NC S161

Requires firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery, including details such as make, model, caliber, serial number, and date/location of loss

Establishes graduated penalties for non-reporting: written warning for first offense, up to $500 fine for second offense, and up to $1,000 fine for third or subsequent offenses

Creates potential civil liability and criminal charges (matching the level of offense committed) if an unreported lost or stolen firearm is used in a crime, unless the owner demonstrates reasonable inability to comply

Exempts firearm safety equipment from state sales tax, including gun safes, lockboxes, trigger locks, and biometric access devices designed to prevent unauthorized firearm access

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Department of Public Safety for FY 2025-2026 to develop a public education campaign about the reporting requirement, effective October 1, 2025