New NC law changes crime victim support and emergency equipment transfers
House Bill 206 expands parts of the Crime Victims Compensation Fund and gives state emergency officials new authority to transfer disaster equipment.
RALEIGH, N.C. — A new North Carolina public safety law changes crime victim compensation, emergency management equipment transfers and cooperation involving tribal police agencies.
Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 206 on July 7. The measure became Session Law 2026-53 on July 8.
The legislation makes several changes to the state's Crime Victims Compensation Fund, including increases involving dependent economic loss, household support loss and work loss. It also expands eligibility for some economic losses and changes how remaining compensation funds may be used.
The fund is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible crime victims and, in some circumstances, their families.
Another section gives North Carolina Emergency Management authority to transfer ownership of certain travel trailers and utility terrain vehicles donated to or purchased by the state during disaster operations.
Eligible recipients may include local governments, nonprofit organizations involved in emergency or disaster relief and disaster survivors who need long-term housing support.
The legislation also allows tribal police chiefs to enter mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement agencies. The provision is intended to expand coordination between tribal departments and other agencies during law enforcement operations.
Stein said the measure would strengthen support for crime victims and improve coordination involving tribal law enforcement.
"This bill helps keep people safe," Stein said in announcing his action on the legislation.
The governor, however, criticized a provision involving the Adjutant General. House Bill 206 changes the appointment process to require confirmation by the General Assembly through a joint resolution.
Stein said he remains concerned about legislation requiring more gubernatorial appointments to receive legislative confirmation.
The bill also includes provisions involving Department of Public Safety property and vehicles. One section authorizes DPS and the North Carolina Air National Guard to accept an additional long-term land use license connected to the Stanly County Airport.
The final House vote to concur with Senate changes was 110-3 on June 30. The Senate approved the bill on second reading 45-0 on June 23, according to General Assembly records.
Unless a section provides otherwise, the law took effect when it became law.
Editor's note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
