reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74E - Company Police Act › § 74E-13 - Penalties and enforcement.

§ 74E-13. Penalties and enforcement.
(a) No private person, firm, association, or corporation, and no public institution, agency, or other entity shall engage in, perform any services as, or in any way hold itself out as a company police agency or engage in the recruitment or hiring of company police officers without having first complied with the provisions of this Chapter. Any person, firm, association, or corporation, or their agents and employees violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(b) The Company Police Program may apply in its own name to the superior court for an injunction to prevent any violation or threatened violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter, and the superior courts have jurisdiction to grant the requested relief, irrespective of whether or not criminal prosecution has been instituted or administrative sanctions imposed because of the violation. The venue for an action brought under this subsection shall be in any county selected by the Attorney General.
(c) This section does not relieve a company police agency from any civil liability for the acts of its company police officers in exercising or attempting to exercise the powers conferred by this Chapter. (1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1043, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 767, s. 26.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-2 - Purpose.

§ 74F-2. Purpose.
Locksmiths have the knowledge and tools to bypass or neutralize security devices in vehicles, homes, and businesses. The laws of this State do not protect citizens from the unscrupulous use and abuse of this knowledge and these tools by persons who are untrained or have criminal intent. Therefore, the licensing of locksmiths is necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. (2001-369, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-3 - Licenses required; violation.

§ 74F-3. Licenses required; violation.
(a) No person shall perform or offer to perform locksmith services in this State unless the person has been licensed under the provisions of this Chapter. Every person providing locksmith services as defined under G.S. 74F-4(5) to buildings containing medical records, pharmaceutical records, educational records, criminal records, voting records, tax records, legal records, or personnel records, including any person providing locksmith services who is employed by or working for a school, college, university, hospital, company, institution, or government facility shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, a violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense is a Class I felony. (2001-369, s. 1; 2013-370, ss. 1, 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-4 - Definitions.

§ 74F-4. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Chapter:
(1) Apprentice. – A person who has been issued an apprenticeship designation by the Board.
(1a) Board. – The North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board.
(2) Code book. – A compilation, in any form, of key codes and combinations.
(3) License. – A certificate issued by the Board recognizing the person named therein as having met the requirements to perform locksmith services as defined in this Chapter.
(4) Locksmith. – A person who has been issued a license by the Board.
(5) Locksmith services. – Services that include repairing, rebuilding, rekeying, repinning, servicing, adjusting, or installing locks, mechanical or electronic locking devices, access control devices, egress control devices, safes, vaults, and safe-deposit boxes for compensation or other consideration, including services performed by safe technicians. The definition also includes any method of bypassing a locking mechanism of any kind, whether in a commercial, residential, or automotive setting, for compensation.
(6) Locksmith tools. – Any tools that are designed or used to open a mechanical or electrical locking device in a way other than that which was intended by the manufacturer. (2001-369, s. 1; 2003-350, ss. 1, 2; 2013-370, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-6 - Powers of the Board.

§ 74F-6. Powers of the Board.
The Board shall have the power and duty to:
(1) Administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Adopt rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.
(3) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure and renewal of licensure.
(4) Issue, renew, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses or apprenticeship designations and conduct any disciplinary actions authorized by this Chapter.
(5) Set fees as provided in G.S. 74F-9.
(6) Establish and approve continuing education requirements for persons licensed under this Chapter.
(7) Receive and investigate complaints from members of the public.
(8) Conduct investigations for the purpose of determining whether violations of this Chapter or grounds for disciplining licensees exist.
(9) Conduct administrative hearings in accordance with Article 3A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(10) Maintain a record of all proceedings conducted by the Board and make available to licensees and other concerned parties an annual report of all Board action.
(11) Maintain a list of the names and addresses of all persons licensed by the Board.
(12) Employ and fix the compensation of personnel that the Board determines is necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter and incur other expenses necessary to perform the duties of the Board.
(13) Adopt and publish a code of ethics.
(14) Adopt a seal containing the name of the Board for use on all licenses and official reports issued by the Board.
(15) Employ an attorney to assist or represent the Board in enforcing this Chapter.
(16) Request that the Department of Public Safety conduct criminal history record checks of applicants for licensure and apprenticeships pursuant to G.S. 143B-946.
(17) Authorize the chair, by majority vote, to issue subpoenas allowing the Board to obtain the records of a person or company offering locksmith services, including an employee of a company, a contractor, or a subcontractor. The records obtained shall include invoices and receipts, specifically any invoices and receipts that pertain to locksmith tools, equipment, or parts. (2001-369, s. 1; 2003-350, ss. 3, 4; 2004-177, s. 1; 2013-370, s. 4; 2014-100, s. 17.1(gg).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-7 - Qualifications for license.

