Enacts Article 11, the Human Trafficking Records Commission (Commission) as part of GS Chapter 114 to review and release records related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein that are held by State authorities (Epstein records). Provides for redaction of victims’ personally identifiable information. Specifies that, to the extent a member or officer of the NCGA is identified in those records, the common law of legislative privilege and the common law of legislative immunity do not apply in matters related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. Makes conforming changes to GS 120-137 (legislative privilege). Designates the Epstein records released by the Commission as public records in GS 132-1.4. Authorizes the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), upon request by the Attorney General, to assist the Commission with its investigation in GS 143B-1208.5. Makes conforming change to statute’s title.

Enacts Article 54C, pertaining to Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) in Chapter 14 to restrict access and remove firearms from certain individuals identified in the Commission’s release of Epstein records. Authorizes District Court judges to release ERPO’s for those individuals upon reviewing the context within which the person was identified in the Epstein record before issuing any ERPO. Provides for a hearing and order of surrender of firearms, as specified. Makes conforming change to GS 14-269 (prohibiting purchase or possession of firearms by persons subject to a domestic violence order).

Appropriates $5 million from the Opportunity Scholarship Program to the Department of Justice for 2026-27 be used to establish and operate the Commission. Appropriates $5 million from the Opportunity Scholarship Program to the Department of Public Safety for 2026-27 be used to support the SBI investigations described above.