HB 620 — Administrative Office of the Courts Agency Requests.

122C-271122C-271(b) reads as rewritten:

"§"(b) 122C-271.If the respondent has been held in a 24-hour facility pending the district court hearing pursuant to G.S.

Disposition.

(a) If a commitment examiner has recommended outpatient commitment and the respondent has been released pending the district court hearing, the court may make one of the following dispositions:

(1) Ifthecourtfindsbyclear,cogent,andconvincingevidencethattherespondent has a mental illness;

that the respondent is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends, or others;

that based on respondent's treatment history, the respondent is in need of treatment in order to prevent further disability or deterioration that would predictably result in dangerousness as defined in G.S.

122C-3(11);

and that the respondent's current mental status or the nature of the respondent's illness limits or negates the respondent's abilityto make an informed decision to seek voluntarily or comply with recommended treatment, it may order outpatient commitment for a period not in excess of 90 days.

(2) If the court does not find that the respondent meets the criteria of commitment set out in subdivision(1) ofthis subsection,the respondent shall bedischarged and the proposed outpatient physician center shall be so notified.

(3) Before ordering any outpatient commitment under this subsection, the court shall make findings of fact as to the availability of outpatient treatment from an outpatient treatment physician or center that has agreed to accept the respondent as a client of outpatient treatment services.

The court shall show on the order the outpatient treatment physician or center that is to be responsibleforthemanagementandsupervision oftherespondent's outpatient commitment.

If the designated outpatient treatment physician or center will be monitoring and supervising the respondent's outpatient commitment pursuant to a contract for services with an LME/MCO, the court shall show on the order the identity of the LME/MCO.

The clerk of court shall send a copy of the outpatient commitment order to the designated outpatient treatment physician or center and to the respondent client or the legally responsible person.

The clerk of court shall also send a copy of the order to that LME/MCO.

Copies of outpatient commitment orders sent by the clerk of court to an outpatient treatment center or physician under this section, including orders sent to an LME/MCO, shall be sent by the most reliable and expeditious means, but in no event less than 48 hours after the hearing.within 48 hours of the hearing.

(b) If the respondent has been held in a 24-hour facility pending the district court hearing pursuant to G.S.

(1)… (2) Ifthecourtfindsbyclear,cogent,andconvincingevidencethattherespondent has a mental illness;illness and is dangerous to self, as defined in G.S.

that the respondent is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends, or others;

that House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 based on respondent's psychiatric history, the respondent is in need of treatment in order to prevent further disability or deterioration that would predictably result in dangerousness as defined by G.S.

122C-3(11);

and that the respondent's current mental status or the nature of the respondent's illness limits or negates the respondent's ability to make an informed decision voluntarily to seek or comply with recommended treatment, it may order outpatient commitment for a period not in excess of 90 days.

If the commitment proceedings were initiated as the result of the respondent's being charged with a violent crime, including a crime involving an assault with a deadly weapon, and the respondent was found incapable of proceeding, the commitment order shall so show.

(2) Ifthecourtfindsbyclear,cogent,andconvincingevidencethattherespondent has a mental illness and is dangerous to self, as defined in G.S.

Page 10 House Bill 620-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 If the commitment proceedings were initiated as the result of the respondent's being charged with a violent crime, including a crime involving an assault with a deadlyweapon, and the respondent was found incapable of proceeding, the commitment order shall so show.

The clerk of courtshallalsosendacopyoftheordertothatLME/MCO.Copiesofinpatient commitment orders sent by the clerk of court to an inpatient treatment center or physician under this section, including orders sent to an LME/MCO, shall be sent by the most reliable and expeditious means, withinbut in no event less than 48 hours ofafter the hearing.

(3) If the court does not find that the respondent meets either of the commitment criteria set out in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, the respondent shall be discharged, and the facility in which the respondent was last a client shall be so notified.

(4) Before ordering any outpatient commitment, the court shall make findings of fact as to the availability of outpatient treatment from an outpatient treatment physician or center that has agreed to accept the respondent as a client of outpatient treatment services.

The court shall also show on the order the outpatient treatment physician or center who is to be responsible for the management and supervision of the respondent's outpatient commitment.

