Governor McCrory Makes Passing a Cell Phone to a Prisoner a Felony | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. – Giving a prisoner a cell phone is now a felony under legislation signed into law today by Governor Pat McCrory. Previously, the offense was a misdemeanor. The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys praised the increased penalty in the wake of a kidnapping case which was directed by an incarcerated prisoner through communications sent by a cell phone.

    Among those attending today's bill signing was Wake County Assistant District Attorney Colleen Janssen, whose father was kidnapped earlier this year.

    "We must do everything we can to protect those in the criminal justice system who protect us," Governor McCrory said. "The state's District Attorneys provided valuable guidance and support for this legislation, and North Carolina will be safer because of their efforts and those in the General Assembly who crafted and passed this bill."

Governor McCrory shakes hands with Wake County ADA Colleen Janssen. The governor was also joined by Reps. Hall, Stam and Dollar and Sen. Barefoot.
    House Bill 369 makes numerous changes to the state's criminal code, including increasing the penalty against those who assault or threaten a person who is carrying out their professional duties.

    The new law also streamlines firearm safety measures, increases penalties for those with multiple concealed firearm offenses and directs the Human Trafficking Commission to study the prevention of sexual abuse of children.

    The governor also continued his commitment to regulatory relief and reform with the signing of Senate Bill 734.

    "This new law eliminates unnecessary regulations and laws and streamlines the rulemaking process," Governor McCrory said. "Taxpayers will save money because this law will help reduce frivolous challenges that delay projects, improving the quality of life for North Carolinians."

    SB 734 also expands protections for rare plants including Venus flytraps, which only grow natively in the United States in a few counties in North and South Carolina.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov