New Laws
Gov. Mike Easley has signed into law measures that toughen sentences for some vandals, seek to protect individuals involved in child custody cases from identity theft and establish a special trust fund to handle a possible settlement over the so-called "Road to Nowhere." One measure elevates vandalizing property worth $5,000 or more to a felony punishable by up to one year in prison. That law takes effect Dec. 1. Current state law sets vandalism -- no matter what the damages -- as a misdemeanor offense. Another measure, sponsored by Rep. Bob England, D-Cleveland, removes a requirement that child support court orders include the social security numbers of individuals involved in the support proceedings. That law becomes effective Oct. 1.
A third measure seeks to address a possible monetary settlement between the federal government and Swain County over a road that was destroyed during the construction of Fontana Dam. The federal government promised in 1943 to rebuild the road through the Great Smoky Mountains. However, the project was never completed. The federal government has recommended a financial settlement with the county. The settlement money would be managed through the trust fund. (THE INSIDER, 6/26/08).
No comments:
Post a Comment