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Form a Business

G.S. ch. 114, art. 1

G.S. ch. 114, art. 1
in effect

G.S. 114-1 Creation of Department of Justice under supervision of Attorney General.

§ 114-1.  Creation of Department of Justice under supervision of Attorney General. There is hereby created a Department of Justice which shall be under the supervision and direction of the Attorney General, as authorized by Article III, Sec. 7, of the Constitution of North Carolina. (1939, c. 315, s. 1; 1973, c. 702, s. 1.)

G.S. 114-1.1 Common-law powers.

§ 114-1.1.  Common-law powers. The General Assembly reaffirms that the Attorney General has had and continues to be vested with those powers of the Attorney General that existed at the common law, that are not repugnant to or inconsistent with the Constitution or laws of North Carolina. (1985, c. 479, s. 137.)

G.S. 114-2 Duties.

§ 114-2.  Duties. Pursuant to Section 7(2) of Article III of the North Carolina Constitution, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General: (1) To defend all actions in the appellate division in which the State shall be interested, or a party, and to appear for the State in any other court or tribunal in any cause or matter, civil or criminal, in which the State may be a party or interested, subject to the provisions set forth in G.S. 1-72.2 and G.S. 120-32.6. The duty to represent the State in criminal appeals shall not be delegated to any district attorney's office or any other entity. (2) To represent all State departments, agencies, institutions, commissions, bureaus or other organized activities of the State which receive support in whole or in part from the State. Where the Attorney General represents a State department, agency, institution, commission, bureau, or other organized activity of the State which receives support in whole or in part from the State, the Attorney General shall act in conformance with Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the North Carolina State Bar. (3) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 702, s. 2. (4) To consult with and advise the prosecutors, when requested by them, in all matters pertaining to the duties of their office. (5) To give, when required, his opinion upon all questions of law submitted to him by the General Assembly, or by either branch thereof, or by the Governor, Auditor, Treasurer, or any other State officer. (6) To pay all moneys received for debts due or penalties to the State immediately after the receipt thereof into the treasury. (7) To compare the warrants drawn on the State treasury with the laws under which they purport to be drawn. (8) Repealed by Session Laws 2024-57, s. 3D.1(h), effective December 11, 2024. (9) To notify the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate whenever an action is filed in State or federal court that challenges the validity of a North Carolina statute or provision of the North Carolina Constitution under State or federal law. (10) Pursuant to G.S. 120-32.6, to represent upon request and otherwise abide by and defer to the final decision-making authority exercised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, as agents of the State through the General Assembly, in defending any State or federal action challenging the validity or constitutionality of an act of the General Assembly or a provision of the North Carolina Constitution. If for any reason the Attorney General cannot perform the duty specified herein, the Attorney General may recuse personally from such defense but shall appoint another attorney employed by the Department of Justice to act at the direction of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.  (1868-9, c. 270, s. 82; 1871-2, c. 112, s. 2; Code, s. 3363; 1893, c. 379; 1901, c. 744; Rev., s. 5380; C.S., s. 7694; 1931, c. 243, s. 5; 1933, c. 134, s. 8; 1941, c. 97; 1967, c. 691, s. 51; 1969, c. 535; 1973, c. 702, s. 2; 1977, c. 468, s. 17; 1979, c. 107, s. 9; 1983, c. 913, s. 15; 2014-100, s. 17.3A(b); 2017-57, s. 6.7(m); 2017-212, s. 5.2(a); 2024-57, s. 3D.1(h).)

G.S. 114-2.1 Consent judgments.

§ 114-2.1.  Consent judgments. In litigation in which the State is interested or is a party, no consent judgment shall be entered into by the State unless and no consent judgment shall be binding on the State except to the extent that the State's entire obligation for the current and for future fiscal years will be satisfied with funds that are available for that purpose for the current fiscal year, including funds that the Council of State agrees to allot from the Contingency and Emergency Fund, provided that for payments of tort claims and workers' compensation claims it shall not be binding on the State except to the extent that the State's entire obligation for the current and for future fiscal years can be satisfied with funds that are available for the current fiscal year, including funds that the Council of State agrees to allot from the Contingency and Emergency Fund. The Director of the Budget shall report to the appropriation committees of the General Assembly concerning all funds made available during the preceding fiscal year from the Contingency and Emergency Fund for the purpose of carrying out consent judgments. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1282, s. 51; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 95; c. 1116, s. 85.)

