NC H843

Repeals old Article 1 of Chapter 166A and creates new Article 1A establishing the modernized North Carolina Emergency Management Act with comprehensive emergency management authority for state and local governments.

Establishes three types of disaster declarations (Type I, II, and III) with different criteria and duration limits (Type I: 30 days renewable up to 120 days; Type II: 6 months renewable up to 12 months; Type III: 12 months renewable by General Assembly only).

Grants Governor broad emergency powers during declared states of emergency including evacuation authority, economic controls, movement restrictions, and emergency property seizure with compensation provisions (75% initial payment plus right to sue for difference).

Creates State Emergency Response Account for start-up costs of emergency response operations and first responder costs; authorizes state emergency assistance grants for individual and public assistance in disaster areas.

Provides immunity from liability for emergency management workers, volunteers, and property owners participating in emergency response; violations of emergency declarations or ordinances are Class 2 misdemeanors.