§ 74F-7. Qualifications for license.
An applicant shall be licensed as a locksmith if the applicant meets all of the following qualifications:
(1) Is of good moral and ethical character, as evidenced in part by a criminal history record check conducted in accordance with G.S. 74F-18.
(2) Is at least 18 years of age.
(3) Successfully completes an examination administered by the Board that measures the knowledge and skill of the applicant in locksmith services and the laws applicable to licensed locksmiths.
(4) Pays the required fee under G.S. 74F-9. (2001-369, s. 1; 2003-350, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-7.1 - Apprentices.

§ 74F-7.1. Apprentices.
(a) An applicant may receive an apprentice designation if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Is of good moral and ethical character, as evidenced in part by a criminal history record check conducted in accordance with G.S. 74F-18.
(2) Is at least 18 years of age.
(3) Pays the required fee under G.S. 74F-9.
(b) After an applicant has satisfied the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, the apprentice may practice as an apprentice locksmith under the supervision of a licensed locksmith. The Board shall issue each apprentice a colored badge card that identifies the individual as an apprentice and includes the apprentice designation. The Board shall establish requirements for apprentice supervision.
(c) An apprentice may have the apprentice designation for no longer than three years. On or before the three-year period expires, the apprentice shall take the locksmith licensure examination administered by the Board. If the apprentice fails to take the examination within the three-year period or fails the examination and does not retake the examination on or before the three-year period expires, the apprentice shall not receive licensure and shall not be granted another apprenticeship.
(d) If an apprentice terminates employment with a licensed locksmith under which the apprentice originally received his or her apprenticeship, the apprentice shall find employment with another licensed locksmith to maintain the apprentice designation and shall pay a transfer fee pursuant to G.S. 74F-9.
Each licensed locksmith shall have no more than two apprentices at one time. However, a licensed locksmith shall have a 90-day grace period within which to accommodate more than two apprentices if the apprentice is newly hired as a result of a previous termination of employment or the inability of a licensed locksmith to supervise the apprentice. The licensed locksmith shall contact the Board once the locksmith terminates the additional apprentice, and the licensed locksmith shall be legally responsible for the apprentice's work until the Board is notified otherwise. (2003-350, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-8 - Licensure based on experience; licensure of nonresident; reciprocity.

§ 74F-8. Licensure based on experience; licensure of nonresident; reciprocity.
(a) The Board may grant, upon application and payment of proper fees, a license to a person who resides in this State and has at least three years' experience as a licensed locksmith in another state whose standards of competency are substantially equivalent to those provided in this Chapter.
(b) The Board may grant, upon application and payment of proper fees, a license to a nonresident if the person meets the requirements of this Chapter or the person resides in a state that recognizes licenses issued by the Board. (2001-369, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-9 - Fees.

§ 74F-9. Fees.
The Board shall establish fees not exceeding the following amounts:
(1) Issuance of a license $300.00
(2) Renewal of a license $300.00
(3) Examination $200.00
(4) Reinstatement $250.00
(5) Late fees $300.00
(6) Apprentice license fee $300.00
(7) Apprentice transfer fee $25.00.
(2001-369, s. 1; 2003-350, s. 7; 2013-370, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-10 - Issuance, renewal, replacement, and transfer of licenses.

