Identical to S 663, filed 4/4/17.

Enacts new Article 54, Reliability of In-Custody Informant Statements, in GS Chapter 15A. Enacts new GS 15A-981, providing that a defendant may not be convicted of an offense or receive an aggravated sentence based solely on the testimony of an in-custody informant unless the testimony is corroborated.  Directs the judge to provide the jury with specific instructions on factors to consider the reliability of in-custody informant testimony in cases where the testimony is admissible. Directs district attorneys to adopt policies and procedures governing the recording and use of testimony. Provides requirements for recording testimony of in-custody informants. Prohibits destruction or modification of recordings until one year after the completion of all appeals.

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