G.S. 114-2.2 Consent judgments.

§ 114-2.2.  Consent judgments. (a) To be effective against the State, a consent judgment entered into by the State, a State department, State agency, State institution, or a State officer who is a party in his official capacity must be signed personally by the Attorney General. This power of approval may not be delegated to a deputy or assistant Attorney General or to any other subordinate. This subsection shall not apply to consent judgments that name as a party a State department, agency, institution, or officer. (a1) Where a dispute, claim, or controversy names as a party a State department, agency, or institution, or officer, a consent judgment shall be approved by the head of the department, agency, or institution, or by the State officer, before the judgment may be entered. (a2) Where a dispute, claim, or controversy is challenging a North Carolina statute or provision of the North Carolina Constitution, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate (i) have jointly intervened on behalf of the General Assembly in accordance with G.S. 1-72.2 or (ii) are otherwise jointly named in their official capacities as parties to the dispute, claim, or controversy, a consent judgment shall be jointly approved by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or by and through counsel of their choice, before the judgment may be entered. (b) The provisions of this section are supplemental to G.S. 114-2.1. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General by rule may delegate to a deputy or assistant Attorney General or to another subordinate the power to sign consent judgments in condemnation or eminent domain actions brought under the provisions of Chapters 40A or 136 of the General Statutes and consent judgments under the provision of Article 31 of Chapter 143 (Tort Claims Act) and Chapter 97 (Workers' Compensation Act) of the General Statutes. (d) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to consent judgments entered into by an entity, officer, or employee of the Judicial Branch. To be effective against the State, a consent judgment entered into by an entity of the Judicial Branch, or officer or employee of the Judicial Branch who is a party in his or her official capacity, must be signed by the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts.  (1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 95; c. 1116, s. 85; 2014-100, s. 17.3A(c); 2021-180, s. 18.7(a); 2024-57, s. 3D.2(b).)

G.S. 114-2.3 Use of private counsel limited.

§ 114-2.3.  Use of private counsel limited. (a) Every agency, institution, department, bureau, board, or commission of the State, authorized by law to retain private counsel, shall obtain written permission from the Attorney General prior to employing private counsel. This section does not apply to counties, cities, towns, other municipal corporations or political subdivisions of the State, or any agencies of these municipal corporations or political subdivisions, or to county or city boards of education. This subsection does not apply to the Judicial Department or an agency that is under the control of an official who is a member of the Council of State. (b) Article 2A of this Chapter applies to any contract to retain private counsel authorized by the Attorney General under this section. (c) Except as provided in G.S. 147-17, the Attorney General shall represent the State in any action requiring the State to be a party under G.S. 1-72.3. (d) No State funds shall be withdrawn from the State treasury to pay for litigation services provided by private counsel except as expressly authorized by an appropriation of the General Assembly. As used in this subsection, litigation services include legal work conducted in anticipation of, or in preparation for, any suit or action. As used in this section, private counsel includes any licensed attorney retained by, engaged by, or otherwise representing a department, officer, agency, institution, commission, bureau, or other organized activity of the State but does not include a licensed attorney who holds a permanent budgeted position in either the Department of Justice or the applicable department, officer, agency, institution, commission, bureau, or other organized activity of the State. (e) The Attorney General shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations by January 1 and July 1 of each year on all contracts or engagement letters entered into by the Attorney General with private counsel to assist with any of the statutory duties of the Attorney General. The report shall disclose the amount of State funds expended under each such contract or engagement letter and a description of the legal assistance provided by private counsel.  (1985, c. 479, s. 135; 2014-110, s. 1.2; 2016-109, s. 2(b); 2017-57, s. 6.7(b); 2021-180, s. 16.10(c); 2024-57, s. 3D.1(i).)

G.S. 114-2.4 Settlement agreements.

§ 114-2.4.  Settlement agreements. (a) The Attorney General shall review the terms of all proposed agreements entered into by the State or a State department, agency, institution, or officer to settle or resolve litigation or potential litigation, that involves the payment of public monies in the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) or more. In order for such an agreement or contract to be effective against the State, the Attorney General shall submit to the State or the State department, agency, institution, or officer a written opinion regarding the terms of the proposed agreement and the advisability of entering into the agreement, prior to entering into the agreement. The written opinion required by this section shall be maintained in the official file of the final settlement agreement. The Attorney General by rule may delegate to a deputy or assistant Attorney General or to another subordinate the authority to review settlement agreements. This subsection shall not apply to proposed agreements entered into by an entity, officer, or employee of the Judicial Branch. (a1) Where a dispute, claim, or controversy names as a party a State department, agency, or institution, or officer, a proposed settlement agreement or other agreement that would dispose of the dispute, claim, or controversy shall be approved by the head of the department, agency, or institution, or by the State officer, before the agreement may be entered. (a2) Where a dispute, claim, or controversy is challenging a North Carolina statute or provision of the North Carolina Constitution, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate (i) have intervened on behalf of the General Assembly in accordance with G.S. 1-72.2 or (ii) are otherwise jointly named in their official capacities as parties to the dispute, claim, or controversy, a proposed settlement agreement or other agreement that would dispose of the dispute, claim, or controversy shall be jointly approved by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or by and through counsel of their choice, before the agreement may be entered. (a3) Where a dispute, claim, or controversy is brought against an entity, official, or employee of the Judicial Branch, a proposed settlement agreement or other agreement that would require the payment of monies from State funds, including potential attorneys' fees, shall be approved by the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, or by and through a designee of his or her choice, before the agreement may be entered. (b) The Attorney General shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on all agreements entered into by the State or a State department, agency, institution, or officer to settle or resolve litigation or potential litigation, that involves the payment of public monies in the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) or more.  (1997-443, s. 20.14(a); 2014-100, s. 17.3A(d); 2021-180, s. 18.7(b); 2024-57, s. 3D.2(c).)

G.S. 114-2.4A Disposition of funds received by the State or a State agency from a settlement or other final order or judgment of the court.

§ 114-2.4A.  Disposition of funds received by the State or a State agency from a settlement or other final order or judgment of the court. (a) Definition. - For purposes of this section, the term "settlement" means an agreement entered into by the State or a State agency, with or without a court's participation, that ends (i) a dispute, lawsuit, or part of the dispute or lawsuit or (ii) the involvement of the State or State agency in the dispute, lawsuit, or part of the dispute or lawsuit. This term includes settlement agreements, stipulation agreements, consent judgments, and consent decrees. (b) Prohibition. - The following restrictions shall apply: (1) Funds received by the State or a State agency from a settlement or other final order or judgment of the court shall not be transferred or expended pursuant to G.S. 143C-6-4 and shall remain unexpended until the funds are appropriated by the General Assembly. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit the expenditure of funds to any of the following: a. A party, other than the State or a State agency, to the dispute or lawsuit. b. A consumer entitled to a refund or the recovery of damages. c. An attorney awarded attorneys' fees for representing (i) a party under sub-subdivision a. of this subdivision or (ii) a consumer under sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision. (2) The Attorney General, any subordinate who has been delegated the authority to negotiate or approve a settlement, and any private counsel retained to represent a State agency shall have no authority to include or agree to terms or conditions in any settlement that authorizes the expenditure, transfer, or award of funds to any person or entity other than any of the following: a. A party, other than the State or a State agency, to the dispute or lawsuit. b. A consumer entitled to a refund or the recovery of damages. c. An attorney awarded attorneys' fees for representing (i) a party under sub-subdivision a. of this subdivision or (ii) a consumer under sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision. (c) Exception. - Subsections (b) and (e) of this section shall not apply to: (1) Funds received by the Department of Health and Human Services to the extent those funds represent the recovery of previously expended Medicaid funds. (2) Funds received by the Escheat Fund and benefit plans administered by the Department of State Treasurer. (3) Funds received by the Department of Transportation to the extent those funds represent the recovery of funds previously expended by the Department of Transportation. (d) Recommendation. - The Attorney General may provide a nonbinding written recommendation to the chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees for their consideration as to what purpose the funds subject to the prohibition in subsection (b) of this section should be appropriated for. (e) Overrealized Receipts. - Any provision of law authorizing the expenditure of overrealized receipts shall not apply to the funds referred to in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section unless the language of the law specifically references this section or specifically references funds received by the State or a State agency from a settlement or other final order or judgment of the court. (f) Required Disposition. - If the terms of a federal grant, another provision of State or federal law, or the State Constitution require a specific disposition of funds received from a settlement or other final order or judgment of the court, nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede, or authorize a deviation from, that specific disposition. Furthermore, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to abrogate the requirement that funds drawn from the State treasury be in consequence of appropriations made by law. (g) Required Submission. - In addition to any other report or filing that may be required by law, and unless the settlement is sealed pursuant to a written order of the court in accordance with G.S. 132-1.3 or federal law, the Attorney General's Office shall submit a copy to the Legislative Library of any settlement or other final order or judgment of the court in which the State or a State agency receives funds in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000). The submission required by this subsection shall be made within 60 days of the date (i) the settlement is entered into or (ii) the final order or judgment of the court is entered. Any information deemed confidential by State or federal law shall be redacted from the copy of the settlement or other final order or judgment of the court prior to submitting it to the Legislative Library. (2014-100, s. 6.6(a); 2015-67, s. 5; 2017-57, s. 34.7A.)

G.S. 114-2.5 Attorney General to report payment of public monies pursuant to settlement agreements and final court orders.

§ 114-2.5.  Attorney General to report payment of public monies pursuant to settlement agreements and final court orders. (a) Not less than 30 days prior to the disbursement of funds received by the State or a State agency pursuant to a settlement agreement or final order or judgment of the court where the amount of funds received exceeds seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000), the Attorney General shall file a written report with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Chairs of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety of the Senate and House of Representatives on the payments received by the State or a State agency. The Attorney General shall also report on the terms or conditions of payment and of any disbursements set forth in the agreement or order. The Attorney General shall submit a written report to the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly. (b) This section only applies to executed settlement agreements and final orders or judgments of the court and shall in no way affect the authority of the Attorney General to negotiate the settlement of cases in which the State or a State department, agency, institution, or officer is a party. (1998-212, s. 18.7(b); 1999-237, s. 19(b).)

G.S. 114-2.5A Report by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit required annually.

§ 114-2.5A.  Report by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit required annually. By September 1 of each year, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Department of Justice shall file a written report about its activities with the Chairs of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety and Health and Human Services of the Senate and House of Representatives and with the Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office. This report may be combined with the report required by G.S. 1-617 and shall include the following information about the Unit's activities during the previous fiscal year: (1) The number of matters reported to the Unit. (2) The number of cases investigated. (3) The number of criminal convictions and civil settlements. (4) The total amount of funds recovered in each case. (5) The allocation of recovered funds in each case to (i) the federal government; (ii) the State Medical Assistance Program; (iii) the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund; (iv) the Department of Justice; and (v) other victims. (2010-31, s. 16.1.)

G.S. 114-2.5B Annual report on grant funds received or preapproved for receipt.

§ 114-2.5B.  Annual report on grant funds received or preapproved for receipt. The Department of Justice shall report by May 1 of each year to the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety on grant funds received or preapproved for receipt by the Department. The report shall include information on the amount of grant funds received or preapproved for receipt by the Department, the use of the funds, the State match expended to receive the funds, and the period to be covered by each grant. If the Department intends to continue the program beyond the end of the grant period, the Department shall report on the proposed method for continuing the funding of the program at the end of the grant period. The Department shall also report on any information it may have indicating that the State will be requested to provide future funding for a program presently supported by a local grant. (2021-180, s. 19A.1(b).)

G.S. 114-2.6 Attorney General to report on pending lawsuits in which State is a party.

§ 114-2.6.  Attorney General to report on pending lawsuits in which State is a party. By April 1 and October 1 of each year, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Chairs of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Chairs of the Finance Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office on any lawsuit in which the constitutionality of a North Carolina law has been challenged and on any case in which plaintiffs seek in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in damages. In addition, the Attorney General shall submit a written report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Chairs of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Chairs of the Finance Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office within 30 days of a final judgment that orders the State to pay the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more. (2001-424, s. 23.11(a).)

G.S. 114-2.7 Recodified as G.S. 143B-901 by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 17.1(g), effective July 1, 2014.

G.S. 114-2.8 Limitation on participation in foreign litigation.

§ 114-2.8.  Limitation on participation in foreign litigation. The Attorney General shall not, as a party, amicus, or any other participant in an action pending before a state or federal court in another state, advance any argument that would result in the invalidation of any statute enacted by the General Assembly.  (2024-57, s. 3D.1(j).)

G.S. 114-3 To devote whole time to duties.

§ 114-3.  To devote whole time to duties. The Attorney General shall devote his whole time to the duties of the office and shall not engage in the private practice of law. (1929, c. 1, s. 1.)

G.S. 114-4 Assistants; compensation; assignments.

§ 114-4.  Assistants; compensation; assignments. The Attorney General shall be allowed to appoint from among his staff such number of assistant attorneys general as he shall deem advisable, and each of such assistant attorneys general shall be subject to all of the provisions of Chapter 126 of the General Statutes relating to the State Human Resources system. Two assistant attorneys general shall be assigned to the State Department of Revenue. The other assistant attorneys general shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Attorney General: Provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not be construed as preventing the Attorney General from assigning additional duties to the assistant attorneys general assigned to the State Department of Revenue. (1925, c. 207, s. 1; 1937, c. 357; 1945, c. 786; 1947, c. 182; 1967, c. 260, s. 1; 1973, c. 702, s. 3; 2014-115, s. 55.4(c).)

G.S. 114-4.2 Assistant attorneys general and other attorneys to assist Department of Transportation.

§ 114-4.2.  Assistant attorneys general and other attorneys to assist Department of Transportation. The Attorney General is authorized to appoint from among his staff such assistant attorneys general and such other staff attorneys as he shall deem advisable to provide all legal assistance for the State highway functions of the Department of Transportation, and such assistant attorneys general and other attorneys shall also perform such additional duties as may be assigned to them by the Attorney General, and shall otherwise be subject to all provisions of  the statutes relating to assistant attorneys general and other staff attorneys. There shall be appropriated from the State Highway Fund such sum as may be necessary to pay the salaries of said assistant attorneys general and other attorneys and necessary secretaries. The Department of Transportation shall provide adequate office space, equipment and supplies. (1957, c. 65, s. 9; 1965, c. 55, s. 16; c. 408, s. 1; 1973, c. 702, s. 5; 1975, c. 716, s. 7; 1977, c. 464, s. 36.)

G.S. 114-4.2A Assistant attorney general assigned to State Insurance Department.

§ 114-4.2A.  Assistant attorney general assigned to State Insurance Department. Such assistant attorneys general as are assigned to the Commissioner of Insurance and the State Insurance Department by the Attorney General shall perform such additional duties as may be assigned to them by the Attorney General, and shall otherwise be subject to all provisions of the statutes relating to assistant attorneys general. (1967, c. 1115, s. 1; 1973, c. 702, s. 6.)

G.S. 114-4.2B Employment of attorney for University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill.

§ 114-4.2B.  Employment of attorney for University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill. The Attorney General is hereby authorized to employ an attorney to be assigned by him full time to the University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill. Such attorney shall be subject to all the provisions of Chapter 126 of the General Statutes, relating to the State Human Resources system. Such attorney shall also perform additional duties as may be assigned to him by the Attorney General. The attorney employed by the Attorney General under provisions of this section shall be paid from the funds of the University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill. (1975, c. 526, s. 1; 1989, c. 141, s. 3; 2014-115, s. 55.4(c).)

