A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the division of adult correction of the department of public safety to develop a process whereby an inmate whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked for a conviction of driving while impaired or driving under the influence may complete the requirements necessary for reinstatement of the inmate's driving privileges prior to the inmate's release.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Development of Process. – The Division of Adult Correction of the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Division of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, shall develop a process whereby an inmate whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked for a conviction of driving while impaired or driving under the influence may complete the requirements necessary for reinstatement of the inmate's driving privileges prior to the inmate's release, including any substance abuse assessments and substance abuse education and treatment. The Division of Adult Correction may require an inmate participating in the process established under this section to submit to a drug test if the Division of Adult Correction reasonably suspects the inmate is engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances. An inmate who tests positive for a controlled substance as a result of a drug test under this section is ineligible to continue to participate in the process established under this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the Division of Motor Vehicles to reinstate an inmate's driving privileges prior to or upon the inmate's release.
SECTION 2.  Report and Deadline. – On or before October 1, 2015, the Division of Adult Correction shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the status of the development of the process required by this act. The Division of Adult Correction shall implement the process required by this act by no later than January 1, 2016.
SECTION 3.  Effective Date. – This act is effective when it becomes law.