NC S781

Governor cannot prohibit or restrict public press organizations from conducting activities in normal course of business during a state of emergency.

Governor cannot prohibit or restrict peaceable, nonviolent, or nonthreatening activities intended to express political views or provide lawful information during a state of emergency.

Governor cannot prohibit or restrict religious institutions from conducting regular business or worship services during a state of emergency; only nonbinding recommendations permitted.

Municipal and county governments face identical restrictions on emergency ordinances regarding press, protest, and religious institutions as the Governor.

$2,500 each appropriated to North Carolina Sheriffs' Association and Association of Chiefs of Police for fiscal year 2020-2021 to educate law enforcement on the requirements; act effective May 31, 2020.