HB 394

Enacts GS 20-137.4B, making it an infraction for a person to operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while (1) holding an animal or allowing an animal to sit in the operator's lap or (2) interacting with a child or an animal in a manner that impairs or restricts the proper operation of the motor vehicle and results in operation that is careless, reckless, or heedless under the existing conditions. Exempts drivers in fully autonomous vehicles. Provides for $100 fine and court costs for violations. Prevents insurance surcharges from being assessed as a result of a violation. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. Provides for six-month period after the act's effective date where only warning tickets are issued for violations.