10/3/05-Gov. Mike Easley has signed a bill into law increasing penalties for people convicted of shooting into occupied homes and vehicles.
The new law, previously SB486, makes firing a gun into an occupied vehicle or building a felony punishable from roughly three to 15 years behind bars. Existing state law makes the maximum sentence for the crime about six years.
Punishment could reach as high as 17 and one-half years if the shooting causes serious injury.
The new rule takes effect Dec. 1.

8/23/05-The Legislature gave its final approval Aug. 23 to a bill that would increase penalties for people convicted of shooting into occupied homes and vehicles.
Senators unanimously approved changes made to the bill by House lawmakers. It now heads to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.
Sponsored by Sen. Austin Allran, R-Hickory, SB486 would make firing a gun into an occupied vehicle or building a felony punishable from roughly three to 15 years behind bars. Existing state law makes the maximum sentence for the crime about six years.
Punishment could reach as high as 17 and one-half years if the shooting causes serious injury.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.

7/20/05-A House judiciary panel has approved a revised version of a bill that would increase penalties for people convicted of shooting into occupied homes and vehicles. It previously passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
The version of the bill that has been forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee would increase the penalty for shooting into an occupied vehicle or home when doing so causes serious injury.
Anyone found guilty would face eight years and one month behind bars. The original version of the bill called for criminals to receive 16 years and six months in prison.
Members of the judiciary panel approved the bill only after weakening the maximum sentence, which would have been the same as the penalty for second-degree murder. The current penalty is the same as second-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping.
If the bill – SB486 – eventually passes the full House, it will head back to the Senate for final approval or go before a conference committee to work out any differences before moving to Gov. Mike Easley’s desk.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.