Session Law 2015-50 - House Bill 405

• Renamed Chapter 99A from "Civil Remedies for Criminal Actions" to "Civil Remedies for Interference With Property."

• Created new § 99A-2 establishing liability for persons who intentionally access nonpublic areas of another's premises and exceed their authorized scope of access.

• Defined exceeding authorized access to include: employees entering premises for purposes other than employment and stealing/recording employer data or documents; placing unauthorized surveillance devices on premises; conspiring in organized retail theft; or substantially interfering with property ownership or possession.

• Authorized courts to award prevailing parties equitable relief, compensatory damages, attorney's fees and costs, and exemplary damages of $5,000 per day of violation.

• Exempted employees covered by Article 21 of Chapter 95 or Article 14 of Chapter 126, governmental agencies and law enforcement engaged in lawful investigations; effective January 1, 2016.