NC S1393

Adds exception to hearsay rule allowing statements from unavailable witnesses to be introduced as evidence if a party engaged in wrongdoing intended to make the witness unavailable, with admissibility determined by preponderance of evidence standard.

Increases criminal penalty for intimidating, threatening, or interfering with witnesses from Class H felony to Class C felony.

Appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund to the Judicial Department for the 2010-2011 fiscal year to cover implementation costs.

Becomes effective December 1, 2010, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.