§ 74F-10. Issuance, renewal, replacement, and transfer of licenses.
(a) The Board shall issue a license, upon payment of the license fee, to any applicant who has satisfactorily met the requirements of this Chapter as administered by the Board. Licenses shall show the full name of the person and an identification number and shall be signed by the chair and one other officer of the Board.
(b) All licenses shall expire three years after the date they were issued unless renewed. All applications for renewal shall be filed with the Board and shall be accompanied by the renewal fee as required by G.S. 74F-9. A license that has expired for failure to renew may be reinstated after the applicant pays the late and reinstatement fees as required by G.S. 74F-9. If an applicant whose license has expired can show good cause to the Board the reason for allowing the license to expire, the Board, in its discretion, may adjust the renewal and reinstatement fees accordingly.
(c) The Board shall replace any license that is lost, destroyed, or mutilated subject to rules established by the Board.
(d) A license may not be transferred or assigned. (2001-369, s. 1; 2013-370, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-11 - Photo identification.

§ 74F-11. Photo identification.
Every person licensed under this Chapter shall be issued a photo identification card by the Board. The card shall display a current photograph of the person, the person's name, address, and telephone number. The licensee shall have the photograph identification card available for inspection while performing locksmith services. (2001-369, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-12 - Posting licenses; advertisements.

§ 74F-12. Posting licenses; advertisements.
(a) Every locksmith issued a license under this Chapter shall display the license prominently in the locksmith's place of business.
(b) All advertisements for locksmith services shall include a valid license number issued by the Board. The license number of the owner of the locksmith company shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection. (2001-369, s. 1; 2013-370, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-13 - Responsibilities of employers.

§ 74F-13. Responsibilities of employers.
Every licensee under this Chapter shall provide to the Board the names of each person employed by the licensee who either performs locksmith services or has access to locksmith tools. The licensee shall notify the Board within 30 days of any change in the information provided pursuant to this section. (2001-369, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-14 - Customer identification.

§ 74F-14. Customer identification.
When opening a locked door to any vehicle or residential or commercial property, a licensee shall make a reasonable effort to verify that the customer is the legal owner of the vehicle or property or is authorized by the legal owner to gain access to the vehicle or property. (2001-369, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74F - Locksmith Licensing Act › § 74F-15 - Disciplinary procedures.

§ 74F-15. Disciplinary procedures.
(a) The Board may deny or refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a license or apprenticeship designation if the licensee, apprentice, or applicant:
(1) Gives false information to or withholds information from the Board in procuring or attempting to procure a license.
(2) Has been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to any of the crimes listed in G.S. 74F-18(a)(2).
(3) Has demonstrated gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in performing locksmith services.
(4) Has willfully violated any of the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) The Board may assess the costs of disciplinary action, including attorneys' fees, against an applicant or licensee found to be in violation of this Chapter or rules adopted by the Board. (2001-369, s. 1; 2003-350, s. 8; 2013-370, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-2 - Policy and scope.

§ 74G-2. Policy and scope.
(a) The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the safety and welfare of students, faculty, and staff in institutions of higher education by fostering integrity, proficiency, and competence among campus police agencies and campus police officers. To achieve this purpose, the General Assembly finds that a Campus Police Program needs to be established. As part of the Campus Police Program, the Attorney General is given the authority to certify a private, nonprofit institution of higher education, other than those described by G.S. 116-15(d), as a campus police agency and to commission an individual as a campus police officer.
(b) The purpose of this Chapter is also to assure, to the extent consistent with the State and federal constitutions, that this protection is not denied to students, faculty, and staff at private, nonprofit institutions of higher education originally established by or affiliated with religious denominations. To achieve this purpose, the General Assembly finds that:
(1) Most of the State's private, nonprofit institutions of higher education were originally established by or affiliated with religious denominations;
(2) These institutions have made and continue to make significant contributions in education to the State and the nation;
(3) These institutions admit students regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs;
(4) These institutions' principal mission is educational;
(5) All of these institutions are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and as such have independent governing boards of trustees;
(6) The principal State power conferred on campus police by this Chapter is the power of arrest;
(7) This power is important to protect the safety and welfare of students, faculty, and staff at these institutions;
(8) In exercising the power of arrest, these officers apply standards established by State and federal law only; and
(9) The exercise of this power is reviewable by the General Court of Justice and the federal courts.
(c) Public educational institutions operating under the authority of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina or the State Board of Community Colleges and private educational institutions that are licensed by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina pursuant to G.S. 116-15 or that are exempt from licensure by the Board of Governors pursuant to G.S. 116-15(c) may apply to the Attorney General to be certified as a campus police agency. A campus police agency may apply to the Attorney General to commission an individual designated by the agency to act as a campus police officer for the agency. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-3 - Liability insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance required; suspension of campus police agency certification for failure to comply.

