Sexual Predators Will Face Stiffer Punishment For Rape Or Sexual Offenses Against Children

Gov. Mike Easley today signed House Bill 2436, “An act to modify the current Operations and Capital Appropriations Act of 2007, to authorize indebtedness for capital projects, and to make various tax law and fee changes.”

The following is a statement from the Governor’s Office:

"The governor has signed the budget and thanks legislators for their hard work. He looks forward to the General Assembly finishing work on important remaining issues including legislation on drought, home foreclosure and mental health."

Gov. Mike Easley today announced he has signed into law Senate Bill 1358, “An act to adopt a strategic approach to prevent youth involvement in street gang activity and to be entitled the ‘North Carolina Street Gang Prevention And Intervention Act.’” This new law requires the state Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to review the level of gang activity in the state, develop community based intervention efforts, assess the progress and accomplishments of efforts to deal with juveniles who are involved with, or at risk of getting involved in, street gangs and make recommendations to reduce the level of gang activity in North Carolina.

Gov. Mike Easley will receive the “America’s Greatest Education Governor’s Award” sponsored by the National Education Association TODAY (Thursday), July 3 at 3:30 p.m. in Halls D and E at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001. To request media credentials, please call (202) 822-7823.

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law House Bill 2189, “An act to provide domestic violence victims with information and assistance, and to study a statewide automated notification system for persons with domestic violence protective orders, as recommended by the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.”

Grants Will Aid In Fights Against Gangs, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Delinquency And Drug Abuse

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the Governor’s Crime Commission awarded $20.6 million to state and local agencies to make communities safer and assist crime victims. The money will help programs that detect and deter gang activity, assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, prevent juvenile delinquency and fight drug abuse.

“Preventing crime, gang activity, domestic violence and child abuse requires that we work together at the community, state and federal levels,” said Easley. “These grants help our state and local agencies develop programs and get the resources they need to keep our communities safe and secure.”

Kevin Siers, Charlotte Observer