Bill
SB 801
SB 801 shields special operations personnel’s identifying/location data from public records, expands address confidentiality, and imposes civil penalties for doxxing.
Purpose and intent
- The bill aims to protect the safety and privacy of current and former special operations forces personnel and their dependents.
- Key goals include preventing public disclosure of identifying and location information, expanding confidentiality protections through an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), establishing civil liability for doxing, and directing funding to implement these protections.
Main provisions
1) Exemption of identification and location information from public records
- Adds a new section to G.S. 132-1 (Section 132-1.15) to exempt from public disclosure the identification and location information of current and former special operations personnel and their spouses and dependents.
- Definitions introduced:
- Identification and location information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and related contact information for personnel, their spouses, and dependents; also includes names and locations of schools attended by spouses and dependents.
- Special operations force/personnel definitions align with USSOCOM designations and include both military members and designated non-military support personnel.
- Mechanism to opt-out of disclosure:
- A current or former special operations personnel may submit a written request to exempt their information from public disclosure and certify efforts to protect information from other public-access channels.
- Agency obligations:
- State agencies must remove protected information from public-facing websites as soon as practicable.
2) Expansion of the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
- Establishes an Article 11 (Address Confidentiality Program) within Chapter 114 to extend ACP protections to special operations personnel and their spouses/dependents.
- Key features:
- Program participants receive an ACP authorization card, with certifications valid for four years and renewable.
- Participants may withdraw with proper acknowledgement; changes in name, address, or phone require timely notice to the Attorney General (AG) or certification may be canceled.
- The AG is designated as the agent for service of process and for receiving mail on behalf of participants.
- Several statutory protections governing use of substitute addresses, the confidentiality of actual addresses, and procedures for notifying relevant agencies (e.g., elections, tax authorities, schools) while preserving confidentiality.
- Provisions limit disclosure, except for specific authorized circumstances (law enforcement, court orders, official verification, etc.).
- Protections extend to and restrict access by agencies and personnel, with detailed rules about how and when disclosures may occur.
- Civil penalties for improper disclosure and a process for cancellation/appeal of ACP certification.
- Agencies may request waivers to use substitute addresses for certain purposes, with Attorney General oversight.
3) Civil liability for doxing (new Article 54)
- Effective October 1, 2026, creates civil liability for doxing special operations personnel.
- Definitions cover doxing, identification/location information, and related terms.
- Prohibited acts:
- Publishing identifying and location information without consent and with intent/knowledge of harm, or with reckless disregard for harm.
- Exceptions:
- Permitted disclosures in contexts such as criminal activity reporting, news media activity, law enforcement, court filings, regulatory requirements, private communications within legitimate professional contexts, and certain confidential exchanges.
- Remedies:
- Civil damages including compensatory, punitive, statutory damages ($5,000 per violation), costs and attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief, and other court-ordered relief.
- Jurisdiction:
- Civil actions may be filed in any county where a violation occurred or where the subject resides.
- Severability clause included.
4) Funded implementation and reporting
- Appropriations:
- $150,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for 2026-2027 to extend ACP coverage to special operations personnel; progress reports to the General Assembly by March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.
- $150,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for 2026-2027 to inform servicemembers, veterans, and the public about protections.
- $250,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Information Technology (DIT) for 2026-2027 to assist state agencies and localities with compliance.
- Effective date:
- General provisions become law upon enactment; the Civil Liability for Doxing Act portion takes effect October 1, 2026.
- Administration:
- Attorney General authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement the ACP and related protections.
Who is affected
- Current and former special operations personnel (and their spouses and dependents) in North Carolina.
- State agencies, local governments, and school districts that handle addresses and related records.
- Law enforcement, court systems, and media organizations (subject to defined exceptions).
- General public, including potential doxers and those who publish or disseminate identifying information.
Procedural and timeline notes
- SB 801 was filed April 21, 2026, and progressed to committee and first reading in the Senate (April 22, 2026).
- The Civil Liability for Doxing provisions become effective October 1, 2026.
- Ongoing reporting requirements to the General Assembly begin after the initial funding period (by March 1, 2027) and annually thereafter.
- Nonrecurring funding thresholds suggest one-time start-up costs for expansion and compliance efforts.
Bottom line
SB 801 seeks a comprehensive privacy and protection framework for special operations personnel by shielding their identifying and location information from public records, expanding confidential address protections, creating a civil liability regime for doxing, and funding implementation and public education. It balances privacy with narrowly defined exceptions and adds enforcement mechanisms to deter and remedy doxing.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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