House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Deletes the provisions of the 1st edition and replaces it with AN ACT TO ELIMINATE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS FROM, AND MAKE CLARIFYING CHANGES TO, THE LAWS GOVERNING PREPARATION AND STORAGE OF JURY LISTS.
Amends GS 9-2, 9-3, 9-5, and 9-7 as the title indicates. Repeals GS 9-2.1, which permitted the use of electronic data equipment in the jury selection process. Amends GS 9-2 to allow names on a master list to be sorted into random order for the first panel draw and then names may be selected sequentially without further randomization. Requires master list preparation procedures to be in writing, adopted by the jury commission and made available for public inspection. Allows specified functions and procedures to be performed by electronic data processing equipment. Amends GS 9-4 to restrict public access to juror information to a master list of juror names in alphabetical order. Declares that the addresses of prospective jurors are confidential and prohibits disclosure of those addresses without a court order. Amends GS 9-6(e) to direct the clerk of superior court to keep a record of the excuses proffered by persons excused from jury duty under this section on a list that is separate from the master jury list. Amends GS 9-6.1 to require that privileged medical information or protected health information described in this section concerning juror disabilities be kept confidential. Provides that such medical and health information is exempt from the provisions of GS Chapter 132 and any other provisions requiring that records held by state agencies be made public or accessible to the public. Enacts new GS 9-7.1 to provide that the trial court administrator may assist the clerk of superior court (clerk) with the performance of the clerk’s duties, upon request by the clerk and with the agreement of the clerk and the senior resident superior court judge. Amends GS 9-10 to direct the clerk of court (was, register of deeds) to serve the summons to jurors by first-class mail or to deliver printed summonses or the list of prospective jurors to the county sheriff, who will then summon the persons listed. Amends GS 9-11 to require the clerk (was, the register of deeds) to keep a record of the names of additional jurors summoned to supplement the original jury pool and who report for jury service. Repeals GS 130A-121(a), which required providing a list of deceased residents to each county’s jury commission. Makes conforming changes.