House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition.
Deletes the provisions, as organized in the previous edition, and replaces with the following provisions. Enacts new Article 2D, Terrorism, in GS Chapter 14. Defines act of violence as murder in the first or second degree, manslaughter, any felony offense in GS Chapter 14 including an assault or use of violence or force, any felony offense including the threat or use of any explosive or incendiary device, or any offense including the threat or use of a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction. Specifies that continuing criminal enterprise is defined in GS 14-7.20(c). Makes a person guilty of the separate offense of terrorism if the person commits an act of violence or is engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise with the intent to: (1) intimidate the civilian population at large, or an identifiable group of the civilian population or (2) influence, through intimidation the conduct or activities of the U.S. government, a state, or any local government. Makes the offense of terrorism a felony punishable (1) one class higher than the underlying offense, except that a violation is a Class B1 felony if the underlying offense is a Class B1 or Class A felony or (2) as a Class D felony if the violation is based on continuing criminal enterprise. Specifies that each offense is separate from the underlying offense, and does not merge. Makes a person who causes or attempts to cause another to participate in an act of terrorism guilty of a Class D felony. Provides that all real and personal property used, or intended for use, derived from, or realized through a violation of proposed Article 2D is subject to legal seizure and forfeiture, as specified. Includes whereas clauses. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2011.

Senate amendment makes the following changes to 3rd edition. Amends GS 9-6.1 to provide that requests to be excused may be filed anytime five business days (was, five days) before the date that the person is summoned to appear.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Amends GS 42-29 to require that the plaintiff provide both envelopes (which must be standard #10 size envelopes) displaying the name and address of the tenant. Clarifies that the act applies to summonses and complaints issued on or after October 1, 2011.

As title indicates. Directs the Department of Transportation to report initial findings to the Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee (Committee) by October 1, 2012, and continue to report annually on May 1 until the study expansion is complete and final recommendations are made to the Committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the master plan and any required legislative changes.

Amends GS 108A-25.2 regarding Work First Program participation limitations for individuals convicted of drug-related felonies by deleting the qualification that they apply only to Class H and Class I controlled substance felony offenses, requiring that the county department of Social Security services must verify the individual has completed a program that complies with GS 108A-29.1 for treatment and drug testing, and specifying that eligibility begins six months after release from custody, or if no custody is ordered, six months after conviction, without a further offense. Applies to controlled substance felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 2011.

Creates a new GS chapter 17F governing dismissal and grievances of municipal law enforcement officers. Requires law enforcement agencies, other than those run by state agencies, counties, ABC boards, school boards, and private sector and academic institutions, to adopt an ordinance setting out minimum due process rights for dismissals and grievances of law enforcement officers. The ordinance must, at a minimum, specify “just cause” for dismissal; set out procedures for ensuring notice; provide an opportunity for the officer to be heard, represented by counsel, and call witnesses and confront adverse witnesses; allow recording of hearings; and establish an impartial review board. Effective December 1, 2011, and applies to disciplinary actions taken on or after that date.

Amends GS 105-134.6(b) to add a deduction for veterans' retirement pay and survivorship benefits. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

Enacts new subdivision (9) to GS 90-113.74(c), directing the Department of Health and Human Services to also release data in the controlled substances reporting system to a sheriff or designated deputy sheriff assigned to investigate the diversion and illegal use of prescription medication or pharmaceutical products, as specified, provided the sheriff or deputy sheriff is engaged in a bona fide specific investigation into licit drugs, and the sheriff or deputy sheriff notifies the Office of the Attorney General of NC of each inspection request.
Makes a conforming change to GS 90-107, requiring prescriptions, order forms and records, and stocks of controlled substances governed under the NC Controlled Substances Act to be open to inspection to sheriffs and designated deputy sheriffs.
Effective December 1, 2011.

As title indicates.

Phases out permits and 'deemed permitted' status for swine waste management systems that are currently operated under the moratorium for swine farms enacted in 2007. Requires closure of swine operations with lagoon and sprayfield waste systems by the later of September 1, 2016, or twelve years from the date the operation was first permitted or deemed permitted. Creates a new Article 49I in GS 106 that requires the Board of Agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to set minimum humane standards for cows, poultry and swine, including restrictions on tethering and confinement, kill methods, and transfer of sick cows. Makes violations of the minimum humane standards a Class 2 misdemeanor. Provisions on minimum standards for livestock effective January 1, 2012; otherwise effective when the act becomes law.

