A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to make violations of the public records and open meetings laws class 3 misdemeanors.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 132‑9 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(a1)	It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to deny access to public records for purposes of inspection and examination or to deny copies of public records."
SECTION 2.  Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 143‑318.18A.  Violation of Article.
Violation of this Article is a Class 3 misdemeanor."
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2017.