When an outpatient commitment order is issued for a respondent held in a 24-hour facility, the court may order the respondent held at the facility for no more than 72 hours in order for the facility to notify the designated outpatient Page 12 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 treatment physician or center of the treatment needs of the respondent.

The clerk of court in the county where the facility is located shall send a copy of the outpatient commitment order to the designated outpatient treatment physician or center and to the respondent or the legally responsible person.

If the designated outpatient treatment physician or center shall be monitoring andsupervisingtherespondent'soutpatientcommitmentpursuanttoacontract for services with an LME/MCO, the clerk of court shall show on the order the identity of the LME/MCO.

The clerk of court shall send a copy of the order to the LME/MCO.

Copies of outpatient commitment orders sent by the clerk of court to an outpatient treatment center or physician pursuant to this subdivision, including orders sent to an LME/MCO, shall be sent by the most reliable and expeditious means, but in no event less than 48 hours after within 48 hours of the hearing.

If the outpatient commitment will be supervised in a countyother than the countywhere the commitment originated, the court shall ordervenueforfurthercourtproceedings to betransferred to thecountywhere theoutpatient commitmentwill besupervised.Uponanorderchangingvenue, the clerk of superior court in the county where the commitment originated shall transfer the file to the clerk of superior court in the county where the outpatient commitment is to be supervised.

Proceedings for judicial settlement when the judge empowered by this section to settle the record on appeal is unavailable for the purpose by reason of death, mental or physical incapacity, retirement, or absence from the State shall be as provided by the rules of appellate procedure." House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 12.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law and applies to actions taken on or after that date.

4House Bill 620-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 MODIFY PROVISIONS REGARDING THE SUSPENSION, REMOVAL, OR REINSTATEMENT OF CLERKS SECTION 13.(a) G.S.

(a) A clerk of superior court may be suspended or removed from office for willful misconduct or mental or physical incapacityincapacity, and reinstated, under the same procedures as are applicable to a superior court district attorney, except that the procedure shall be initiated by the filing of a sworn affidavit with the chief district judge of the district in which the clerk resides, and the hearing shall be conducted bythe senior regular resident superior court judge serving the county of the clerk's residence.

If suspension is ordered, the judge shall appoint some qualified person to act as clerk during the period of the suspension.incapacity.suspension.incapacitybythe senior regular resident superior court judge serving the county where the clerk resides.

(b) A proceeding to suspend or remove a clerk of superior court shallis be commenced in the superior court division and county in which the clerk resides by filing in paper with the chief district court judge (i)of athe sworndistrict affidavitin chargingwhich onethe orclerk moreresides groundsa forsworn removalaffidavit ofcharging the clerk of superior court and (ii) a certificate of service showing service on the respondent clerk in accordance with Ruleone 5(b1)or ofmore thegrounds Rulesfor ofremoval. Civil Procedure.

Service of the sworn affidavit must be made in a manner provided under Rule 5(b) of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The sworn affidavits are subject to the requirements of Rule 11 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, including imposition of sanctions as appropriate by the court.

7A-305,7A-305. unless the proceeding is filed by an elected or appointed official of the NorthCarolinaJudicialBranch,inwhichcasecosts shallbewaived.Nosummonsshallbeissued.

IfNo thesummons required court costs are not paid within 30 days of the proceeding being commenced, the chief district court judge shall forwardbe theissued. matter to the senior resident superior court judge who shall dismiss the proceeding without prejudice.

(c) UponThe commencement of the proceeding and confirmation of the payment of the costs required under subsection (b) of this section, the chief district court judge shall immediately provide notice of the filing to the senior regular resident superior court judge for the district or set of districts as defined in G.S.

7A-41.1(a) in which the respondent clerk's county of residence is located.

Within 10 days of receivingpayment notice,of the costs required under subsection (b) of this section, the senior regular resident superior court judge shall review the sworn affidavit and determine, without a hearing, whether the charges, if true, constitute grounds for removal and whether there is probable cause for believing that the charges are true.

If the judge finds either that the charges, if true, do not constitute grounds for removal or finds that no probable cause exists for believing that the charges are true, the judge shall dismiss the proceeding.

Otherwise, the judge shall entermake a written order, findings of fact, and conclusions of law detailing which charges would constitute grounds for removal and the probable cause for believing that those charges are true.