Authorizes the Legislative Research Commission to study the procedures regarding determinations of a criminal defendant's incapacity to proceed to trial and involuntary commitment, in view of limited resources of law enforcement, hospitals, and mental health facilities, and directing that the study include evaluation of the statutory option for taking dismissals during the involuntary commitment process. Allows an interim report to the General Assembly when it reconvenes in 2012 and requires final report to the 2013 General Assembly.

Amends GS 108A-55(c) by requiring that the Department of Health and Human Services post on the Web site it uses for State Plan amendments notice of changes in medical assistance reimbursement amounts approved by the Health Care Financing Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Makes numerous changes to GS Chapter 89C. Changes the definitions of “Professional engineer, retired” and “Professional land surveyor, retired” to require review by the State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (Board) of an applicant’s record, including disciplinary actions. Allows for the delegation to the executive director certain routine duties which has the majority (was, unanimous) approval of the Board. Deletes requirement to print and distribute an annual roster of all licensed engineers and surveyors. Revises the requirements for licensure by comity to allow credentials from any foreign country (was, Canada only) or from other states and the District of Columbia based on verifiable evidence of standards that the Board deems not lower than NC standards. Permits graduates of four-year engineering or related science programs to stand for the “fundamentals of engineering exam” prior to the four- or eight-year experience requirements, which remain as prerequisites to the “principles and practice of engineering” exam. Allows certification as an engineering or surveying intern for students that are graduating within two semesters of the semester in which the fundamentals exam is administered (was, seniors only). Expands the Board’s sanctions for misconduct to include refusal of reinstatement and required additional education. Expands and clarifies the grounds for sanction. Removes the limitations in GS 89C-25 on Board jurisdiction over those who practice engineering or surveying for less than ninety days.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish a task force to look for redundancies and review items as to service provider monitoring that are not value added by August 1, 2011, and streamline duplication by December 31, 2011. Requires the Secretary to create a regulatory body for oversight review for service providers to reduce duplication by May 1, 2012. Enacts new GS 143B-139.6C directing the Secretary to review laws, rules, and procedures of its departmental divisions for complaints against providers and to coordinate their activities and eliminate redundancies. Requires notice to service providers when a complaint is received. Provides that a service provider will not be deemed in violation of a rule if its interpretation is in conflict within the divisions until the conflict has been resolved and the provider is informed of the decision. Directs the Division of Medical Assistance to remove the requirement for annual reenrollment by September 1, 2011, maintaining enrollment until the enrollment number has not been utilized for six consecutive months. Mandates data sharing from the Incident Response Improvement System. Requires the Secretary to establish a task force to study the North Carolina Treatment Outcomes Program Performance System. Requires the Secretary to allow private sector development of an Internet-based data archive for provider records.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to pave or maintain roads at less than current DOT standards if an adjoining property is designated historic or having high scenic value, or if leaving the road unpaved enhances a low-volume business or agribusiness venture, unless the owner of the adjoining property consents to paving and maintenance at current DOT standards. Lists factors that DOT must use in reevaluating whether and how to pave or maintain such a road. Allows DOT to pave to standards despite the lack of consent of adjoining property owners, if DOT determines that the condition of the road places lives of the motoring public at risk based on five specified factors. Requires DOT to pay the owner or owners of property adjoining such a road the depreciation in the historic, scenic or business goodwill of the property if DOT decides to pave to standards without consent of an adjoining owner. Removes roads that are not paved or maintained to standards under these provisions from counting as unpaved miles of state-maintained roads and from counting in the equity formula for highway funding.

As title provides. Report is to be made to the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

Enacts new GS 163-278.12D requiring North Carolina corporations that spend $10,000 or more of treasury funds on independent expenditures or electioneering communications during a 12-month period to first obtain approval by a vote of their shareholders. Subjects directors to joint and several liability for unauthorized expenditures. Applies to elections held on or after January 1, 2012.

Enacts new GS 75-43 to prohibit a person who sells or leases goods or services in North Carolina from imposing a surcharge, as defined, on a person who uses a credit card, charge card, or debit card in lieu of cash, check, or other similar form of payment. Allows a person to offer discounts to induce payment by means not involving the use of a credit, charge, or debit card, provided the discount is offered to all prospective buyers. Makes a violation of GS 75-43 an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Makes a conforming change to GS 159-32.1, permitting a unit of local government, public hospital, or public authority to accept electronic payment in lieu of cash or check, as specified, notwithstanding GS 75-43. Effective October 1, 2011.