§ 74G-3. Liability insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance required; suspension of campus police agency certification for failure to comply.
(a) An applicant for certification as a campus police agency must file with the Attorney General either a copy of a liability insurance policy that meets the requirements of this section or a certificate of self-insurance designating assets sufficient to satisfy the coverage requirements of this section if the applicant is a nonpublic entity. The policy or certificate of self-insurance must provide not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) of coverage per incident for personal injury or property damage resulting from a negligent act of the applicant or an agent or employee of the applicant operating in the course and scope of employment or under color of law. The form, execution, and terms of a liability insurance policy must meet the requirements of the Attorney General.
(b) An insurance carrier that issues a liability insurance policy required by this section may cancel the policy upon giving 30 days' written notice to both the campus police agency and the Attorney General. The written notice must be given by certified mail, return receipt requested. Cancellation of a liability insurance policy does not affect any liability on the policy that accrued prior to the effective cancellation date.
(c) A campus police agency that is a nonpublic entity must maintain the liability insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance required by this section in effect at all times. The Attorney General shall suspend the certification of a campus police agency that fails to maintain a liability insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance when required to do so by this section. A certification suspended for this reason may not be reinstated until the person whose certification was suspended files with the Attorney General an application for reinstatement and either the required liability insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-4 - Powers of Attorney General.

§ 74G-4. Powers of Attorney General.
The Attorney General has the following powers in addition to those conferred elsewhere in this Chapter:
(1) To establish minimum education, experience, and training standards and establish and require written or oral examinations for an applicant for certification as a campus police agency, a certified campus police agency, an applicant for commission as a campus police officer, or a commissioned campus police officer.
(2) To require a campus police agency or a campus police officer to submit reports or other information.
(3) To inspect records maintained by a campus police agency.
(4) To conduct investigations regarding alleged violations of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter and to make evaluations as may be necessary to determine if a campus police agency or a campus police officer is complying with this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter.
(5) To deny, suspend, or revoke a certification as a campus police agency or a commission as a campus police officer for failure to meet the requirements of or comply with this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter, in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(6) To appear in the name of the Campus Police Program and apply to the courts having jurisdiction for injunctions to prevent a violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter.
(7) To delegate the authority to administer this Chapter.
(8) To require that the Criminal Justice Standards Division provide administrative support staff for the Campus Police Program.
(9) To adopt rules needed to implement this Chapter, in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-5 - Campus police program records.

§ 74G-5. Campus police program records.
(a) The Attorney General is the legal custodian of all books, papers, documents, or other records and property of the Campus Police Program.
(b) Any papers, documents, or other records that become the property of the Campus Police Program and are placed in a campus police officer's personnel file maintained by the Attorney General are subject to the same restrictions concerning disclosure as set forth in Chapters 126, 153A, and 160A of the General Statutes for other personnel records.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Attorney General may disclose the contents of any records maintained under the authority of this Chapter to the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission, or any other criminal justice agency for certification or employment purposes. (2005-231, s. 1; 2013-97, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-7 - Badges, uniforms, weapons, and vehicles.

§ 74G-7. Badges, uniforms, weapons, and vehicles.
Campus police agencies shall be responsible for ensuring that all employees, whether or not commissioned, comply with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules adopted under this Chapter, including those provisions pertaining to the wearing of badges and uniforms, the carrying of weapons, and the operation of vehicles. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-8 - Minimum standards for campus police officers.

§ 74G-8. Minimum standards for campus police officers.
Applicants for commission as a campus police officer and a commissioned campus police officer must meet and maintain the same minimum preemployment and in-service standards as are required for State law enforcement officers by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and must meet and maintain any other preemployment and in-service requirements set by the Attorney General. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-10 - Expiration, renewal, and termination of agency certification or officer commission.

§ 74G-10. Expiration, renewal, and termination of agency certification or officer commission.
(a) Agency. – Unless sooner suspended or revoked by the Attorney General, a campus police agency's certification expires on June 30 of the calendar year following the date it is issued. A campus police agency may renew the certification upon payment of the appropriate fee and compliance with this Chapter and the rules adopted under this Chapter. An entity whose campus police agency's certification was denied or revoked for a violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter is not eligible to apply again for that certification for three years.
(b) Officer. – Unless sooner suspended or revoked by the Attorney General, a campus police officer's commission expires on June 30 of the calendar year following the date it is issued. A campus police officer may renew a commission upon payment of the appropriate fee and compliance with this Chapter and the rules adopted under this Chapter. The Attorney General shall immediately revoke the commission of a campus police officer when any of the following occurs:
(1) Termination of employment with the campus police agency for which the officer is commissioned.
(2) Termination, suspension, or revocation of the certification of the campus police agency for which the officer is commissioned.
(3) Failure to meet in-service training requirements as required by this Chapter or the rules adopted under this Chapter.
(4) Violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter.
An individual whose campus police officer's commission was denied or revoked for a violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter is not eligible to apply again for a commission for three years. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-11 - Immunity.

§ 74G-11. Immunity.
Neither the Attorney General nor any of the Attorney General's employees may be held criminally or civilly liable for any acts or omissions in carrying out the provisions of this Chapter or for the acts or omissions of agencies or officers certified or commissioned under this Chapter. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-12 - Fees.

§ 74G-12. Fees.
The Attorney General may charge fees for the items listed in the following table, not to exceed the amounts listed in the table:
Item Maximum Fee
Application for certification as $ 250.00
a campus police agency
Annual renewal of certification $ 200.00
as a campus police agency
Application for reinstatement of $ 1,000
certification as a campus
police agency
Application for commission as a $ 100.00
campus police officer
Annual renewal of commission as $ 50.00
a campus police officer
Application for reinstatement of $ 150.00
commission as a campus police
officer
The fees imposed under this section are not refundable. Fees collected under this section shall be applied to the cost of administering this Chapter. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 74G - Campus Police Act › § 74G-13 - Penalties and enforcement.

§ 74G-13. Penalties and enforcement.
(a) No private person, firm, association, or corporation, and no public institution, agency, or other entity shall engage in, perform any services as, or in any way hold itself out as a campus police agency or engage in the recruitment or hiring of campus police officers without having first complied with the provisions of this Chapter. Any person, firm, association, or corporation or their agents and employees violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(b) The Campus Police Program may apply in its own name to the superior court for an injunction to prevent any violation or threatened violation of this Chapter or a rule adopted under this Chapter, and the superior courts have jurisdiction to grant the requested relief, irrespective of whether or not criminal prosecution has been instituted or administrative sanctions imposed because of the violation. The venue for an action brought under this subsection shall be in any county selected by the Attorney General.
(c) This section does not relieve a campus police agency from any civil liability for the acts of its campus police officers in exercising or attempting to exercise the powers conferred by this Chapter. (2005-231, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-1 - Combinations in restraint of trade illegal.

§ 75-1. Combinations in restraint of trade illegal.
Every contract, combination in the form of trust or otherwise, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce in the State of North Carolina is hereby declared to be illegal. Every person or corporation who shall make any such contract expressly or shall knowingly be a party thereto by implication, or who shall engage in any such combination or conspiracy shall be guilty of a Class H felony. (1913, c. 41, s. 1; C.S., s. 2559; 1981, c. 764, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-1.1 - Methods of competition, acts and practices regulated; legislative policy.

