Rep. Pyrtle files bill in North Carolina House targeting retail theft and unauthorized access

A new bill filed by State Rep. Pyrtle seeks to strengthen legal measures against unauthorized access to commercial buildings and theft involving gift cards in retail settings, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 315 on March 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Gift Card Theft & Unlawful Business Entry.’

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

In essence, this bill aims to address unauthorized access to non-public areas of commercial buildings and enhance legal measures against gift card theft and related crimes in retail contexts. It establishes a Class 1 misdemeanor for first-time offenders and a Class I felony for repeat offenders who wrongfully enter restricted building areas. The bill introduces specific offenses for larceny involving gift cards, detailing penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class H felony based on the value involved. It also revises the definition and penalties under organized retail theft to include offenses involving gift cards, with penalties escalating to a Class C felony for large-scale thefts exceeding $100,000 over 90 days. This act takes effect on Dec. 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed from that date onward.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pyrtle proposed the most bills (20) 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.

Pyrtle graduated from Appalachian State University in 1989 with a BAS.

Pyrtle, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 65th House district, replacing previous state representative Jerry Carter.