NC H840

Changes North Carolina law to require consent of all parties to a communication before interception is lawful, replacing the previous "at least one party" consent standard for wire, oral, and electronic communications.

Makes violation of the interception prohibition a Class H felony, with enhanced penalties (Class G felony) for certain disclosures that hinder investigations and Class I misdemeanor for negligent divulgence of surveillance orders.

Provides exceptions allowing interception by law enforcement officers who are party to the communication or have one party's consent when obtaining evidence of criminal acts, and for body-worn and dashboard camera recordings during official duties.

Permits interception of public communications, radio transmissions for emergency services, amateur radio frequencies, and allows telephone company employees to trace obscene or threatening calls with notice to law enforcement within 48 hours.

Takes effect December 1, 2021, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date.