G.S. 114-4.2C Employment of attorney for the Real Estate Commission.

§ 114-4.2C.  Employment of attorney for the Real Estate Commission. The Attorney General is hereby authorized to employ an attorney and assign him full time to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Such attorney shall be subject to all the provisions of Chapter 126 of the General Statutes relating to the State Human Resources system. Such attorney shall also perform such additional duties as may be assigned to him by the Attorney General. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission shall fully reimburse the North Carolina Department of Justice for the compensation of such attorney employed under the provisions of this section. (1975, c. 835, ss. 1, 2; 1983, c. 81, s. 1; 2014-115, s. 55.4(c).)

G.S. 114-4.2D Repealed by Session Laws 2014-4, s. 29(a), effective June 4, 2014.

G.S. 114-4.2E Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 859, s. 13.10, effective July 1, 1981.

G.S. 114-4.2F Designation of attorney specializing in the law of the handicapped.

§ 114-4.2F.  Designation of attorney specializing in the law of the handicapped. The Attorney General is authorized to designate from his staff an attorney to specialize in the law of the handicapped.  The attorney so designated shall act as advisor to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, the North Carolina School for the Deaf and the Governor Morehead School. (1983, c. 850, s. 1; 1989, c. 533, s. 7.)

G.S. 114-4.2G Repealed by Session Laws 2002-168, s. 6, effective October 1, 2002.

G.S. 114-4.4 Deputy attorneys general.

§ 114-4.4.  Deputy attorneys general. The Attorney General is hereby authorized to designate from among his staff such deputy attorneys general as he shall deem advisable to perform such duties and undertake such responsibilities as he may direct. (1963, c. 355; 1973, c. 702, s. 8.)

G.S. 114-5 Additional clerical help.

§ 114-5.  Additional clerical help. The Attorney General shall be allowed such additional clerical help as shall be necessary; the amount of such help and the salary therefor shall be fixed by the Department of Administration and the Attorney General. (1925, c. 207, s. 2; 1957, c. 269, s. 1.)

G.S. 114-6 Duties of Attorney General as to civil litigation.

§ 114-6.  Duties of Attorney General as to civil litigation. The Attorney General shall continue to perform all duties now required of his office by law and to exercise the duties now prescribed by law as to civil litigation affecting the State, or any agency or department thereof, and shall assign to the members of the staff all duties to be performed in connection with criminal prosecutions and civil litigation authorized by this Article or by existing laws. (1939, c. 315, ss. 7, 8.)

G.S. 114-6.1 Biannual reporting on attorney activity.

§ 114-6.1.  Biannual reporting on attorney activity. Beginning on February 1, 2013, and every six months thereafter, the Attorney General shall report on the work of Department of Justice attorneys during the previous two quarters. The reports required by this section shall be filed with the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety and with the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly as follows: (1) Agency-specific work. - A report on the work of Department of Justice attorneys for State agencies. This report shall include at least all of the following information: a. The amount of time spent working for each State department and agency. b. The amount of time spent on each case for each State department and agency. c. The amount billed to each State agency for the legal services provided. (2) Other work. - A report on the work of Department of Justice attorneys that is not on behalf of a particular State agency. The report required by this subdivision shall include all of the information required by subdivision (1) of this section. The report shall include at least all of the following information: a. The amount of time spent by each unit of the Department of Justice. b. The amount of time spent on each particular matter for each unit of the Department of Justice. (2012-142, s. 15.2)

G.S. 114-7 Salary of the Attorney General.

§ 114-7.  Salary of the Attorney General. The salary of the Attorney General shall be set by the General Assembly in the Current Operations Appropriations Act. In addition to the salary set by the General Assembly in the Current Operations Appropriations Act, longevity pay shall be paid on the same basis as is provided to employees of the State who are subject to the North Carolina Human Resources Act. (1929, c. 1, s. 2; 1947, c. 1043; 1949, c. 1278; 1953, c. 1, s. 2; 1957, c. 1; 1963, c. 1178, s. 3; 1967, c. 1130; c. 1237, s. 3; 1969, c. 1214, s. 3; 1971, c. 912, s. 3; 1973, c. 778, s. 3; 1975, 2nd Sess., c. 983, s. 18; 1977, c. 802, s. 42.14; 1983, c. 761, s. 209; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 164; 1987, c. 738, s. 32(b); 2013-382, s. 9.1(c).)

