Ensuring the safety of our children is of utmost importance, and protecting their hearts and minds is a top-line priority of our team at NC Family. This is why we are excited to see a myriad of bills introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that are designed to do just that. As we track legislation and influence positive change at the General Assembly, we will continue to ensure that you are aware of those bills that directly influence our shared values.
One such bill, HB 83—Revise Laws Governing Minors, would increase the severity of the penalties for those convicted of indecent exposure involving minors. Representative John A. Torbett (R-Gaston) introduced this legislation after learning the story of a young girl who was continually exposed to harmful content by a person who lived in another state. Since the perpetrator did not live in North Carolina, there was a challenge in prosecuting them and extraditing them to North Carolina to stand trial. This bill would increase the penalties to ensure that the severity of the crime of indecent exposure to a minor is met with proper justice. On Wednesday, April 2nd, HB 83 received a favorable vote by the North Carolina House of 107-9 and was sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Another bill that has made it the House floor for a vote is HB 370—GSC Uniform Acts Regarding Children, sponsored by Representative Ted Davis, Jr (R-New Hanover). This bill would keep children safe from abduction, particularly in custody disputes, by keeping a watchful eye on those who have abducted before or are the subject of a protective custody order. HB 370 passed the State House by a vote of 116-0 and will continue through the legislative process in the Senate.
Representative Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth) has proposed a bill that would raise the age requirement for social media use to 16 years of age. HB 301—Social Media Protections for Minors Under 16 would help shield children under the age of 16 from many of the harms of social media while still giving parents the choice to allow their children to use social media access at ages 14 and 15. This bill is making its way through the committee process in the NC House.
We are excited to see bills filed like these that support and protect families in North Carolina, and we will continue to keep you informed as they make progress at the General Assembly.