§ 75-1.1. Methods of competition, acts and practices regulated; legislative policy.
(a) Unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, are declared unlawful.
(b) For purposes of this section, "commerce" includes all business activities, however denominated, but does not include professional services rendered by a member of a learned profession.
(c) Nothing in this section shall apply to acts done by the publisher, owner, agent, or employee of a newspaper, periodical or radio or television station, or other advertising medium in the publication or dissemination of an advertisement, when the owner, agent or employee did not have knowledge of the false, misleading or deceptive character of the advertisement and when the newspaper, periodical or radio or television station, or other advertising medium did not have a direct financial interest in the sale or distribution of the advertised product or service.
(d) Any party claiming to be exempt from the provisions of this section shall have the burden of proof with respect to such claim. (1969, c. 833; 1977, c. 747, ss. 1, 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-2 - Any restraint in violation of common law included.

§ 75-2. Any restraint in violation of common law included.
Any act, contract, combination in the form of trust, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce which violates the principles of the common law is hereby declared to be in violation of G.S. 75-1. (1913, c. 41, s. 2; C.S., s. 2560.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-2.1 - Monopolizing and attempting to monopolize prohibited.

§ 75-2.1. Monopolizing and attempting to monopolize prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to monopolize, or attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with any other person or persons to monopolize, any part of trade or commerce in the State of North Carolina. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 550, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-4 - Contracts to be in writing.

§ 75-4. Contracts to be in writing.
No contract or agreement hereafter made, limiting the rights of any person to do business anywhere in the State of North Carolina shall be enforceable unless such agreement is in writing duly signed by the party who agrees not to enter into any such business within such territory: Provided, nothing herein shall be construed to legalize any contract or agreement not to enter into business in the State of North Carolina, or at any point in the State of North Carolina, which contract is now illegal, or which contract is made illegal by any other section of this Chapter. (1913, c. 41, s. 4; C.S., s. 2562.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-8 - Continuous violations separate offenses.

§ 75-8. Continuous violations separate offenses.
Where the things prohibited in this Chapter are continuous, then in such event, after the first violation of any of the provisions hereof, each week that the violation of such provision shall continue shall be a separate offense. (1913, c. 41, s. 7; C.S., s. 2566.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-9 - Duty of Attorney General to investigate.

§ 75-9. Duty of Attorney General to investigate.
The Attorney General of the State of North Carolina shall have power, and it shall be his duty, to investigate, from time to time, the affairs of all corporations or persons doing business in this State, which are or may be embraced within the meaning of the statutes of this State defining and denouncing trusts and combinations against trade and commerce, or which he shall be of opinion are so embraced, and all other corporations or persons in North Carolina doing business in violation of law; and all other corporations of every character engaged in this State in the business of transporting property or passengers, or transmitting messages, and all other public service corporations of any kind or nature whatever which are doing business in the State for hire. Such investigation shall be with a view of ascertaining whether the law or any rule of the Utilities Commission or Commission of Banks [Commissioner of Banks] is being or has been violated by any such corporation, officers or agents or employees thereof, and if so, in what respect, with the purpose of acquiring such information as may be necessary to enable him to prosecute any such corporation, its agents, officers and employees for crime, or prosecute civil actions against them if he discovers they are liable and should be prosecuted. (1913, c. 41, s. 8; C.S., s. 2567; 1931, c. 243, s. 5; 1933, c. 134, s. 8; 1941, c. 97, s. 5; 1969, c. 833.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-10 - Power to compel examination.

§ 75-10. Power to compel examination.
In performing the duty required in G.S. 75-9, the Attorney General shall have power, at any and all times, to require the officers, agents or employees of any such corporation or business, and all other persons having knowledge with respect to the matters and affairs of such corporations or businesses, to submit themselves to examination by him, and produce for his inspection any of the books and papers of any such corporations or businesses, or which are in any way connected with the business thereof; and the Attorney General is hereby given the right to administer oath to any person whom he may desire to examine. He shall also, if it may become necessary, have a right to apply to any justice or judge of the appellate or superior court divisions, after five days' notice of such application, for an order on any such person or corporation he may desire to examine to appear and subject himself or itself to such examination, and disobedience of such order shall constitute contempt, and shall be punishable as in other cases of disobedience of a proper order of such judge. (1913, c. 41, s. 9; C.S., s. 2568; 1969, c. 44, s. 56; c. 833.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-11 - Person examined exempt from prosecution.

