S401 - NC Farm Act of 2025-2026. (SL 2026-11)

View Bill Information

Session Year 2024

Overview: Section 15 of S.L. 2026-11 (Senate Bill 401) reduces the penalties for certain acts related to shellfish aquaculture operations, from Class A1 misdemeanors to the following penalties:

  • A violation for an improperly marked shellfish lease area, a first offense would be a warning ticket, a second offense within a month would be an infraction, and a third offense within a month of the warning ticket would be a Class 3 misdemeanor.
  • A violation for operating under an expired aquaculture operation permit that occurs within one month of the expiration of the permit would be a warning ticket.
  • A violation for operating under an expired shellfish lease agreement that occurs within one month of the expiration of the agreement would be a warning ticket.

This section becomes effective December 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Additional Information: