NC H551

Amends Article I, Section 37 of the North Carolina Constitution to expand protections for victims of crime and acts of delinquency with enumerated rights for crimes against persons or felony property crimes.

Establishes victim rights including notice of court proceedings, presence at proceedings, being heard at plea/conviction/sentencing/release hearings, timely restitution, information about the crime and criminal justice system, and notification of suspect escape or release.

Provides enforcement procedure allowing victims, family members, guardians, or legal custodians to assert rights through motion to court in the same criminal or juvenile proceeding, with right to counsel at own expense.

Clarifies that failure to provide these rights cannot be used as grounds for defendant relief, appeal, or challenge to verdict; and that nothing grants victims party status, appeal rights, or access to confidential juvenile records.

Scheduled for voter approval at November 2018 election, effective August 31, 2019 if approved by majority vote.