AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS TO REFER VIOLATIONS TO APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  Article 1 of Chapter 87 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 87‑13.2.  Board may refer violations for criminal prosecution.

(a)        Whenever the Board has reasonable grounds to believe that a person or entity has committed a violation of this Article that is subject to criminal penalty, the Board may refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency or District Attorney for investigation and possible criminal prosecution.

(b)        Notwithstanding any confidentiality of investigative records that the Board holds, the Board may disclose such records to law enforcement agencies or prosecutors to facilitate investigation or prosecution of violations under this Article.

(c)        Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit the Board's ability to assist in criminal prosecutions, including sharing information or using Board funds as authorized by this Article to support such prosecutions.

(d)       Nothing in this Article limits the power of the State to punish any person for any conduct that constitutes a crime under any other statute.

SECTION 1.(b)  Additional Rulemaking. – The State Licensing Board for General Contractors may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2.  Effective Date. – This act is effective October 1, 2025, and applies to violations committed on or after that date.