NC H495

Creates new felony crime of money laundering in North Carolina when person knowingly and willfully acquires, transfers, conducts transactions, or invests proceeds of criminal activity exceeding $10,000, classified as Class H felony for amounts under $100,000 or Class C felony for amounts of $100,000 or more.

Defines "proceeds of criminal activity" as funds acquired or derived from felonies under state or federal law or offenses punishable by more than one year imprisonment in other states, and includes physical currency, digital currency, virtual currency, and various financial instruments.

Expands organized retail theft penalties by raising thresholds: Class H felony at $1,500 over 90 days, Class G felony at $20,000, Class F felony at $50,000, and Class C felony at $100,000 aggregated value.

Adds new Class H felony for larceny from merchants involving price tag fraud when the price difference exceeds $200, fraudulent product codes, or exchanging stolen property for cash or gift cards.

Clarifies that concealing merchandise using specialized devices and multiple theft schemes can be prosecuted as felonies; law becomes effective December 1, 2024.