IfThe the judge finds facts based on the sworn affidavit that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the public or the administration of justice if the clerk remains in office until a final determination of the charges on the merits, the judge also may enter an order suspending the clerk of superior court from performing the duties of the office until a final determination of the charges on the merits.

The courtsworn shallaffidavit, servewritten anyfindings, and order of dismissal,suspension, orderif establishingany, probableshall cause,be orserved orderon the clerk of suspensionsuperior oncourt in the partiesmanner provided for service of a complaint under Rule 54(j) of the Rules of Civil Procedure aswithin soon10 asdays practicableof afterthe entry of thewritten order.findings.

(d) If the proceeding is not dismissed, the senior regular resident superior court judge shall set a hearing upon the charges found to be supported by probable cause under subsection (c) of this section for not less than 3010 days nor more than 6030 days after service of the orderaffidavit establishingand probablewritten causefindings on the clerk, unless continued for good cause shown.

In the hearing, the court shall hear evidence and make findings of fact and conclusions of law resolving the Pagecharges. 14 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 charges based on clear and convincing evidence.

If the court concludes that grounds for removal exist, the superior court judge shall enter aan writtenorder order, findings of fact, and conclusions of law permanently removing the clerk of superior court from office and terminating the clerk's salary.

If the court finds that no grounds for removal exist, any pending suspension of the clerk shall end immediatelyimmediately. and the court shall enter an order of dismissal.

The North Carolina Rules of Evidence shall apply to proceedings commenced under this section.

The following North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply to proceedings commenced under this section to the extent the Rules do not conflict with this section:

Rule 5, Rule 11, Rule 45, Rule 46, Rule 52.

The parties may issue process under Rule 45 to compel the attendance of witnesses at the hearing and to compel the production of evidence both prior to and at the hearing.

Parties must exchange all evidence that they intend to offer at the hearing on the merits at least five days prior to the hearing along with a list of all witnesses that they intend to call.

If, upon final determination, the clerk of superior court is ordered reinstated either by the appellate division or bythesuperiorcourtupon remand,theclerk's salaryshall beberestoredfrom restoredfrom thedateoftheoriginal order of removal.

(f) If the clerk of superior court is prohibited from performing the duties of the office under this section priortofinalprior resolutiondueeithertoanorderofsuspensionortoanappealofanorderofremoval,to resolution due either to an order of suspension or an appeal of an order of removal, the judge shall appoint some qualified person to act as a clerk until final resolution.

(g)Page The12 swornHouse affidavitBill and620-First otherEdition filingsGeneral relatedAssembly toOf North Carolina Session 2025 (g) Thesworn affidavit andotherfilings relatedto the proceedingproceedings are confidentialconfidentialunless unless the senior regular resident superior court judge entersmakes a written orderfindings establishingdetailing probablethat causesome asor describedall inofthecharges subsectionwould (c)constitutegrounds forremoval and that there is probablecause forbelieving that some or all of thisthe section.charges are true.

The(h) partiesIf tocriminal charges are filed against the proceedingclerk maythat obtainrelate copiesto offactual theallegations in a pending sworn affidavit for removal and othera filingsjudge relatedhas found grounds for removal and probable cause to support those allegations pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the presiding judge may stay the removal proceeding atuntil anythe time.criminal case is resolved.

(h) If criminal charges are filed against the clerk that relate to factual allegations in a pending sworn affidavit for removal and a judge entered a probable cause order pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the presiding judge may stay the removal proceeding until the criminal case is resolved.

If there is no designation by the Chief Justice, the judge Business Court Judge with the longest term of service on the court shall serve as Chief Business Court Judge until theChiefthe Chief Justice makes an appointment to the position.

The presiding Business Court Judge shall issue a written opinion in connection with any order House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 granting or denying a motion under G.S.

… House Bill 620-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (d) The Notice of Designation shall be filed:

…." Page 16 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 14.(d) This section becomes effective December 1, 2025, and applies to judges designated and proceedings held on or after that date.

4 GRANT THE DIRECTOR OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS THE AUTHORITY TO CREATE AN OFFICIAL FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER EMBLEMS OF THE JUDICIAL BRANCH SECTION 15.

The number of magistrates Page 14 House Bill 620-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 appointed in a county, above the minimum quota set by the General Assembly, is determined by the Administrative Office of the Courts after consultation with the chief district court judge for the district in which the county is located." 5 MODIFY CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES TO PERSONNEL OF THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT SECTION 17.

The salaries and expenses of all personnel in the Judicial Department and other operating expenses shall be paid out of the State treasury upon warrants duly drawn thereon, except that the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Administration, with the approval oftheStateAuditor, Administration mayestablishalternativeprocedures for theprompt payment of juror fees, witness fees, and other small expense items.items, including the provision of debit cards to payees." MODIFYSEVERABILITY MEDIATIONCLAUSE STATUTESAND EFFECTIVE DATE SECTION 18.(a) G.S.If any section or provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the courts, it does not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any portion other than the portion declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

7A-38.1(l)SECTION18.(b) readsExcept as rewritten:otherwise provided,this act is effective when it becomes law.

"(l)House Inadmissibilityofnegotiations.Bill 620-First Edition Page 15

– Evidenceof statements made and conduct occurring in a mediated settlement conference or other settlement proceeding conducted under this section, whether attributable to a party, the mediator, other neutral, or a neutral observer present at the settlement proceeding, shall not be subject to discovery and shall be inadmissible in any proceeding in the action or other civil actions on the same claim, except:

(1) In proceedings for sanctions under this section;

(2) In proceedings to enforce or rescind a settlement of the action;

(3) In disciplinary hearings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission;

or House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (4) In proceedings to enforce laws concerning juvenile or elder abuse.for abuse, neglect, ordependencyof ajuvenileunderChapter 7B ofthe General Statutes, or in proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

As used in this section, the term "neutral observer" includes persons seeking mediator certification, persons studying dispute resolution processes, and persons acting as interpreters.

No settlement agreement to resolve any or all issues reached at the proceeding conducted under this subsection or during its recesses shall be enforceable unless it has been reduced to writing and signed by the parties against whom enforcement is sought or signed by their designees.

No evidence otherwise discoverable shall be inadmissible merely because it is presented or discussed in a mediated settlement conference or other settlement proceeding.

No mediator, other neutral, or neutral observer present at a settlement proceeding shall be compelled to testify or produce evidence concerning statements made and conduct occurring in anticipation of, during, or as a follow-up to a mediated settlement conference or other settlement proceeding pursuant to this section in any civil proceeding for any purpose, including proceedings to enforce or rescind a settlement of the action, except to attest to the signing of any agreements, and except proceedings for sanctions under this section, disciplinaryhearings before theStateBarortheDisputeResolution Commission,and proceedings to enforcelawsconcerning juvenile or elder abuse.for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting an individual to obtain immunity from prosecution for criminal conduct or as excusing an individual from reporting requirements of the General Statutes, including Article 3 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, Article 39 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, G.S.

108A-102, or G.S.

110-105.4." SECTION 18.(b) G.S.

7A-38.4A(j) reads as rewritten:

"(j) Evidence of statements made and conduct occurring in a mediated settlement conference or other settlement proceeding conducted under this section, whether attributable to a party, the mediator, other neutral, or a neutral observer present at the settlement proceeding, shall not besubject to discoveryandshall beinadmissiblein anyproceedingin the action or other civil actions on the same claim, except:

(1) In proceedings for sanctions under this section;

(2) In proceedings to enforce or rescind a settlement of the action;

(3) In disciplinary proceedings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission;

or (4) In proceedings to enforce laws concerning juvenile or elder abuse.for abuse, neglect, ordependencyof ajuvenileunderChapter 7B ofthe General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

As used in this subsection, the term "neutral observer" includes persons seeking mediator certification, persons studying dispute resolution processes, and persons acting as interpreters.

No settlement agreement to resolve any or all issues reached at the proceeding conducted under this section or during its recesses shall be enforceable unless it has been reduced to writing and signed by the parties against whom enforcement is sought and in all other respects complies with the requirements of Chapter 50 of the General Statutes.

No evidence otherwise discoverable shall be inadmissible merely because it is presented or discussed in a settlement proceeding.