Directs the Revenue Laws Study Committee to study incentives similar to tools for farmland preservation, brownfields redevelopment, historic preservation, and land conservation to stimulate “development ready” sites. The study shall include discussion of property tax relief using agricultural use value taxation for development ready sites as well as income tax deductions or credits. Authorizes appointment of an advisory subcommittee consisting of specified economic development interests. Report to be made to the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

Amends GS 143B-181.3 by clarifying that policies for long-term services and supports are to be coordinated and administered within each county. Amends GS 143B-181.6 to provide that each county may elect its own Community Resource Connections for Aging in Disabilities or participate in a multicounty program.

Identical to S 506, filed 4/4/11.

Current law identifies as a delinquent juvenile an individual who commits a crime or infraction under state law or local ordinance and is less than 16 years of age but at least 6 years of age. Rewrites GS 7B-1501(7) to amend the definition of delinquent juvenile to incrementally increase the upper age limit for identification as a juvenile from age 16 to 18 over a four year period. Makes incremental increases in the age limit for identification as a juvenile effective as follows: (1) 16 years and six months of age effective July 1, 2015; (2) 17 years of age effective July 1, 2016; (3) 17 years and six months of age effective July 1, 2017; and (4) 18 years of age effective July 1, 2018.
Amends GS 7B-1501(11) to clarify that a holding facility is a place located in a jail, approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as meeting the standards for the operation of local confinement facilities (was, standards for detention) as required in GS 153A-221. Effective July 1, 2015.
Amends GS 7B-1601, effective July 1, 2015, to provide that a court obtaining jurisdiction over a juvenile alleged to be delinquent for an offense committed before the juvenile reaches the age of 16 years is to continue its jurisdiction until terminated by order of the court or until the juvenile reaches the age of 18 years, except as otherwise provided in Article 16 of GS Chapter 7B.
Enacts new GS 7B-1601(b1), effective July 1, 2015, providing that jurisdiction will continue until terminated by court order or until the juvenile reaches 19 years of age when the juvenile is alleged to be delinquent for an offense that would be a Class 1, 2, or 3 misdemeanor offense if committed by an adult, and the offense was committed while the juvenile was a least 16 years old. Makes additional changes, effective July 1, 2017, to conform to the increased age.
Enacts new GS 7B-1601(b2), effective July 1, 2015, providing that jurisdiction will continue until terminated by court order or until the juvenile reaches 21 years of age when the juvenile is alleged to be a delinquent for an offense that would be a Class A1 misdemeanor or felony offense if committed by an adult and the offense was committed while the juvenile was at least 16 years old. Makes conforming changes to GS 7B-1601(c) and (d).
Amends GS 7B-1602(b), effective July 1, 2015, providing that when a juvenile is committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Department) for an offense that would be a Class B1, B2, C, D, or E felony if committed by an adult, as specified, and the offense was committed while the juvenile was under 16 years old, jurisdiction will continue until terminated by court order or until the juvenile reaches 19 years old.
Makes various conforming changes to coincide with the incremental increases to raise the upper age limit for identification as a juvenile delinquent from age 16 to 18 to the following statutes: GS 7B-1604(a), 7B-2204, 7B-2506, 7B-2513(a), 7B-2513(a2), 7B-2513(a3), 7B-2515(a), 7B-2603(b), 5A-31(a), 5A-34(b), 143B-515(7), and 14-316.1. Includes effective dates corresponding with the effective dates for the incremental increases in the definition age for juvenile delinquent. Recodifies GS 20-106 as GS 14-72.9, effective July 1, 2015.
Amends GS 7B-1604(b) (limitations on juvenile court jurisdiction), stating that a juvenile (1) who is transferred to and convicted in superior court or (2) who has previously been convicted in either district or superior court for a felony, including a violation of the state motor vehicle laws, will be prosecuted as an adult for any criminal offense the juvenile commits after the superior court conviction. Enacts new GS 7B-2200(c), providing that if the juvenile was at least 16 years of age at the time the juvenile allegedly committed an offense that would be a Class B1, B2, C, D, or E felony if committed by an adult, after notice, hearing, and a finding of probable cause, the court must transfer jurisdiction to superior court for trial. Allows the court to retain jurisdiction only if, upon motion of the prosecutor, the court finds extraordinary circumstances. Amends GS 7B-2204, directing the court to order that the juvenile be detained in a holdover facility pending release, if the juvenile is at least 16 years of age, unless the court finds that such detention is not appropriate or the juvenile is not physically capable of caring for himself or herself. Amends GS 7B-2507, to modify the point system used to determine the delinquency history level for a delinquent juvenile. Also provides that prior adjudications and convictions (was, adjudications) are to be considered in determining the delinquency history level. Amends GS 143B-516 to provide for the transportation for any person under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to and from any state or juvenile facility for any purpose required under GS Chapter 7B or upon a court order. Effective July 1, 2015.
Provides that for the purposes of this act, a juvenile's age is to be determined from the date of birth in the month of birth to the same date in each calendar month. Upon the enactment of the legislation expanding the jurisdiction of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to include persons who are 16 and 17 years of age who commit crimes or infractions, directs the Youth Accountability Task Force (Task Force) to monitor and review implementation of the expansion and to make additional recommendations to the General Assembly as necessary.
Amends Section 18.9(h) of SL 2009-451, effective January 14, 2011, to direct the Task Force to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations by January 15, 2019 (was January 15, 2011) to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the citizens of North Carolina.
Except as otherwise indicated, effective when the act becomes law.

