Rep. Balkcom files bill revising burglary definitions in North Carolina House

A new bill filed by State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom in the North Carolina House seeks to clarify burglary classifications and enhance penalties involving firearms or deadly weapons, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 42 on Feb. 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Burglary & B&E/Sentence Enhancement.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill revises the definition and penalties for first and second degree burglary in North Carolina, emphasizing the role of firearms and other deadly weapons. It clarifies burglary distinctions based on whether a property is occupied, affecting its classification as first or second degree, with first degree defined by an occupied dwelling and second degree by unoccupied locations. The bill introduces enhanced sentencing, escalating the felony class of burglary, breaking out, or breaking or entering offenses by one level if committed with a firearm or deadly weapon. It requires allegations for such enhancements to be explicitly stated in indictments. This legislation takes effect Dec. 1, 2025, and is applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. proposed the most bills (seven) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Balkcom graduated from Blue Ridge Community College in 2016 with an AA.

Balkcom, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 117th House district, replacing previous state representative Timothy Moffitt.