child to, or not remove a minor child from, the physical care of a parent or person in loco parentis, if the court finds that the order is in the best interest of the minor child and is necessary for the safety of the minor child. If the court determines that it is in the best interest of the minor child for the other party to have contact with the minor child or children, the court shall issue an order designed to protect the safety and well‑being of the minor child and the aggrieved party. The order shall specify the terms of contact between the other party and the minor child and may include a specific schedule of time and location of exchange of the minor child, supervision by a third party or supervised visitation center, and any other conditions that will ensure both the well‑being of the minor child and the aggrieved party. Upon the issuance of an ex parte order under this subsection, a hearing shall be held within 10 days from the date of issuance of the order or within seven days from the date of service of process on the other party, whichever occurs later. If an aggrieved party acting pro se requests ex parte relief, the clerk of superior court shall schedule an ex parte hearing with the district court division of the General Court of Justice within 72 hours of the filing for said relief, or by the end of the next day on which the district court is in session in the county in which the action was filed, whichever shall first occur. If the district court is not in session in said county, the aggrieved party may contact the clerk of superior court in any other county within the same judicial district who shall schedule an ex parte hearing with the district court division of the General Court of Justice by the end of the next day on which said court division is in session in that county. Upon the issuance of an ex parte order under this subsection, if the party is proceeding pro se, the Clerk shall set a date for hearing and issue a notice of hearing within the time periods provided in this subsection, and shall effect service of the summons, complaint, notice, order and other papers through the appropriate law enforcement agency where the defendant is to be served.
(c1)	Ex Parte Orders by Authorized Magistrate. – The chief district court judge may authorize a magistrate or magistrates to hear any motions for emergency relief ex parte. Prior to the hearing, if the magistrate determines that at the time the party is seeking emergency relief ex parte the district court is not in session and a district court judge is not and will not be available to hear the motion for a period of four or more hours, the motion may be heard by the magistrate. If it clearly appears to the magistrate from specific facts shown that there is a danger of acts of domestic violence against the aggrieved party or a minor child, the magistrate may enter orders as it deems necessary to protect the aggrieved party or minor children from those acts, except that a temporary order for custody ex parte and prior to service of process and notice shall not be entered unless the magistrate finds that the child is exposed to a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse. If the magistrate finds that the child is exposed to a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse, upon request of the aggrieved party, the magistrate shall consider and may order the other party to stay away from a minor child, or to return a minor child to, or not remove a minor child from, the physical care of a parent or person in loco parentis, if the magistrate finds that the order is in the best interest of the minor child and is necessary for the safety of the minor child. If the magistrate determines that it is in the best interest of the minor child for the other party to have contact with the minor child or children, the magistrate shall issue an order designed to protect the safety and well‑being of the minor child and the aggrieved party. The order shall specify the terms of contact between the other party and the minor child and may include a specific schedule of time and location of exchange of the minor child, supervision by a third party or supervised visitation center, and any other conditions that will ensure both the well‑being of the minor child and the aggrieved party. An ex parte order entered under this subsection shall expire and the magistrate shall schedule an ex parte hearing before a district court judge by the end of the next day on which the district court is in session in the county in which the action was filed. Ex parte orders entered by the district court judge pursuant to this subsection shall be entered and scheduled in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(c2)	The authority granted to authorized magistrates to award temporary child custody pursuant to subsection (c1) of this section and pursuant to G.S. 50B‑3(a)(4) is granted subject to custody rules to be established by the supervising chief district judge of each judicial district.
(d)	Pro Se Forms. – The clerk of superior court of each county shall provide to pro se complainants all forms which are necessary or appropriate to enable them to proceed pro se pursuant to this section. The Clerk shall provide a supply of pro se forms to authorized magistrates who shall make the forms available to complainants seeking relief under subsection (c1) of this section."
SECTION 19.3.  G.S. 50B‑3(a)(4) reads as rewritten:
"§ 50B‑3.  Relief.
(a)	The court, including magistrates as authorized under G.S. 50B‑2(c1), may grant any protective order to bring about a cessation of acts of domestic violence. The orders may:
…
(4)	Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights pursuant to G.S. 50B‑2 if the order is granted ex parte, and pursuant to subsection (a1) of this section if the order is granted after notice or service of process;"
…"
SECTION 19.4.  G.S. 50B‑3 is amended by adding the following new subsection to read:
"(a1)	Upon the request of either party at a hearing after notice or service of process, the court shall consider and may award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights as follows:
(1)	In awarding custody or visitation rights, the court shall base its decision on the best interest of the minor child with particular consideration given to the safety of the minor child.
(2)	For purposes of determining custody and visitation issues, the court shall consider:
a.	Whether the minor child was exposed to a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse.
b.	Whether the minor child was present during acts of domestic violence.
c.	Whether a weapon was used or threatened to be used during any act of domestic violence.
d.	Whether a party caused or attempted to cause serious bodily injury to the aggrieved party or the minor child.
e.	Whether a party placed the aggrieved party or the minor child in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
f.	Whether a party caused an aggrieved party to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress.
g.	Whether there is a pattern of abuse against an aggrieved party or the minor child.
h.	Whether a party has abused or endangered the minor child during visitation.
i.	Whether a party has used visitation as an opportunity to abuse or harass the aggrieved party.
j.	Whether a party has improperly concealed or detained the minor child.
k.	Whether a party has otherwise acted in a manner that is not in the best interest of the minor child.
