Bill Summary for H 820 (2013-2014)

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Summary date: 

Apr 15 2013

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
House Bill 820 (Public) Filed Wednesday, April 10, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO ABOLISH THE COURTS COMMISSION AND PROVIDE THAT THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL PROVIDE OVERSIGHT OF THE COURTS, TO PROVIDE THAT VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT OF THE GOVERNOR, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE BEST AND MOST EFFICIENT USE OF DISTRICT COURT RESOURCES BY ENSURING THAT MAGISTRATES ARE USED FULLY FOR TRAFFIC COURT AND OTHER MATTERS TO WHICH THEY MAY BE ASSIGNED SO THAT DISTRICT COURT JUDGES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SPECIALIZED CASES AND OTHER MATTERS MORE SUITED TO THE EXPERTISE OF A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE.
Intro. by Burr.

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Bill summary

Repeals GS Chapter 7A, Article 40A (NC Courts Commission). Amends GS 120-70.94, expanding the subject of the study to include the budget, programs, and policies of the Judicial Department. Also directs the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety to study the needs of the Judicial Department as well as the structure, organization, jurisdiction, and personnel of the courts to determine ways in which the General Assembly can make legislative changes  to improve the administration of justice. Effective July 1, 2013.

Amends GS 7A-142 requiring a vacancy in the office of district judge be filled for the unexpired term by appointment of the Governor. All other exemptions and provisions in this section are deleted.

Amends GS 7A-146(b) requiring utilization of magistrates for traffic court and other administrative matters to allow district court judges more availability for specialized cases and other matters more suited to the expertise of a district court judge. Applies to cases assigned on or after July 1, 2013.