AN ACT to prohibit the possession or carrying of a dangerous weapon at or within a certain distance of a voting place.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 35 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 14‑269.5.  Weapons at voting place.

(a)        Definition. – For purposes of this section, the term (i) dangerous weapon is as defined in G.S. 14‑277.2 and (ii) voting place is as defined in G.S. 163‑165.

(b)        Prohibition. – Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dangerous weapon (i) at a location used as a voting place, (ii) within 100 feet from the door of entrance to a location used as a voting place, or (iii) while in line to vote at a location used as a voting place, while the location is open and being used as a voting place.

(c)        Punishment. – Any person who violates the prohibition set forth in subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(d)       Exception. – The prohibition in subsection (b) of this section does not apply to a law enforcement officer acting in discharge of the officer's official duties.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.