Conference report makes the following changes to the 5th edition.

Removes proposed changes to GS 84-4 (preventing persons other than members of the State bar from practicing law in the State), GS 84-4.1 (limited practice for out of state attorneys), GS 84-28 (discipline and disbarment), and changes to SL 2022-47’s effective date. Adds the following new content.

Section 25

Amends GS 7B-401.1 to allow grandparents to intervene when a petition alleging that a juvenile is abused, neglected, or dependent has been filed when one of the following three things apply: (1) both of the juvenile’s parents are deceased; (2) one parent is deceased and no other parent is known; or (3) one parent is deceased and the other parent’s rights have been terminated. Makes conforming changes. Applies to petitions pending or filed after the act becomes law. Amends GS 7B-1103 (termination of parental rights proceedings) to allow a grandparent to file such a motion if all known parents are deceased and the motion is to terminate the parental rights of an unknown parent. Applies to petitions or motions filed on or after the act becomes law.

Section 26

If House Bill 971 (concerning human trafficking changes), 2023 regular session, becomes law, amends GS 14-43.17(f) (victim confidentiality) as amended by the act so that the AOC and clerks of the superior court and their officials and employees are also not subject to civil or criminal liability (was, not liable for damages) for any acts or omissions that lead to the disclosure of confidential information under GS 14-43.17. Effective October 1, 2024.

Section 27

If House Bill 556 (pertaining to, among other things, summary ejectment proceedings) becomes law, changes the effective date of act’s proposed changes to GS 7A-224 and GS 7A-228 to October 1, 2025.

Makes conforming changes to act's titles.