Expands reasons for assigning emergency judges in North Carolina.

The bill modifies the criteria for assigning emergency judges in North Carolina. It allows emergency judges to be assigned for court coverage needs, including holdover sessions, administrative responsibilities, conflicts, or judicial education. The Chief Justice can order any competent retired judge to serve as an emergency judge. The bill also establishes active and inactive lists for emergency judges, with limits on the number of active judges. It appropriates $500,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover the costs of emergency judges.

Expands reasons for assigning emergency judges in North Carolina.

The bill modifies the criteria for assigning emergency judges in North Carolina. It allows emergency judges to be assigned for court coverage needs, including holdover sessions, administrative responsibilities, conflicts, or judicial education. The Chief Justice can order any competent retired judge to serve as an emergency judge. The bill also establishes active and inactive lists for emergency judges, with limits on the number of active judges. It appropriates $500,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover the costs of emergency judges.