Bipartisan Bill Increasing Penalties for Rioting Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature

Today, Governor Cooper let House Bill 40 become law without his signature.

House Bill 40 allows for increased penalties for rioters, prison time, and allows property owners to sue for up to three times the actual damage sustained.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Nearly three years after violent protests devastated communities and businesses in North Carolina, I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation will finally become law.”

He continued, “While the First Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest, those who hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations to cause chaos and destruction in our communities must be held accountable, and law enforcement must have our support to do just that. This bill has had bipartisan support since it was first introduced, and our communities will be safer now that this bill will finally become law.”