North Carolina § 143-162 - 5. Use of mobile electronic devices.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 143-162 — 5. Use of mobile electronic devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 143-162. 5. Use of mobile electronic devices.

Every executive branch agency within State government shall develop a policy to limit the issuance and use of mobile electronic devices to the minimum required to carry out the agency's mission. As used herein, mobile communication device includes goods provided by commercial mobile radio service providers and services for mobile telecommunications governed by Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. By September 1, 2011, each agency shall provide a copy of its policy to the Chairs of the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government of the House of Representatives, the Chairs of the Appropriations•ase Budget Committee and the Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology of the Senate, the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Office of State Budget and Management. Any changes to agency policies on the use of mobile devices. The number and types of new devices issued since the last report. The total number of mobile devices issued by the agency. The total cost of mobile devices issued by the agency. The number of each type of mobile device issued, with the total cost for each type. This section does not apply to the legislative branch or the judicial branch of State government. State-issued mobile electronic devices shall be used only for State business. Agencies shall limit the issuance of cell phones, smart phones, and any other mobile electronic devices to employees for whom access to a mobile electronic device is a critical requirement for job performance. The device issued and the plan selected shall be the minimum required to support the employees' work requirements. This shall include considering the use of pagers in lieu of a more sophisticated device. The requirement for each mobile electronic device issued shall be documented in a written justification that shall be maintained by the agency and reviewed annually. All State agency heads, in consultation with the Office of Information Technology Services and the Office of State Budget and Management, shall document and review all authorized cell phone, smart phone, and other mobile electronic communications device procurement, and related phone, data, Internet, and other usage plans for and by their employees. Agencies shall conduct periodic audits of mobile device usage to ensure that State employees and contractors are complying with agency policies and State requirements for their use. Beginning October 1, 2012, each agency shall report annually to the Chairs of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and the House of Representatives Subcommittee on General Government, the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Office of State Budget and Management on the following: History (2011-145, s. 6A.14(a), (b); 2011-391, s. 11(f); 2012-142, s. 6A.7; 2015-286, s. 3.1.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2011-145, s. 6A.14(a), (b), as amended by Session Laws 2011-391, s. 11(f), Session Laws 2012-142, s. 6A.7, and Session Laws 2015-286, s. 3.1, was codified as this section in 2020 at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. The last paragraph of Session Laws 2011-145, s. 6A.14(a), as amended by Session Laws 2011-391, s. 11(f), and Session Laws 2012-142, s. 6A.7, was also codified as G.S. 120-236 at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. However, G.S. 120-236 was repealed by Session Laws 2014-100, s. 7.12(c), effective July 1, 2014.

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 143-162

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 143-162 cover?

Section 143-162 ("5. Use of mobile electronic devices.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 143-162?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 143-162" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 143-162 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.