No mediator, other neutral, or neutral observer present at a settlement proceeding under this section, shall be compelled to testify or produce evidence concerning statements made and conduct occurring in anticipation of, during, or as a follow-up to a mediated settlement conference or other settlement proceeding pursuant to this section in any civil proceeding for any purpose, including proceedings to enforce or rescind a settlement of the action, except to attest Page 18 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 to the signing of any agreements, and except proceedings for sanctions under this section, disciplinary hearings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission, and proceedings to enforce laws concerningjuvenile or elder abuse.for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting an individual to obtain immunity from prosecution for criminal conduct or as excusing an individual from reporting requirements of the General Statutes, including Article 3 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, Article 39 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, G.S.

108A-102, or G.S.

110-105.4." SECTION 18.(c) G.S.

7A-38.3B reads as rewritten:

"§ 7A-38.3B.

Mediation in matters within the jurisdiction of the clerk of superior court.

… (g) Inadmissibility of Negotiations.

– Evidence of statements made or conduct occurring during a mediation conducted pursuant to this section, whether attributable to any participant, mediator, expert, or neutral observer, shall not be subject to discovery and shall be inadmissible in any proceeding in the matter or other civil actions on the same claim, except in:

(1) Proceedings for sanctions pursuant to this section;

(2) Proceedings to enforce or rescind a written and signed settlement agreement;

(3) Incompetency, guardianship, or estate proceedings in which a mediated agreement is presented to the clerk;

(4) Disciplinary hearings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission;

or (5) Proceedings for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile, juvenile under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult, for which there is a duty to report under G.S.

7B-301 and Article 6 of Chapter 108A adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes, respectively.Statutes.

No evidence otherwise discoverable shall be inadmissible merely because it is presented or discussed in mediation.

As used in this section, the term "neutral observer" includes persons seeking mediator certification, persons studying dispute resolution processes, and persons acting as interpreters.

(h) Testimony.

– No mediator or neutral observer shall be compelled to testifyor produce evidence concerning statements made and conduct occurring in anticipation of, during, or as a follow-up to the mediation in any civil proceeding for any purpose, including proceedings to enforce or rescind a settlement of the matter except to attest to the signing of any agreements reached in mediation, and except in:

(1) Proceedings for sanctions pursuant to this section;

(2) Disciplinary hearings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission;

or (3) Proceedings for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile, juvenile under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult, for which there is a duty to report under G.S.

7B-301 and Article 6 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes, respectively.adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting an individual to obtain immunity from prosecution for criminal conduct or as excusing an individual from reporting requirements of the General Statutes, including Article 3 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, Article 39 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, G.S.

108A-102, or G.S.

110-105.4.

…." SECTION 18.(d) G.S.

7A-38.3D(k) reads as rewritten:

House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(k) Testimony.

– No mediator or neutral observer present at the mediation shall be compelled to testify or produce evidence concerning statements made and conduct occurring in or related to a mediation conducted under this section in any proceeding in the same action for any purpose, except in:

(1) Proceedings for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile, juvenile under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, or proceedings for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult, for which there is a duty to report under G.S.

7B-301 and Article 6 of Chapter 108A adult under Article 6 or 6A of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes, respectively.Statutes.

(2) Disciplinary hearings before the State Bar or the Dispute Resolution Commission.

(3) Proceedings in which the mediator acts as a witness pursuant to subsection (j) of this section.

(4) Trials of a felony, during which a presiding judge may compel the disclosure of any evidence arising out of the mediation, excluding a statement made by the defendant in the action under mediation, if it is to be introduced in the trial or disposition of the felony and the judge determines that the introduction of the evidence is necessary to the proper administration of justice and the evidence cannot be obtained from any other source.

Nothing in this subsection or subsection (j) of this section shall be construed as permitting an individual to obtain immunity for criminal conduct or as excusing an individual from reporting requirements of the General Statutes, including Article 3 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes, Article 39 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, G.S.

108A-102, or G.S.

110-105.4." CONFORMING CHANGES AND SPECIAL PLATE ISSUED SECTION 19.(a) G.S.

1A-1, Rule 63, reads as rewritten:

"Rule 63.

Disability of a judge.