G.S. 114-8 Repealed by Session Laws 1969, c. 44, s. 89.

G.S. 114-8.1 Attorney General interns.

§ 114-8.1.  Attorney General interns. The Attorney General may select interns to work in the Attorney General's Office from institutions of higher education, including the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina. The Attorney General may adopt policies or rules to provide for the selection, tenure, duties, and compensation of these interns. (1985, c. 479, s. 140.)

G.S. 114-8.2 Charges for legal services.

§ 114-8.2.  Charges for legal services. The Department of Justice shall charge State boards and commissions that are totally supported by receipts from fees or surcharges for legal services rendered by the Department to the board or commission. Client State departments, agencies, boards, and commissions shall reimburse the Department of Justice for reasonable court fees, attorney travel and subsistence costs, and other costs directly related to litigation in which the Department of Justice is representing the department, agency, or board. (1989, c. 500, s. 60; 2011-145, s. 16.4.)

G.S. 114-8.3 Attorney General/General Counsel; review certain contracts.

§ 114-8.3.  Attorney General/General Counsel; review certain contracts. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (b1) of this section, the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee shall perform the duties required pursuant to G.S. 143-49(3a) for proposed contracts for contractual services that exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000). The designee shall confirm that the proposed contracts are (i) in proper legal form, (ii) contain all clauses required by North Carolina law, (iii) are legally enforceable, and (iv) accomplish the intended purposes of the proposed contract. The designee's review does not constitute approval or disapproval of the policy merit or lack thereof of the proposed contract. For purposes of this subsection, the term "Attorney General's designee" includes any attorney approved by the Attorney General to review contracts as provided in this subsection. The Attorney General shall: (1) Establish procedures regarding the review of contracts subject to this section and shall provide any attorney designated under G.S. 143-49(3a) with guidelines to be used in reviewing contracts. (2) Advise and assist the Contract Management Section of the Division of Purchase and Contract, Department of Administration, in establishing procedures and guidelines for the review of contracts pursuant to G.S. 143-50.1. (b) For the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, the General Counsel of each institution or the General Counsel's designee shall review all proposed contracts for supplies, materials, printing, equipment, and contractual services that exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000) to ensure that the proposed contracts are (i) in proper legal form, (ii) contain all clauses required by North Carolina law, (iii) are legally enforceable, and (iv) accomplish the intended purposes of the proposed contract. The term "review" as used in this section does not constitute approval or disapproval of the policy merit or lack thereof of the proposed contract. For purposes of this subsection, the term "General Counsel's designee" includes any attorney approved by the General Counsel to review contracts as provided in this subsection. The General Counsel shall establish procedures regarding the review of contracts subject to this section and shall require that any attorney designated under this subsection comply with any procedures established by the Attorney General or the Department of Administration regarding the review of contracts. (b1) The General Counsel of the Department of State Treasurer or the General Counsel's designee shall review all proposed investment contracts, as defined in subdivision (4) of this subsection, and all proposed contracts for investment-related services entered pursuant to the State Treasurer's authority under G.S. 147-69.3 not constituting consulting contracts, to confirm that the proposed contracts (i) are in proper legal form, (ii) contain all clauses required by North Carolina law, (iii) are legally enforceable to the extent governed by North Carolina law, and (iv) accomplish the intended purposes of the proposed contract. The General Counsel shall establish, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Department of Administration, procedures regarding the review of contracts subject to this subsection. The following terms and requirements apply to contracts under this subsection: (1) The term "review" as used in this section does not constitute approval or disapproval of the policy merit or lack thereof of the proposed contract. (2) The term "General Counsel's designee" includes any attorney employed or retained by the General Counsel to review contracts as provided in this subsection. (3) Any contract for services reviewed pursuant to this subsection must include the signature of the General Counsel or the General Counsel's designee confirming that the Department of State Treasurer has adhered to the procedures established by the General Counsel regarding the review of the contract. Except for a contract entered into as part of direct trading of bonds, instruments, equity securities, or other approved securities, a contract that has not been signed as required by this subdivision is voidable by the State, and any party or parties to the contract are entitled to receive the value of services rendered prior to the termination of the contract. (4) For the purposes of this subsection, "investment contract" means any of the following: a. Investments to be acquired, held, or sold, directly or indirectly, by or for the State Treasurer, the Department of State Treasurer, or an investment entity created by the Department of State Treasurer, either on its own behalf or on behalf of another beneficial owner. b. Investments administered by the North Carolina Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees. (c) All State agencies, the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, or any person who will be entering into a contract on behalf of the State for supplies, materials, printing, equipment, or contractual services that exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall notify the Secretary of the Department of Administration or the Secretary's designee of the intent to enter into the contract and provide information as required by the Department for the purposes of maintaining a centralized log of contracts and identifying the location of the contract documents. (2010-194, s. 16; 2011-326, s. 15(p); 2013-234, s. 1.)

