Bill > H335

This bill expands the eligibility for emergency judges in North Carolina by modifying existing statutes to allow judges who have served on both district and superior courts to become emergency judges on either court, rather than being limited to the specific court from which they retired. Currently, retired judges can apply to become emergency judges, but they are typically restricted to serving on the type of court they originally retired from. The bill changes the language to permit a retired judge who previously served on both district and superior courts to be commissioned as an emergency judge on either court, providing more flexibility in judicial staffing. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court maintains discretion in creating active and inactive lists of emergency judges, with existing numerical limits (10 for superior court and 25 for district court) on active emergency judge assignments. To become an emergency judge, a retired judge must still apply to the Governor, demonstrate physical and mental ability to serve, and receive a commission. The changes aim to increase judicial resources and provide more options for addressing court staffing needs. The bill becomes effective immediately upon becoming law and applies to emergency judges serving on or after that date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H335