A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROHIBITION AGAINST PERPETUITIES DOES NOT APPLY TO CHARITIES AND TRUSTS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Section 34 of Article I of the North Carolina Constitution reads as rewritten:
"Sec. 34. Perpetuities and monopolies.
Perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free state and shall not be allowed. The prohibition against perpetuities does not apply to noncharitable trusts or charitable entities, including charitable trusts."
SECTION 2.  The amendment set out in Section 1 of this act shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the State at the general election in November 2012, which election shall be conducted under the laws then governing elections in the State. Ballots, voting systems, or both may be used in accordance with Chapter 163 of the General Statutes.  The question to be used in the voting systems and ballots shall be:
"[ ] FOR	[ ] AGAINST
Constitutional amendment to provide that the constitutional prohibition against perpetuities does not apply to noncharitable trusts or charitable entities, including charitable trusts."
SECTION 3.  If a majority of the votes cast on the question are in favor of the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act, the State Board of Elections shall certify the amendment to the Secretary of State, who shall enroll the amendment so certified among the permanent records of that office. The amendment becomes effective January 1, 2013.
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.