G.S. 114-8.4 Legislative assistance to agencies and local governments.

§ 114-8.4.  Legislative assistance to agencies and local governments. The Department of Justice may (i) prepare bills to be presented to the General Assembly at the request of the Governor and the officials and departments of the State and advise in connection therewith and (ii) advise with and assist counties, cities, and towns in the drafting of legislation to be submitted to the General Assembly. (2011-97, s. 2.)

G.S. 114-8.5 Itemized billing for legal services provided to State agencies.

§ 114-8.5.  Itemized billing for legal services provided to State agencies. Whenever the Department of Justice charges a State agency, board, or commission for legal services rendered by the Department, the Department shall do so by providing the agency, board, or commission with an invoice that includes at least all of the following information for all charges: (1) The case or matter for which the agency, board, or commission is being charged. (2) The name of each attorney who worked on each case or matter and the number of hours worked by each attorney. (3) The hourly rate being charged by each attorney. (2012-142, s. 15.1.)

G.S. 114-8.6 Designation of State Crime Laboratory as Internet Crimes Against Children affiliated agency.

§ 114-8.6.  Designation of State Crime Laboratory as Internet Crimes Against Children affiliated agency. The Attorney General shall designate the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory as a North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliated agency. (2013-360, s. 17.6(p).)

G.S. 114-8.7 Reports of animal cruelty and animal welfare violations.

§ 114-8.7.  Reports of animal cruelty and animal welfare violations. (a) The Attorney General shall establish a hotline to receive reports of allegations of animal cruelty or violations of the Animal Welfare Act, Article 3 of Chapter 19A of the General Statutes, against animals under private ownership, by means including telephone, email, and website. The Attorney General shall periodically publicize the hotline telephone number, email address, website address, and any other means by which the Attorney General may receive reports of allegations of animal cruelty or violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Any individual who makes a report under this section shall disclose his or her name and telephone number and any other information the Attorney General may require. (b) When the Attorney General receives allegations involving activity that the Attorney General determines may involve cruelty to animals under private ownership in violation of Article 47 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, the allegations shall be referred to the appropriate local animal control authority for the unit or units of local government within which the violations are alleged to have occurred. When the Attorney General receives allegations involving activity that the Attorney General determines may involve violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the allegations shall be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Attorney General shall record the total number of reports received on the hotline and the number of reports received against any individual on the hotline. (c) Notwithstanding other provisions of law, the Department of Justice is authorized to spend any federal, State, local, or private funds available for this purpose to administer the provisions of this section. (d) Notwithstanding G.S. 147-33.72C and related provisions of law, in order to expedite the timely implementation of technology systems to record and manage public allegations and complaints received pursuant to this section, the Department of Justice is exempted from external agency project approval standards.  (2015-286, s. 4.36(a); 2025-25, s. 29(1), (5).)
Source: North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov)URL: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByChapter/Chapter_114.htmlFetched: 10/19/2026

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