Bill Summary for H 589 (2025-2026)

Printer-friendly: Click to view

Summary date: 

Apr 2 2025

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details(link is external)2025-2026 Session
House Bill 589 (Public) Filed Monday, March 31, 2025
AN ACT TO IMPLEMENT CRIMINAL SENTENCE REDUCTION REFORM.
Intro. by Morey, Price, A. Jones, Greenfield.

View: All Summaries for BillTracking:

Bill summary

Contains whereas clauses.

Enacts GS 15A-1357 allowing an individual serving a term of imprisonment pursuant to GS 20-179 (Impaired Driving Sentencing) or Article 81B (Structured Sentencing) or Article 82 (Probation) of Chapter 15A, except those sentenced to life, to file a motion for appropriate relief for a modification of their sentence pursuant to the authority granted in this statute. Mandates that the court reduce a term of imprisonment for an offense if: (1) the defendant was sentenced pursuant to GS 20-179 or Article 81B or 82 of Chapter 15A and has served at least 10 years in prison or 50% of the imposed sentence if the sentence was for 10 years or less; (2) the court finds that the defendant is not a danger to the safety of any person or the community and that the interests of justice warrant a modification. In determining whether to reduce a prison term under this statute, the court must consider the 12 factors listed in subsection (c). Requires a hearing to be held in accordance with Article 89 of Chapter 15A, regarding Motions for Appropriate Relief and Other Post-Trial Relief, to grant or deny a motion for appropriate relief filed pursuant to this statute. Mandates that any sentence reduced be resentenced pursuant to GS 20-179 or Article 81B or 82 of this Chapter, as applicable.

Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to motions for appropriate relief filed on or after that date.