Enacts new GS 20-79.4(b)(12a) as title indicates. Plate issuance is contingent on the receipt of at least 300 plate applications. Establishes a special plate fee of $30 and requires that $20 of that amount be transferred quarterly to the Arthritis Foundation, Inc., to fund arthritis research grants. Effective July 1, 2011.

Amending GS 14-113.9(b) by expanding the Class I felony designation from just theft of credit cards to also include theft of financial transaction cards more generally, which includes plates, bank services cards, banking cards, check guarantee cards, debit cards, and other financial transaction cards by any other name. Applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2011.

Repeals Article 18 of GS Chapter 163, which governs presidential electors. Adds new Article 18B, the Faithful Presidential Electors Act. Under the bill, the presidential ballot lists the candidates for President and Vice-President, but a vote for the candidates named on the ballot is actually a vote for the electors submitted by the party that has nominated that candidate. In designating electors, a political party contesting the position submits to the Secretary of State two qualified individuals for each elector position, one an 'elector nominee' and the other an 'alternate elector nominee.' The Act provides a statutory remedy in the event a state presidential elector fails to vote in accordance with the voters of his or her state: the Secretary of State is not to accept or count an elector's ballot that is not marked in accordance with the elector's pledge of faithfulness to vote for the party's nominees, and such an elector is deemed to have vacated their position as elector. The Secretary of State is authorized to appoint substitute electors to fill vacancies through a five-step procedure, using the alternate elector nominees, as set out in new GS 163-216.4. Provides for amended certificates of ascertainment under 3 U.S.C. section 6 if the final list of electors differs from a list previously submitted by the Governor. Provides for notice of the prohibition on dual office holding under the NC Constitution, which includes the office of elector. Effective January 1, 2012, and applicable to presidential elections held on or after that date.

Enacting new Article 7A of GS Chapter 1 to declare that no court, administrative agency, mediator, or other entity or person acting under authority of state law may apply or enforce a law of another country if it would violate North Carolina or United States constitutional rights. Requires strict construction and modification of contracts involving choice of a forum venue or forum to protect constitutional rights.

