Property protection is a critical challenge that North Carolina companies of all sizes contend with on a daily basis. And many employers not only have to keep watch over their own property, but also the private information of their customers. To make matters worse, our state’s current property protection laws expose businesses to an alarming variety of threats – from corporate espionage, to organized retail theft and internal data breaches.

The good news is that legislation moving in the General Assembly aims to provide the balanced security our businesses and consumers need. House Bill 405 (Property Protection Act) gained approval yesterday in the House Judiciary II Committee, and a floor vote is expected today. This bill puts greater protections in place to safeguard business property from access by individuals engaging in unauthorized activities in non-public areas.

Similar to penalties contained in the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Property Protection Act creates a civil process for employers victimized by trespassers to seek remedial compensation of $5,000 for each day the employee commits an unauthorized act.

The NC Chamber believes that businesses must have the ability to protect their property – their product – as well as the sensitive personal information provided to them by their customers. We applaud the General Assembly for recognizing the inadequate protections provided to employers by current law, and for working to ensure North Carolina’s businesses have the legal right to defend their most important assets. We urge members of the House to continue this positive progress by voting in favor of House Bill 405.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber