Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition. 

Deletes all of the provisions of the previous edition and replaces it with the following.

Establishes that, notwithstanding GS Chapter 163, Article 18A (Presidential Preference Primary Act), the presidential primary election will be held on March 15, 2016. 

Sets out requirements for the process and conduct of the election, qualification to vote, candidate nominating and voting procedures, delegate allocation, and candidate support requirements. More specifically, the State Board of Elections (SBE) must receive from the chair of each political party a list of presidential candidates to be placed on the ballot by December 16, 2015. Requires the SBE to convene on  January 5, 2016, to nominate candidates. Provides that nominating petitions for candidates must be received by the SBE by 5:00 p.m. January 4, 2016.

Provides that the candidate receiving the highest number of votes from the primary will be nominated and directs each political party to require its delegate positions to support the candidate that received the highest number of votes until one convention nominating ballot has been taken at the 2016 national party convention, unless that candidate has withdrawn from the race or ceased seeking election to be the President.

Directs the chair of each political party to notify its national committee no later than December 10, 2015, concerning the provisions and requirements of this act.

Applies only to the 2016 presidential primary.

Amends the short and long titles.