If by reason of death, sickness or other disability, resignation, retirement, expiration of term, removal from office, or other reason, a judge before whom an action has been tried or a hearing has been held is unable to perform the duties to be performed by the court under these rules after averdict is returned or atrial orhearingis otherwiseconcluded, thenthose duties, including entry of judgment, may be performed:

(1) In actions in the superior court by the judge senior in point of continuous service on the superior court regularlyholding the courts of the district.

senior resident superior court judge for the district.

If this judge is under a disability, then the resident judge of the district senior in point of service on the superior court may perform those duties.

If a resident judge, while holding court in the judge's own district suffers disability and there is no other resident judge of the district, such duties may be performed by a judge of the superior court designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

(2) In actions in the district court, by the chief judge of the district, or if the chief judge is disabled, by any judge of the district court designated by the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts.

If the substituted judge is satisfied that he or she cannot perform those duties because the judge did not preside at the trial or hearing or for any other reason, the judge may, in the judge's discretion, grant a new trial or hearing." SECTION 19.(b) G.S.

20-79.6(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Superior Court.

– A special plate issued to a senior resident superior court judge shall bear the letter "J" followed by a number indicative of the judicial district or set of districts the judge serves.

The number issued to the senior resident superior court judge shall be the numerical designation of the judge's judicial district, serves, as defined in G.S.

7A-41.1(a)(1).

If a district Page 20 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 has more than one regular resident superior court judge, a special plate for a resident superior court judge of that district shall bear the number issued to the senior resident superior court judge Special plates issued to senior resident superior court judges serving districts 7A, 7B, 8A, 9A, 9B, 15A, 15B, 43A, and 43B shall also include the letter associated with the district's number, as defined in G.S.

7A-41.1(a)(1).

The special plate for the senior resident superior court judge for the set of districts comprised of districts 8B and 8C shall be designated as 8BC.

A special plate issued to a regular resident superior court judge shall bear the letter "J" followed by the same alphanumeric designation as the special plate issued to the senior resident superior court judge in the district or set of districts in which the judge serves followed by a hyphen and a letter of the alphabet beginning with the letter "A" to indicate the judge's seniority.

For any grouping of districts having the same numerical designation, other than districts where there are two or more resident superior court judges, the number issued to the senior resident superior court judge shall be the number the districts in the set have in common.

A special plate issued to the other regular resident superior court judges of the set of districts shall bear the number issued to the senior resident superior court judge followed by a hyphen and a letter of the alphabet beginning with the letter "A" to indicate the judge's seniority among all of the regular resident superior court judges of the set of districts.

The letter assigned to a resident superior court judge will not necessarily correspond with the letter designation of the district the judge serves.

Where there are two or more regular resident superior court judges for the district or set of districts, the registration plate with the letter "A" shall be issued to the judge who, from among all the regular resident superior court judges of the district or set of districts, has the most continuous service as a regular resident superior court judge;

provided if two or more judges are of equal service, the oldest of those judges shall receive the next letter registration plate.

Thereafter, registration plates shall be issued based on seniority within the district or set of districts.

A special judge, emergency judge, or retired judge of the superior court shall be issued a special plate bearing the letter "J" followed by a number designated by the Administrative Office of the Courts with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

The plate for a retired judge shall have the letter "X" after the designated number to indicate the judge's retired status." GRANT NORTH CAROLINA STATE BAR AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE OUT-OF-STATE ATTORNEYS PRACTICING IN NORTH CAROLINA SECTION 20.

G.S.

84-28 reads as rewritten:

"§ 84-28.

Discipline and disbarment.

(a) Any attorney admitted to practice law in this State State, any attorney admitted for limited practice under G.S.

84-4.1, or any attorney not admitted to practice law in this State who renders or offers to render anylegal services in this State is subject to the disciplinaryjurisdiction of the Council under such rules and procedures as the Council shall adopt as provided in G.S.

84-23.

… (b) The following acts or omissions by a member of the North Carolina State Bar or any attorney admitted for limited practice under G.S.

