Enacts new GS Chapter 14, Article 13C (Malicious Injury Through Use of a Trap in Public Parks).

Definespublic park(includes public parks, public recreational areas, walking trails, greenways, horse trails, and State forests) andtrap (any object or device designed or placed in a manner to cause bodily injury upon contact with the object or device, including five listed devices).

Creates a new crime, called malicious injury through use of a trap in public parks, for persons who willfully and maliciously set traps in public parks for the purpose of injuring another person or who willfully and maliciously aid or procure the setting of a trap in a public park for the purpose of injuring another person.

Violation is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Violation that inflicts physical injury on another person is a Class H felony. Violation that inflicts serious injury on another person is a Class E felony. Violation in which the trap was camouflaged or concealed is one class higher than the offense otherwise would be classified, with a Class A1 misdemeanor becoming a Class I felony.

Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.