S579 - Prevent Harm to Children. (SL 2023-127)

Overview: Session Law 2023-127, as amended by Section 7 of S.L. 2023-151, does the following:

• Increases the felony classification of intentionally disseminating obscenity when it is knowingly done in the presence of a person under 18 years of age.
• Requires that any defendant who viewed child pornography and has been convicted of first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor must be ordered to make restitution as required by Article 81C of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes and newly created G.S. 14-190.17B. The court is not required to order restitution if the victim has not been identified.
• Increases the felony classification for employing a minor in obscenity offenses and disseminating obscene material to a minor.
• Modifies certain indecent exposure offenses to apply to indecent exposure to any minor, rather than a person under 16 years old.

This act became effective December 1, 2023. The increased penalties and modification of offenses apply to offenses committed on or after that date. The restitution requirements apply to restitution orders entered on or after that date.