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--- version:Edition 1
+++ version:Filed
@@ -1,14 +1,13 @@
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
-H 1
-HOUSE BILL 589
+H D
+HOUSE BILL DRH40349-ML-51B
Short Title: The Second Look Act. (Public)
-Sponsors: Representatives Morey, Price, A. Jones, and Greenfield (Primary Sponsors).
-For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
-Referred to: Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
-April 1, 2025
-*H589-v-1*
+Sponsors: Representative Morey.
+Referred to:
+
+*DRH40349-ML-51B*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO IMPLEMENT CRIMINAL SENTENCE REDUCTION REFORM. 2
Whereas, there are nearly two million people in American prisons and jails, a five 3
@@ -16,10 +15,10 @@
Whereas, research has repeatedly shown that lengthy prison sentences do not 5
significantly deter crime and instead divert resources away from essential public safety services 6
(The Sentencing Project); and 7
-Whereas, North Carolina's correction spending —including prisons as well as 8
+Whereas, North Carolina 's correction spending —including prisons as well as 8
probation and parole —has nearly quadrupled over the past two decades, making it the 9
fastest-growing budget item after Medicaid; and 10
-Whereas, North Carolina's prisons are chronically understaffed, with thirty -nine 11
+Whereas, North Carolina 's prisons are chronically understaffed, with thirty -nine 11
percent (39%) of positions vacant as of April 2024; and 12
Whereas, one-third of the prison population is over the age of 55, and decades of data 13
shows a steep decline in crime at about age 35; and 14
@@ -28,7 +27,7 @@
more to incarcerate than their younger counterparts; Now, therefore, 17
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 18
SECTION 1. This act shall be known as "The Second Look Act." 19
-SECTION 2. Article 83 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes is amended by 20
+SECTION 2. Article 83 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes is amended by 20
adding a new section to read: 21
"§ 15A-1357. Modification of an imposed term of imprisonment. 22
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual serving a term of 23
@@ -44,8 +43,11 @@
(2) The court finds, after considering the factors set forth in subsection (c) of this 33
section, that the defendant is not a danger to the safety of any person or the 34
community and that the interests of justice warrant a sentence modification. 35
+H.B. 589
+Mar 31, 2025
+HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 2 House Bill 589-First Edition
+Page 2 DRH40349-ML-51B
(c) The court, in determining whether to reduce a term of imprisonment pursuant to 1
subsection (b) of this section, shall consider any of the following: 2
(1) The defendant's age at the time of the offense. 3
@@ -70,14 +72,14 @@
(10) The extent of the defendant 's role in the offense and whether , and to what 22
extent, an adult was involved in the offense. 23
(11) The diminished culpability of juveniles as compared to that of adults, and the 24
-hallmark features of youth, incl uding immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to 25
+hallmark features of youth, including immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to 25
appreciate risks and consequences, which counsel against sentencing them to 26
lengthy terms in prison, despite the brutality or cold -blooded nature of any 27
particular crime. 28
(12) Any other information the court deems relevant to its decision. 29
(d) A motion for appropriate relief filed pursuant to this section shall not be granted or 30
denied without a hearing held in accordance with Article 89 of this Chapter. 31
-(e) Any defendant whose sentence is reduced under this s ection shall be resentenced 32
+(e) Any defendant whose sentence is reduced under this section shall be resentenced 32
pursuant to G.S. 20-179 or Article 81B or 82 of this Chapter, as applicable." 33
SECTION 3. This act becomes effective December 1, 2025, and applies to motions 34
for appropriate relief filed on or after that date. 35

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