HB 523 Summary

• Enacts the North Carolina Servicemembers Civil Relief Act incorporating federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections into state law and extending them to NC National Guard members on state active duty and out-of-state National Guard members residing in NC.

• Allows servicemembers to terminate contracts for telecommunication, internet, television, and satellite radio services without early termination charges when receiving military orders to relocate for at least 90 days, with refunds due within 60 days.

• Prohibits eviction of servicemembers from residences during military service or within 14 days after service ends, and extends lease agreements to terminate 10 days after military service concludes.

• Clarifies that NC National Guard members cannot be forced to use vacation or accrued leave from civilian employment during active state service; the choice of leave is solely at the member's discretion.

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms including civil actions by the Attorney General and private rights of action for servicemembers, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and remedies including injunctions, restitution, and damages; effective October 1, 2019 for contracts.