Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes, including to act’s long and short titles. Makes organizational changes.

Removes (1) provisions in new GS 161-11.7 that establish a code of ethics for registers of deeds and procedure for removal by the county manager and (2) changes to GS 153A-76, which allows removal of a register of deeds by a county board of commissioners. Instead, replaces the content of GS 161-117.7 in its entirety with a process to remove a register of deeds (ROD) from office by a judge of the superior court, resident in or holding the courts of the district encompassing the county in which the ROD serves, upon charges made in writing and a hearing for six listed causes, including corruption, extortion, and willful or habitual neglect. Provides for a complaint or petition of removal in the name of the State to be filed upon the relation of any five qualified electors of the county in which the person charged is the register of deeds, upon the approval of the county attorney of such county, or the district attorney of the district, or by any such officer upon his or her own motion. Requires the county attorney or district attorney to appear and prosecute the proceeding. Provides for an answer by the accused. Allows for suspension of the accused if the presiding judge determines that sufficient cause appears from the petition and affidavit(s). Provides for filling of vacancies in case of removal. Gives priority to such matters on the court’s calendar.