NC S433

Renames Chapter 99A of the General Statutes from "Civil Remedies for Criminal Actions" to "Civil Remedies for Interference With Property."

Creates new § 99A-2 establishing liability for persons who gain access to nonpublic areas of another's premises and exceed their authorized scope of access, including employees who enter employer premises for reasons other than employment and remove data or records, create unauthorized recordings, or place surveillance devices.

Allows liable parties to face joint liability if they direct, assist, compensate, or induce others to violate the section.

Permits courts to award prevailing plaintiffs equitable relief, damages, costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, and exemplary damages of $5,000 per day of violation.

Exempts governmental agencies and law enforcement officers engaged in lawful investigations and preserves existing employee protections under state law and common law remedies.

Effective January 1, 2016.