Bill > S2

This bill allows magistrates, assistant registers of deeds, and deputy registers of deeds in North Carolina to refuse to perform marriages or issue marriage licenses if they have a sincerely held religious objection, with such refusals lasting at least six months and requiring notice to their supervisors. The bill also clarifies that if all magistrates in a jurisdiction recuse themselves, the chief district court judge must notify the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will then ensure a magistrate is available, and in the interim, the chief district court judge or another designated judge will perform marriages. Furthermore, it protects these officials from legal penalties or disciplinary actions for good-faith recusal and makes provisions for former magistrates who resigned or were terminated between October 6, 2014, and the bill's effective date to reapply for their positions while preserving their continuous service and retirement benefits.