NC S594

Removes prohibitions on concealed carry of firearms for administrative law judges, appellate court justices and judges, and certain Department of Public Safety employees who have valid permits; increases penalty for carrying concealed firearm from Class 2 misdemeanor to Class A1 misdemeanor for first offense and Class H felony for second or subsequent offense.

Increases penalties for giving or selling cell phones to inmates to Class H felony; makes possession of cell phones by any inmate (state or local facility) a Class H felony effective December 1, 2014.

Amends assault and threats statutes to include attacks on persons as retaliation against legislative, executive, or court officers because of their duties; increases civil penalties for amusement device safety violations from $250-$1,000 to $2,500-$10,000 and creates new Class E felony for violations causing serious injury or death.

Transfers State Bureau of Investigation from Department of Justice to Department of Public Safety as of July 1, 2014; relocates Alcohol Law Enforcement Section as branch under State Bureau of Investigation and consolidates regional offices by October 1, 2014.

Adds qualified retired correctional officers to those exempt from concealed carry training course; conforms state law to Hall v. Florida on intellectual disability by allowing IQ scores above 70 to support intellectual disability claims; creates graffiti vandalism offense as Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory $500 fine and 24 hours community service, escalating to Class I felony for repairs exceeding $1,000 or with prior convictions.