The North Carolina house and senate just ratified a new bill that would change any threats made against a school or place of worship from a misdemeanor into a felony.
The introduction to the bill reads;
“AN ACT TO INCREASE THE CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR COMMUNICATING A THREAT OF MASS VIOLENCE ON EDUCATIONAL PROPERTY OR AT A PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, TO PROVIDE FOR CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF THOSE OFFENSES WHEN THE OFFENSE IS COMMITTED UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY, AND TO REQUIRE A JUDGE TO SET CONDITIONS OF RELEASE FOR THOSE OFFENSES.”
Now that it has been passed by the house and senate, House Bill 670 moves onto Governor Roy Cooper’s desk, where, if signed, it will become a law.
While many think this new law will further deter students who might want to make a threat, others think it might be going to far to make troubled teens lifelong felons.
The bill does, however, allow for first-time offenders under 20 years old to have a judge dismiss their charge in exchange for community service, probation and mental evaluation.
What do you think about the new bill?