As the NCGA is running out of dates in the calendar year to reconvene, new laws are about to go into effect Thursday. Among accomplishments this year is a change to existing legislation that required persons shooting invaders of their homes, businesses, or cars to prove the person meant them harm. Police used to advise homeowners that if they were to shoot a prowler, they could end up paying his hospital bills. The response, from even ladies and off-the-record cops, was they’d shoot in self-defense regardless. Another new law, which should go without saying, makes it illegal to dismember a murder victim with the intent to hide a crime.