NC H597

Amends G.S. 58-71-40 to authorize licensed bail bondsmen to carry, possess, and display an official shield while engaged in official duties.

Shield must be an exact duplicate in size, shape, color, and design of the shield approved under G.S. 74C-5(12) and pictured in 12 NCAC 07D.0405 as of May 1, 2013.

Shield must include the licensee's last name and license number in the same locations as the reference shield.

Shield must display "North Carolina" instead of "Private" and "Bail Agent" instead of "Investigator" compared to the reference shield design.

Any shield that deviates from these design specifications constitutes an unauthorized shield and violation of statute by the licensee.