§ 7B-3103.  Disclosure of information about juveniles for public safety reasons.

(a) Notwithstanding G.S. 7B-2102(d) or any other provision of law to the contrary, a court may order the Division or any law enforcement agency within the State to release to the public the information contained in subsection (b) of this section if a court makes all of the following findings in a written order:

(1) A petition has been filed alleging that the juvenile has committed at least one offense that would subject the juvenile to transfer to superior court pursuant to G.S. 7B-2200 or G.S. 7B-2200.5.

(2) There is a judicial determination, based on the juvenile's record or the nature of the alleged offense or offenses, that the juvenile presents a danger to self or others.

(3) There is a judicial determination that good cause exists for the disclosure.

(b) The following information about a juvenile subject to a public disclosure under subsection (a) of this section may be released to the public:

(1) The juvenile's first name, last name, and photograph.

(2) Any offense in a juvenile petition alleged to have been committed by the juvenile.

(3) Whether a secure custody order has been issued for the juvenile.

(4) A statement, based on the juvenile's record or the nature of the alleged offense and the level of concern of the Division or law enforcement agency, as to the juvenile's threat to self or others.

(c) If a juvenile who is the subject of an order entered under subsection (a) of this section is taken into custody before the required disclosure is made to the public, the Division or law enforcement agency shall not make the disclosure. If the juvenile who is the subject of an order entered under subsection (a) of this section or a disclosure pursuant to subsection (e) of this section is taken into custody, then all released information must be removed from any publicly available law enforcement agency or Division website or social media account controlled by the law enforcement agency or Division.

(d) Before the information contained in subsection (b) of this section is released to the public, the Division or law enforcement agency shall make a reasonable effort to notify a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the juvenile.

(e) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (d) of this section, when exigent circumstances exist, the Division or any law enforcement agency within the State may release the information contained in subsection (b) of this section. If information is released pursuant to this subsection, the releasing party must seek an order as provided by subsection (a) of this section as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than the first available session of a court in the county after the release of information. If a court does not issue an order as provided by subsection (a) of this section at the next available session of court, all released information must be removed from any publicly available law enforcement agency or Division website or social media account controlled by the law enforcement agency or Division. (2023-114, s. 2(a).)