NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1973 SESSION

CHAPTER 238

HOUSE BILL 358

AN ACT TO AMEND G.S. 14-72 TO MAKE THE THEFT OF ANY FIREARM A FELONY.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

Section 1.  G.S. 14-72(b)(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:

"(3)      Of any explosive or incendiary device or substance. As used in this section, the phrase 'explosive or incendiary device or substance' shall include any explosive or incendiary grenade or bomb; any dynamite, blasting powder, nitroglycerin, TNT, or other high explosive; or any device, ingredient for such device, or type or quantity of substance primarily useful for large-scale destruction of property by explosive or incendiary action or lethal injury to persons by explosive or incendiary action. This definition shall not include fireworks; or any form, type, or quantity of gasoline, butane gas, natural gas, or any other substance having explosive or incendiary properties but serving a legitimate non-destructive or nonlethal use in the form, type, or quantity stolen."

Sec. 2.  G.S. 14-72(b) is hereby further amended by adding a new subsection (4) to read as follows:

"(4)      Of any firearm. As used in this section, the term 'firearm' shall include any instrument used in the propulsion of a shot, shell or bullet by the action of gunpowder or any other explosive substance within it. A 'firearm', which at the time of theft is not capable of being fired, shall be included within this definition if it can be made to work. This definition shall not include air rifles or air pistols."

Sec. 3.  This act shall only apply to crimes committed after July 1, 1973.

Sec. 4.  This act shall become effective July 1, 1973.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 19th day of April, 1973.