§ 75-11. Person examined exempt from prosecution.
No natural person examined, as provided in G.S. 75-10, shall be subject to indictment, criminal prosecution, criminal punishment or criminal penalty by reason of or on account of anything disclosed by him upon examination, and full immunity from criminal prosecution and criminal punishment by reason of or on account of anything so disclosed is hereby extended to all natural persons so examined. The immunity herein granted shall not apply to civil actions instituted pursuant to this Chapter. (1913, c. 41, s. 9; C.S., s. 2569; 1969, c. 833.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-12 - Refusal to furnish information; false swearing.

§ 75-12. Refusal to furnish information; false swearing.
Any corporation or person unlawfully refusing or willfully neglecting to furnish the information required by this Chapter, when it is demanded as herein provided, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and only fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000): Provided, that if any corporation or person shall in writing notify the Attorney General that it objects to the time or place designated by him for the examination or inspection provided for in this Chapter, it shall be his duty to apply to a justice or judge of the appellate or superior court division, who shall fix an appropriate time and place for such examination or inspection, and such corporation or person shall, in such event, be guilty under this section only in the event of its failure, refusal or neglect to appear at the time and place so fixed by the judge and furnish the information required by this Chapter. False swearing by any person examined under the provisions of this Chapter is a Class I felony. (1913, c. 41, s. 10; C.S., s. 2570; 1969, c. 44, s. 57; c. 833; 1993, c. 539, ss. 560, 1284; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-13 - Criminal prosecution; district attorneys to assist; expenses.

§ 75-13. Criminal prosecution; district attorneys to assist; expenses.
The Attorney General in carrying out the provisions of this Chapter shall have a right to send bills of indictment before any grand jury in any county in which it is alleged this Chapter has been violated or in any adjoining county, and may take charge of and prosecute all cases coming within the purview of this Chapter, and shall have the power to call to his assistance in the performance of any of these duties of his office which he may assign to them any of the district attorneys in the State, who shall, upon being required to do so by the Attorney General, send bills of indictment and assist him in the performance of the duties of his office. (1913, c. 41, s. 13; C.S., s. 2571; 1973, c. 47, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-14 - Action to obtain mandatory order.

§ 75-14. Action to obtain mandatory order.
If it shall become necessary to do so, the Attorney General may prosecute civil actions in the name of the State on relation of the Attorney General to obtain a mandatory order, including (but not limited to) permanent or temporary injunctions and temporary restraining orders, to carry out the provisions of this Chapter, and the venue shall be in any county as selected by the Attorney General. (1913, c. 41, s. 11; C.S., s. 2572; 1969, c. 833.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-15 - Actions prosecuted by Attorney General.

§ 75-15. Actions prosecuted by Attorney General.
It shall be the duty of the Attorney General, upon his ascertaining that the laws have been violated by any trust or public service corporation, so as to render it liable to prosecution in a civil action, to prosecute such action in the name of the State, or any officer or department thereof, as provided by law, or in the name of the State on relation of the Attorney General, and to prosecute all officers or agents or employees of such corporations, whenever in his opinion the interests of the public require it. (1913, c. 41, s. 12; C.S., s. 2573.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-15.1 - Restoration of property and cancellation of contract.

§ 75-15.1. Restoration of property and cancellation of contract.
In any suit instituted by the Attorney General to enjoin a practice alleged to violate G.S. 75-1.1, the presiding judge may, upon a final determination of the cause, order the restoration of any moneys or property and the cancellation of any contract obtained by any defendant as a result of such violation. (1973, c. 614, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-15.2 - Civil penalty.

