NC H36

Creates new Class H felony offense for willfully or wantonly discharging or attempting to discharge a firearm or barreled weapon at or into an unoccupied emergency vehicle, including law enforcement, fire department, ambulance, rescue squad, National Guard, Armed Forces, or corrections vehicles.

Expands existing laser device offense to include pointing a laser at law enforcement agency animals or search and rescue animals while performing duties, and adds probation/parole officers, detention facility staff, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, National Guard members, Armed Forces members, and court counselors to protected emergency personnel.

Establishes penalties: Class I felony for pointing laser at protected emergency personnel during performance of duties, Class A1 misdemeanor for pointing laser at law enforcement agency or search and rescue animals, and infraction for pointing laser at the head or face of other persons.

Exempts laser use by law enforcement officers, health care professionals, authorized licensed users, and laser tag or paintball games using LED technology.

Becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.