Amends GS 14-160.1, which makes it illegal to (1) alter, deface, destroy or remove the permanent serial number, manufacturer's identification plate, or other permanent, distinguishing number or identification mark from any item of personal property with the intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of said item or (b) knowingly to sell, buy, or be in possession of any item of personal property, not one's own, on which the permanent serial number, manufacturer's identification plate, or other permanent, distinguishing number or identification mark has been altered, defaced, destroyed or removed for the purpose of concealing or misrepresenting the identity of said item. All violations were a Class 1 misdemeanor; now makes it a (1) Class 1 misdemeanor if the personal property was valued at less than $1,000 at the time of the offense or (2) a Class H felony if the personal property was valued at $1,000 or more at the time of the offense.

Amends GS 14-401.4(d), which prohibits willfully removing, defacing, destroying, altering or covering over the manufacturer's serial or engine number or any other manufacturer's number or other distinguishing number or identification mark on any machine or other apparatus, including, but not limited to, farm equipment, machinery and apparatus, and prohibits placing or stamping any serial, engine, or other number or mark upon such machinery, apparatus, or equipment or possessing or giving away or disposing of such machinery, apparatus, or equipment after the serial or engine number or mark has been willfully removed, defaced, destroyed, altered, or covered up. All violations were a Class 1 misdemeanor; now makes it a (1) Class 1 misdemeanor if the farm machinery, farm equipment, or farm apparatus was valued at less than $1,000 at the time of the offense or (2) a Class H felony if the farm machinery, farm equipment, or farm apparatus was valued at $1,000 or more at the time of the offense.

Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021.