NC H1100

Eliminates criminal liability for businesses and religious organizations operating during COVID-19 emergency if they make reasonable efforts to maintain and enforce social distancing within their premises.

Abates all prosecutions for violations of Governor's executive orders or city/county COVID-19 restrictions and waives court costs for charged persons.

Prohibits law enforcement from closing compliant businesses operating under the social distancing requirements of this act.

Limits civil fines to a maximum of $5.00 for violations, and excludes video gaming machine establishments from liability protections while allowing other portions of mixed-business operations to remain open.

Appropriates $5,000 to the Department of Commerce for educational materials and applies retroactively to March 23, 2020.