NC H686

Governor is prohibited from banning parades or firework displays (compliant with Article 54 of Chapter 14) scheduled between 5:00 P.M. on July 1st and 5:00 P.M. on July 10th.

Municipalities and counties cannot prohibit or deny reasonable permits for parades or fireworks displays during the July 1-10 window; permits substantially similar to those approved July 1-10, 2019 can only be revoked or denied with documented written findings of good cause by the governing board.

Persons cannot be prosecuted for Class 2 misdemeanor violations of emergency declarations or executive orders merely for attending or participating in qualifying July 4th parades or fireworks displays.

Civil liability protection applies to acts or omissions resulting in COVID-19 contraction during qualifying July celebrations, unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing; protection excludes workers' compensation claims and claims arising more than one year after Executive Order No. 116 (issued March 10, 2020) expires.

The act becomes effective immediately and applies to all July 1-10 parades and fireworks displays; it expires when applicable emergency declaration prohibitions and restrictions expire or terminate.