NC Governor Roy Cooper signed bill HB 942, which defines antisemitism in alignment with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition. The bill aims to combat hate and discrimination by providing guidelines to recognize and report antisemitic incidents in the state. Senator Bobby Hanig introduced the legislation in response to increasing antisemitism, even before the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023. The bill, known as the Shalom Act, received bipartisan support and aims to protect all citizens from hatred and intolerance.
Cooper also signed several other bills, including HB 495, which makes money laundering a felony and revises laws related to retail theft. The bill enhances penalties for money laundering involving over $10,000 and expands definitions of retail theft. Additionally, HB 971 was enacted to strengthen penalties for soliciting prostitution, enhance training on human trafficking for child welfare staff, and require hotels to provide trafficking awareness training.
The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association praised the legislation, highlighting the importance of addressing organized retail crime to safeguard both businesses and consumers. The bills were developed in collaboration with legal experts and law enforcement to combat theft-related financial burdens on consumers.
These new laws demonstrate a commitment to protecting citizens from hate crimes, enhancing penalties for criminal activities, and providing vital education and training on human trafficking. The bipartisan cooperation on these bills reflects a unified effort to create a safer and more inclusive environment in North Carolina.
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