AN ACT to replace the crime of common law obstruction of justice with a codified version of that same crime.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 30 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 14‑222.1.  Obstruction of justice.

(a)        Offense. – It is unlawful for any person to do any act which prevents, obstructs, impedes, or hinders public or legal justice.

(b)        Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section in relation to a misdemeanor offense is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section in relation to a felony offense is guilty of a Class I felony.

(c)        This crime shall replace the crime of common law obstruction of justice in this State.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.