Amends GS 15A-1340.11(2), GS 15A-1340.11(6), and GS 15A-1343 to designate drug treatment court as an intermediate punishment and to include as additional authorized sentencing conditions special probation, confinement to a local confinement facility for a total of not more than six days per month, participation in educational and vocational skills development, and submission to satellite-based monitoring. Amends GS 15A-1343.2(e) by listing four additional types of community punishment the Division of Community Corrections in the Department of Correction may require unless the presiding judge specifically found that delegation was inappropriate. Specifies a procedure for the probation officer to exercise the delegated authority, and requires the Department to adopt guidelines and procedures to implement the requirements. Amends GS 15A-1343.2(f) by listing three additional types of intermediate punishment the Division of Community Corrections in the Department of Correction may require, unless the presiding judge specifically found that delegation was inappropriate. Specifies a procedure for the probation officer to exercise the delegated authority, and requires the Department to adopt guidelines and procedures to implement the requirements. Amends GS 15A-1343.2 by requiring the Department of Correction to use a validated instrument to assess each probationers for risk of reoffending and to place them in a supervision level. Repeals GS 15A-1343(b1)(3b) regarding a court's authority to impose as a special condition intensive supervision by rules adopted by the Division of Community Corrections. Repeals GS 15A-1340.11(3), defining a day-reporting center. Repeals GS 15A-1340.11(5), defining intensive supervision. Repeals GS 15A-1340.11(8), defining residential program. Amends 15A-1343.2(c) to set a goal that probation officer caseloads not exceed an average of 60 offenders who are at high or moderate risk of rearrest. Effective December 1, 2011.
Amends GS 15A-1368.1 by excluding from Article 84A (post-release supervision) only those who are Class A and Class B1 sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Amends GS 15A-1368.2 by requiring post-release supervision on the date equivalent to maximum imposed prison term less nine months, 12 months in the case of Class B1 through E felons and less nine months in the case of Class F through I felons, less any earned time awarded. Amends GS 15A-1368.4(e) by adding a new subdivision (7a) authorizing as a condition to post-release supervision that the supervisee not abscond, willfully avoid supervision, or willfully make whereabouts unknown to the probation officer. Amends GS 15A-1338.3(c) by requiring that a supervisee be returned to prison for three months for a violation except that violators of certain conditions be returned for their maximum imposed terms. Amends GS 15A-1340.17(d) by changing the maximum sentences for Class F through Class I felonies. Amends GS 15A-1340.17(e) by changing the maximum sentences for Class B1 through Class E felonies. Effective December 1, 2011.
Enacts new Article 2D of Chapter 14 by providing for a habitual and breaking and entering status offense, defining the crime, charging requirements, and sentencing and punishment. Amends GS 14-7.3 by requiring that an indictment for habitual felony include that class felony that is being requested upon conviction and the penalties that may be imposed. Amends GS 14-7.6 by changing the sentence for habitual felon. Amends GS 15A-1343(b) by adding as an authorized condition of probation a condition not to abscond, willfully avoid supervision, or willfully make whereabouts unknown to the probation officer. Amends GS 15A-1344(a) by specifying the conditions for which probation may be revoked and imprisonment imposed. Amends GS 15A-1344 by authorizing a 90-day confinement for violation of certain probation conditions. (All of the preceding effective December 1, 2011).
Amends GS 90-96 by making conditional discharge and probation mandatory for certain first-time felonies regarding controlled substances. (Effective January 1, 2012). Amends GS 15A-145.2 by changing the conditions for expungement of records to include possession of a controlled substance, formerly limited to possession of less than one gram of cocaine. (Effective January 1, 2012). Enacts new GS 15A-1340.18 by providing for advanced supervised release, defining the eligible defendants and its authorized incentives and conditions. (Effective January 1, 2012). Repeals Article 6A of GS Chapter 143B, the North Carolina State County Criminal Justice Partnership Act of 1993. Enacts new Article 6B of GS Chapter 143B, establishing a 'Treatment for Effective Community Supervision Act of 2011, providing for the Department of Correction to enter into agreements with local or regional governments, entities,' or partnerships to contract with service providers through a competitive procurement process for probation, parole, and post-release supervision. Establishes a State Community Corrections Advisory Board of 23 members. (Effective July 1, 2011). Enacts GS 15A-1340.24 requiring that a defendant convicted solely on a misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges under Article 35 with an imposed sentence less any time credited for time served that results in a period of confinement of six months or less, to serve the period of confinement in a local confinement facility. Amends GS 148-32.1(b) by changing the definition of those whom a judge may order to another camp or facility to those with a term between 90 days and six months. Enacts new GS 164-50 to require the Judicial Department to evaluate the Justice Reinvestment Project and provide a report by April 15, 2012, and annually thereafter. Except as noted above, effective when the bill becomes law.

Enacts new Article 4C of GS Chapter 90 to specify rights of pharmacies in connection with audits of their records by managed care companies, insurance companies, third-party payers, and others responsible for payment of health care services. Rights include 30 days advance notice of an audit, a requirement that audits involving clinical or professional judgment be only by licensed North Carolina pharmacists, limitations on the scheduling and scope of the audits, rights to have access to records from prescribers to validate prescriptions, prohibitions against deeming certain kinds of discrepancies as fraudulent, and requirements for dismissal of audits under certain conditions. Requires establishment of an appeals process by the entity conducting the audit. Prohibits recoupment of disputed funds prior to final internal disposition of an audit including exhaustion of appeal rights, and restricts the amount of the recoupment. Effective October 1, 2011.

