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SB 683

Relating to land sales by Auditor

2025 Regular Session

NC SB 683 requires noncustodial, individually assessed community rehab for primary caregivers of dependent children convicted of nonviolent offenses, to keep families together.

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Bill Summary · SB 683

SB 683 — "Keeping Kids and Parents Together Act" (NC)

Status: Passed 1st Reading (Introduced Feb 21, 2025)

Purpose

To reduce the incarceration of primary caregivers of minor children by requiring community‑based, noncustodial sentences for people convicted of nonviolent offenses who are the child’s primary caretaker. The bill prioritizes parent–child unity and directs courts to impose individually assessed, community‑focused rehabilitation in lieu of imprisonment.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Part 4 to Article 81B of the North Carolina General Statutes (new § 15A‑1340.26).
  • Mandatory assessment: Before sentencing, the court must determine (1) whether the offense is a “nonviolent offense” and (2) whether the defendant is a “primary caretaker” of a dependent child.
  • If both criteria are met, the court must impose an individually assessed sentence without imprisonment, based on community rehabilitation focused on maintaining parent–child relationships.
  • Permissible conditions the court may impose (nonexhaustive list):
    • Drug and alcohol treatment
    • Domestic violence education/prevention
    • Physical/sexual abuse counseling
    • Anger management
    • Vocational and educational services; job training/placement
    • Affordable and safe housing assistance
    • Financial literacy and parenting classes
    • Family and individual counseling; family case management services
  • Monitoring and modification:
    • The court may require periodic appearances to evaluate progress.
    • On review, the court may modify conditions, shorten the sentence for proven progress, or sanction violations.
    • Sanctions can include imposing a term of confinement within the statutory range for the original offense despite the earlier noncustodial disposition if conditions are violated.

Key definitions (selected)

  • Dependent child: person under 18 years of age.
  • Nonviolent offense: any crime punishable by imprisonment except crimes involving force/weapon use, burglary (and related offenses), extortion, arson, certain serious offenses in Chapter 14 (e.g., some sexual offenses), explosives, or conduct posing a serious risk of physical injury.
  • Primary caretaker: a parent who consistently handled housing, health, and safety of a child prior to incarceration, or a woman who gives birth before/while awaiting sentencing and intends to assume responsibility. Temporary placement with relatives does not automatically disqualify a parent.

Who is affected

  • Defendants convicted of nonviolent offenses who are identified as primary caretakers of a dependent child.
  • Criminal courts (obligated to make determinations and impose noncustodial, individually assessed sentences).
  • Children and families of such defendants (may avoid separation).
  • Community service providers, treatment and reentry programs (increased demand).
  • Corrections system (potential reduction in short‑term incarceration for eligible persons, but with possible custody if conditions are violated).

Procedural / timeline aspects

  • The bill takes effect upon becoming law and applies to sentences imposed on or after that date.
  • As of the bill text provided, it had passed its first reading (March 26, 2025).

Practical considerations / potential impacts

  • Prospective benefits: preserves family unity, reduces collateral harm to children, promotes rehabilitation in the community.
  • Operational needs: courts will need procedures to identify primary caretakers and nonviolent status; expanded availability and funding for treatment, housing, employment, and family case management services will be necessary for effective implementation.
  • Enforcement: courts retain authority to impose incarceration for violations, so monitoring and clear compliance mechanisms are required.

For reference: proposed statutory language appears at new § 15A‑1340.26 (Article 81B).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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