Raleigh, NC – On Friday, October 15, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 761, Police Vehicle and Equipment Protection Act, into law. The legislation increases the penalties for breaking and entering law enforcement vehicles and for the theft of law enforcement equipment. Both offenses will now become felonies.
According to House Republican lawmakers, the bill is an important step in helping to protect the brave men and women of law enforcement and the equipment they need to keep citizens safe.
House Bill 761 was sponsored by numerous Republican House members, including Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), Rep. John Faircloth (R-Guilford), Rep. Jamie Boles (R-Moore), and Rep. Allen McNeill (R-Randolph), who were all primary sponsors. The bill passed the House with a 100-13 vote and the Senate with a 44-5 vote.
This legislative session, the Republican-led North Carolina House has taken action on several important bills to support those who serve and protect, including legislation to provide more mental health resources for law enforcement, increase penalties for assaulting officers and expanding benefits for those who serve and their families. A full list can be found here.
The Police Vehicle and Equipment Protection Act will take effect on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.