North Carolina § 163-278 - 38Z. Definitions.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278 — 38Z. Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 163-278. 38Z. Definitions.
As used in this Part: "Advertisement" means any message appearing in the print media, on television, or on radio that constitutes a contribution or expenditure under this Article. "Candidate" means any individual who, with respect to a public office listed in G.S. 163-278.6(80), has filed a notice of candidacy, notice of retention, or a petition requesting to be a candidate, or has been certified as a nominee of a political party for a vacancy, or has otherwise qualified as a candidate in a manner authorized by law, or has filed a statement of organization under G.S. 163-278.7 and is required to file periodic financial disclosure statements under G.S. 163-278.9. "Candidate campaign committee" means any political committee organized by or under the direction of a candidate, except for an affiliated party committee as defined in G.S. 163-278.6(1). "Full-screen" means the only picture appearing on the television screen during the oral disclosure statement contains the disclosing person, that the picture occupies all visible space on the television screen, and that the image of the disclosing person occupies at least fifty percent (50%) of the vertical height of the television screen. "Political action committee" has the same meaning as "political committee" in G.S. 163-278.6(74), except that "political action committee" does not include any political party, political party organization, or affiliated party committee. "Political party organization" means any political party executive committee or any political committee that operates under the direction of a political party executive committee or political party chair, or any affiliated party committee. "Print media" means billboards, cards, newspapers, newspaper inserts, magazines, mass mailings, pamphlets, fliers, periodicals, and outdoor advertising facilities. "Radio" means any radio broadcast station that is subject to the provisions of 47 U.S.C. §§ 315 and 317. "Scan line" means a standard term of measurement used in the electronic media industry calculating a certain area in a television advertisement. "Sponsor" means a candidate, candidate committee, political party organization, political action committee, referendum committee, individual, or other entity that purchases an advertisement. "Television" means any television broadcast station, cable television system, wireless-cable multipoint distribution system, satellite company, or telephone company transmitting video programming that is subject to the provisions of 47 U.S.C. §§ 315 and 317. "Unobscured" means the only printed material that may appear on the television screen is a visual disclosure statement required by law, and nothing is blocking the view of the disclosing person's face. History (1999-453, s. 2(a); 2004-203, s. 12(a); 2010-170, s. 7; 2015-66, s. 8(b); 2015-258, s. 3(q); 2015-264, s. 81(f); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).) Preclearance under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. - Session Laws 2010-170, s. 17, provides, in part: "Sections 1 through 15 of this act become effective upon preclearance by the United States Department of Justice." Preclearance was received by letter dated September 23, 2010. Editor's Note. - This section was recodified as now former G.S. 163A-1475 by Session Laws 2017-6, s. 3. Former G.S. 163A-1475 was then re-recodified as this section by Session Laws 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), effective January 31, 2019. The historical citation from the former section has been added to this section as re-recodified. This section was originally enacted by Session Laws 1999-453, s. 2(a), as G.S. 163-278.39 B and was recodified as this section by Session Laws 2004-203, s. 12(a). Subdivisions (5) to (7) were redesignated in alphabetical order at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. Session Laws 2015-258, s. 3(t), as added by Session Laws 2015-264, s. 81(e), is a severability clause. The amendment by Session Laws 2015-264, s. 81(f), was contingent on enactment of House Bill 373, 2015 Regular Session. House Bill 373 was enacted as Session Laws 2015-258. Session Laws 2015-264, s. 91.7, is a severability clause. Session Laws 2018-146, s. 3.1(b), effective January 31, 2019, repealed Session Laws 2017-6, s. 3, which had recodified this section. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2010-170, s. 7, effective upon preclearance by the United States Department of Justice [September 23, 2010], deleted the last sentence in subdivision (7), which read: "A 'mass mailing' is a mailing with more than 500 pieces." Session Laws 2015-66, s. 8(b), effective June 11, 2015, inserted "notice of retention" near the beginning of subdivision (2). Session Laws 2015-258, s. 3(q), effective September 30, 2015, and applicable to contributions and expenditures made on or after that date added "or affiliated party committee" at the end of subdivision (5); added "or any affiliated party committee" at the end of subdivision (6); and made minor stylistic changes. Session Laws 2015-264, s. 81(f), effective October 1, 2015, added the exception in subdivision (3), pertaining to an affiliated party committee.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 163-278
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278 cover?
Section 163-278 ("38Z. Definitions.") 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 § 163-278?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278" (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 § 163-278 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.