(3)	If the court awards custody, the court shall also consider whether visitation is in the best interest of the minor child. If ordering visitation, the court shall provide for the safety and well‑being of the minor child and the safety of the aggrieved party. The court may consider any of the following:
a.	Ordering an exchange of the minor child to occur in a protected setting or in the presence of an appropriate third party.
b.	Ordering visitation supervised by an appropriate third party, or at a supervised visitation center or other approved agency.
c.	Ordering the noncustodial parent to attend and complete, to the satisfaction of the court, an abuser treatment program as a condition of visitation.
d.	Ordering either or both parents to abstain from possession or consumption of alcohol or controlled substances during the visitation or for 24 hours preceding an exchange of the minor child.
e.	Ordering the noncustodial parent to pay the costs of supervised visitation.
f.	Prohibiting overnight visitation.
g.	Requiring a bond from the noncustodial parent for the return and safety of the minor child.
h.	Ordering an investigation or appointment of a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child.
i.	Imposing any other condition that is deemed necessary to provide for the safety and well‑being of the minor child and the safety of the aggrieved party.
If the court grants visitation, the order shall specify dates and times for the visitation to take place or other specific parameters or conditions that are appropriate. A person, supervised visitation center, or other agency may be approved to supervise visitation after appearing in court or filing an affidavit accepting that responsibility and acknowledging accountability to the court.
(4)	A temporary custody order entered pursuant to this Chapter shall be without prejudice and shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the right of the parties to a de novo hearing under Chapter 50 of the General Statutes. Any subsequent custody order entered under Chapter 50 of the General Statutes supersedes a temporary order issued pursuant to this Chapter."
SECTION 19.5.  G.S. 50B‑3(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b)	Protective orders entered pursuant to this Chapter shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. The court may renew a protective order for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year, including an order that previously has been renewed, upon a motion by the aggrieved party filed before the expiration of the current order; provided, however, that a temporary award of custody entered as part of a protective order may not be renewed to extend a temporary award of custody beyond the maximum one‑year period. The court may renew a protective order for good cause. The commission of an act as defined in G.S. 50B‑1(a) by the defendant after entry of the current order is not required for an order to be renewed. Protective orders entered, including consent orders, shall not be mutual in nature except where both parties file a claim and the court makes detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted as aggressors, that neither party acted primarily in self‑defense, and that the right of each party to due process is preserved."
SECTION 19.6.  This part becomes effective October 1, 2004, and applies to actions filed on or after that date.
PART XX. PROHIBIT EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
SECTION 20.1.  Chapter 50B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 50B‑5.5.  Employment discrimination unlawful.
No employer may discharge, demote, or deny a promotion or other benefit of employment to any employee for taking reasonable time off from work to obtain or attempt to obtain any relief provided by this Chapter. The employee shall notify the employer of the reason for taking time off at the time the request is made, and if practicable, shall make the request and state the reason in writing. If requested by the employer, the employee shall also provide documentation to the employer of the reason for taking time off. Documentation may include a copy of a protective order or other evidence that the employee has appeared in court. The Commissioner of Labor shall enforce the provisions of this section according to Article 21 of Chapter 95 of the General Statutes, including the rules and regulations issued pursuant to that Article."
SECTION 20.2.  G.S. 95‑241(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	No person shall discriminate or take any retaliatory action against an employee because the employee in good faith does or threatens to do any of the following:
(1)	File a claim or complaint, initiate any inquiry, investigation, inspection, proceeding or other action, or testify or provide information to any person with respect to any of the following:
a.	Chapter 97 of the General Statutes.
b.	Article 2A or Article 16 of this Chapter.
c.	Article 2A of Chapter 74 of the General Statutes.
d.	G.S. 95‑28.1.
e.	Article 16 of Chapter 127A of the General Statutes.
f.	G.S. 95‑28.1A.
(2)	Cause any of the activities listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection to be initiated on an employee's behalf.
(3)	Exercise any right on behalf of the employee or any other employee afforded by Article 2A or Article 16 of this Chapter or by Article 2A of Chapter 74 of the General Statutes.
(4)	Comply with the provisions of Article 27 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes.
(5)	Seek relief under Chapter 50B of the General Statutes."
SECTION 20.3.  This part becomes effective October 1, 2004, and applies to actions filed on or after that date.
PART XXI. PRIVACY FOR 50B INTAKE
SECTION 21.1.  G.S. 50B‑2(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Pro Se Forms. – The clerk of superior court of each county shall provide to pro se complainants all forms that are necessary or appropriate to enable them to proceed pro se pursuant to this section. The clerk shall, whenever feasible, provide a private area for complainants to fill out forms and make inquiries. The clerk shall provide a supply of pro se forms to authorized magistrates who shall make the forms available to complainants seeking relief under subsection (c1) of this section."
SECTION 21.2.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART XXII. TRAINING FOR JUDGES AND COURT PERSONNEL
SECTION 22.1.  The North Carolina Supreme Court is respectfully requested to adopt rules establishing minimum standards of education and training for district court judges in handling civil and criminal domestic violence cases.
SECTION 22.2.  The Administrative Office of the Courts shall study the issue of training for court personnel in the area of domestic violence.  The study shall examine the following:
(1)	The extent to which training is currently being done.
(2)	The need for additional training.
(3)	The amount and types of training that would be most appropriate.
(4)	The potential costs and sources of funding for any additional training.
The Administrative Office of the Courts shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2005 Regular Session of the 2005 General Assembly.
SECTION 22.3.  This part is effective when it becomes law.
PART XXIII. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 23.1.  Except as otherwise provided in this act, this act is effective when it becomes law.