§ 75-15.2. Civil penalty.
In any suit instituted by the Attorney General, in which the defendant is found to have violated G.S. 75-1.1 and the acts or practices which constituted the violation were, when committed, knowingly violative of a statute, the court may, in its discretion, impose a civil penalty against the defendant of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation. In any action brought by the Attorney General pursuant to this Chapter in which it is shown that an action or practice when committed was specifically prohibited by a court order, the Court may, in its discretion, impose a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation. Civil penalties may be imposed in a new action or by motion in an earlier action, whether or not such earlier action has been concluded. In determining the amount of the civil penalty, the court shall consider all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of the harm caused by the conduct constituting a violation, the nature and persistence of such conduct, the length of time over which the conduct occurred, the assets, liabilities, and net worth of the person, whether corporate or individual, and any corrective action taken by the defendant. The clear proceeds of penalties so assessed shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2. (1977, c. 747, s. 3; 1983, c. 721, s. 1; 1998-215, s. 99.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-16 - Civil action by person injured; treble damages.

§ 75-16. Civil action by person injured; treble damages.
If any person shall be injured or the business of any person, firm or corporation shall be broken up, destroyed or injured by reason of any act or thing done by any other person, firm or corporation in violation of the provisions of this Chapter, such person, firm or corporation so injured shall have a right of action on account of such injury done, and if damages are assessed in such case judgment shall be rendered in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant for treble the amount fixed by the verdict. (1913, c. 41, s. 14; C.S., s. 2574; 1969, c. 833; 1977, c. 707.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-16.1 - Attorney fee.

§ 75-16.1. Attorney fee.
In any suit instituted by a person who alleges that the defendant violated G.S. 75-1.1, the presiding judge may, in his discretion, allow a reasonable attorney fee to the duly licensed attorney representing the prevailing party, such attorney fee to be taxed as a part of the court costs and payable by the losing party, upon a finding by the presiding judge that:
(1) The party charged with the violation has willfully engaged in the act or practice, and there was an unwarranted refusal by such party to fully resolve the matter which constitutes the basis of such suit; or
(2) The party instituting the action knew, or should have known, the action was frivolous and malicious. (1973, c. 614, s. 1; 1983, c. 417, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-16.2 - Limitation of actions.

§ 75-16.2. Limitation of actions.
Any civil action brought under this Chapter to enforce the provisions thereof shall be barred unless commenced within four years after the cause of action accrues.
When any civil or criminal proceeding shall be commenced by the Attorney General or by any of the district attorneys of the State to prevent, restrain or punish a violation of Chapter 75, the running of the period of limitation with respect to every private right of action arising under Chapter 75 and based in whole or in part on any matter complained of in said proceeding shall be suspended during the pendency thereof and for one year thereafter; provided that when the running of the period of limitation with respect to a cause of action arising under Chapter 75 shall be suspended hereunder, any action to enforce such cause of action shall be barred unless commenced either within the period of suspension or within four years after the cause of action accrued, whichever is later. (1979, c. 169, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-17 - Lender may not require borrower to deal with particular insurer.

§ 75-17. Lender may not require borrower to deal with particular insurer.
No person, firm, or corporation engaged in lending money on the security of real or personal property, and no trustee, director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate, or associate, of any such person, firm, or corporation, shall either directly or indirectly require or impose as a condition precedent
(1) To financing the purchase of such property, or
(2) To lending money upon the security of a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security instrument, or
(3) For the renewal or extension of any such loan, mortgage, or deed of trust, or
(4) For the performance of any other act in connection therewith,
that such person, firm or corporation
a. For whom such purchase is to be financed, or
b. To whom the money is to be loaned, or
c. For whom such extension, renewal, or other act is to be granted,
negotiate, procure, or otherwise obtain any policy of insurance or renewal, or extension thereof, covering such property, or a security interest therein, by or through a particular insurance company, agent, broker, or other person so specified or otherwise designated in any manner by the lenders, or their agents or employees or affiliated or related companies. (1969, c. 1032, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 75 - Monopolies, Trusts and Consumer Protection › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 75-18 - Lender may require nondiscriminatory approval of insurer.

§ 75-18. Lender may require nondiscriminatory approval of insurer.
Although the lender and other persons enumerated in G.S. 75-17 may not specify or designate as a condition precedent a particular insurance company or agent, those persons, firms, or corporations engaged in lending money may approve the insurer selected by the borrower on a reasonable, nondiscriminatory basis, related to the solvency of the company and the type and provisions of policy coverage. (1969, c. 1032, s. 2.)