NC S532

Establishes enhanced law enforcement resources within the North Carolina Forest Service to address timber theft, encroachment, and natural resource crimes with officers stationed proportionally across the state.

Authorizes Forest Service officers to investigate arson, timber theft, trespass, and related crimes while providing victim advocacy and prosecutorial assistance to landowners and local law enforcement.

Increases criminal penalties by upgrading timber damage offenses from Class 1 to Class A1 misdemeanor (G.S. 14-128) and fire-related offenses to Class 1 or Class A1 misdemeanor depending on circumstances (G.S. 14-136, 14-138.1, 14-383).

Appropriates $48,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $214,500 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to fund training, staffing, and equipment for the expanded law enforcement program.

Requires the Forest Service Law Enforcement Section to develop and report implementation plans and performance measures to the Joint Agricultural and Forestry Commission before the 2018 General Assembly convenes.