84-4.1, any attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Council as provided in subsection (a) of this section, individuallyor in concert with any other person or persons, shall constitute misconduct and shall be grounds for discipline whether the act or omission occurred in the course of an attorney-client relationship or otherwise:

(1) Conviction of, or a tender and acceptance of a plea of guilty or no contest to, a criminal offense showing professional unfitness;

(2) The violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct adopted and promulgated by the Council in effect at the time of the act;

House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) Knowing misrepresentation of any facts or circumstances surrounding any complaint, allegation or charge of misconduct;

failure to answer any formal inquiry or complaint issued by or in the name of the North Carolina State Bar in anydisciplinarymatter;

or contempt of the Council or anycommittee of the North Carolina State Bar.

… (d) Any attorney admitted to practice law in this State, subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Council as provided in subsection (a) of this section who is convicted of or has tendered and has had accepted, a plea of guilty or no contest to, a criminal offense showing professional unfitness, may be disciplined based upon the conviction, without awaiting the outcome of any appeals of the conviction.

An order of discipline based solely upon a conviction of a criminal offense showing professional unfitness shall be vacated immediately upon receipt by the Secretary of the North Carolina State Bar of a certified copy of a judgment or order reversing the conviction.

The fact that the attorney's criminal conviction has been overturned on appeal shall not prevent the North Carolina State Bar from conducting a disciplinary proceeding against the attorney based upon the same underlying facts or events that were the subject of the criminal proceeding.

… (e) Any attorney admitted to practice law in this State subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Council as provided in subsection (a) of this section who is disciplined in another jurisdiction shall be subject to the same discipline in this State:

Provided, that the discipline imposed in the other jurisdiction does not exceed that provided for in subsection (c) above of this section and that the attorney was not deprived of due process in the other jurisdiction.

(f) Upon application by the North Carolina State Bar, misconduct by an attorney admitted to practice in this State subject to thedisciplinaryjurisdiction of the Council as provided in subsection (a) of this section may be restrained or enjoined where the necessity for prompt action exists regardless of whether a disciplinary proceeding in the matter of the conduct is pending.

The application shall be filed in the Superior Court of Wake County and shall be governed by the procedure set forth in G.S.

1A-1, Rule 65." SUBMISSION OF PHYSICAL DOCUMENTS TO CLERK SECTION 21.

G.S.

7A-49.5 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7A-49.5.

Statewide electronic filing in courts.

(a) The General Assembly finds that the electronic filing of pleadings and other documents required to be filed with the courts may be a more economical, efficient, and satisfactory procedure to handle the volumes of paperwork routinely filed with, handled by, and disseminated by the courts of this State, and therefore authorizes the use of electronic filing in the courts of this State.

(b) The Supreme Court may adopt rules governing this process and associated costs and may supervise its implementation and operation through the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The rules adopted under this section shall address the waiver of electronic fees for indigents.

(b1) The Supreme Court shall promulgate rules authorizing electronic filing and electronic signatures in the General Court of Justice.

The rules shall require registration to participate in electronic filing and provide security procedures that include a mandatory submission of a form of identification to electronically file pro se.

(b2) A physical document that has been verified, notarized, acknowledged, sworn to, certified, exemplified, contains a seal, or made under oath may be converted to an electronic format for filing with the General Court of Justice.

The electronic version of the document that is filed with and maintained within the electronic filing and case management systems shall constitute the official version of the court record.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Page 22 House Bill 620-Second Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 subsection, original wills and codicils must also be physically submitted to the clerk and held by the clerk of superior court pursuant to G.S.

28A-2A-13.

(c) The Administrative Office of the Courts may contract with a vendor to provide electronic filing in the courts.

(d) Any funds received by the Administrative Office of the Courts from the vendor selected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, other than applicable statutory court costs, as a result of electronic filing, shall be deposited in the Court Information Technology Fund in accordance with G.S.

7A-343.2.

(e) The Supreme Court may require that in all cases in which the seal of any court or judicial office is required by law to be affixed to any paper issuing from a court or office, the word "seal" shall be construed to include an impression of the official seal, made upon the paper alone, an impression made by means of a wafer or of wax affixed thereto, or an electronic image adopted as the official seal affixed thereto." SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE SECTION 22.(a) If any section or provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the courts, it does not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any portion other than the portion declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

SECTION22.(b) Except as otherwise provided,this act is effective when it becomes law.

House Bill 620-Second Edition Page 23