Directing the Department of Corrections to take measures to reduce the cost of projects authorized by SL 2007-323 and SL 2008-27, as each was amended by SL 2009-209, including by use of the Inmate Construction Program, and to use up to $20 million in savings for the capital facility expenses for the Regional Medical Center and Mental Health Center.

Amends GS 87-1 to also except any person, firm, or corporation who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm, or corporation from the definition of general contractor, provided the person, firm, or corporation complies with GS 87-14 (regulations for building permit issuance). Makes other clarifying and technical changes, and organizes the amendment to GS 87-1 under GS 87-1(b)(2). Amends GS 87-14, requiring any applicant for a building or construction permit, as specified, where the cost for the project will be $30,000 or more, to satisfy, in addition to requirements under current law, the following requirement: furnish satisfactory proof that the person seeking the permit or another person contracting to manage the construction is duly licensed under Article 1 of GS Chapter 87, or is exempt from licensure under GS 87-1(b). Provides that an applicant must execute a verified affidavit containing three listed attestations if the applicant claims exemption from licensure under GS 87-1(b)(2). Directs the building inspector or other authority to transmit a copy of the affidavit to the State Licensing Board for General Contractors who will verify the exemption, or revoke the building permit if the applicant is not exempt. Makes conforming and organizational changes.
Amends GS 153A-360 (inspections of work in progress in counties) and GS 160A-420 (inspections of work in progress in cities), adding that no inspection will be conducted without the owner personally present, if the permit was obtained pursuant to GS 87-1(b)(2).

Amends numerous gun laws. Reduces the penalty for firearm possession on school grounds to a Class 1 misdemeanor (was, Class I felony) and adds a scienter requirement; reduces the penalty for possessing knives, bb guns, and similar weapons on school grounds, and for encouraging or aiding a minor to possess such weapons on school grounds, to a Class 2 misdemeanor (was, Class 1). Exempts a person with a valid concealed carry permit from criminal penalties for possession on school grounds or at school activities when the firearm is located in a vehicle. Adds a scienter requirement to the prohibition on open or concealed carry of deadly weapons in the State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Western Residence of the Governor and any courts, and exempts a person with a concealed carry permit who has a firearm in a closed container in a locked vehicle from the prohibition on weapons at those locations. Eliminates the exemption for weapons at state owned rest areas, rest stops and hunting or fishing reservations. Eliminates the automatic prohibition on firearms for persons subject to domestic violence protective orders and reduces the penalty to a Class 1 misdemeanor (was, Class H felony). Allows a justification defense for persons otherwise guilty of communicating threats. Permits guns locked in vehicles in parades, funeral processions, picket lines and demonstrations at private health care facilities or government properties, narrows the definition of 'dangerous weapons' prohibited at such locations, and exempts persons with concealed carry permits from those prohibitions. Apparently intends to prohibit local ordinances that would allow confiscation or seizure of weapons during states of emergency. Broadens the preemption of local ordinances or exercise of proprietary authority that regulate firearms and ammunition. Narrows the power of counties and municipalities to use zoning authority to restrict sale or display of firearms and ammunition. Narrows power of counties and municipalities to extend bans on firearm possession to parking areas. Provides that prohibition of firearms in publicly owned buildings does not apply to business or residential lessees in those buildings. Provides for persons who have been convicted of felonies or otherwise lost their firearms rights to have those rights restored by pardon or otherwise. Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry concealed handguns in bars, at parades and other public assemblies, and in areas subject to rules of the Legislative Service Commission. Limits the grounds on which sheriffs can deny concealed carry permits, and provides for judicial review of permit denials, with the right of appeal. Decreases the time within which a sheriff must deny or issue a permit and the length of temporary emergency permits to 45 days. Narrows the grounds for a sheriff to revoke a concealed carry permit. Provides for comity with any state that issues a concealed handgun permit. Restricts the fees that sheriffs may charge for storage of surrendered and seized weapons, and removes liability shield from sheriffs for damage or deterioration of weapons in storage or transport. Directs courts to order the return of seized or surrendered weapons absent a finding that the defendant is precluded by law from possessing the weapon. Eliminates the requirement that persons subject to a protective order prohibiting the possession of firearms must disclose all information about weapons they possess. Reduces the penalty for violation of protective orders to a misdemeanor (was, Class H felony). Amends GS 153A to eliminate a county's authority to regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks or other public property. Amends GS 160A similarly, and provides that city regulation of firearms is subject to Article 53C of Chapter 14, providing for sport shooting ranges. Effective December 1, 2011.