NC H1915

Amends G.S. 7A-451 to allow courts to appoint attorneys in civil cases for individuals unable to afford counsel, based on factors including case complexity, impact on basic human needs (shelter, sustenance, safety, health, family integrity), and severity of consequences for unrepresented parties.

Court may revoke appointments if the poverty claim is false or if the case is frivolous, malicious, fails to state a claim, or seeks relief against immune defendants.

Appropriates $200,000 to the Office of Indigent Defense Services for the 2010-2011 fiscal year to provide counsel in civil cases under the new statute.

Appropriates $75,000 ($25,000 per district) to establish three pilot Provision of Counsel Committees in geographically dispersed judicial districts to study counsel needs and develop implementation plans, with reports due by April 1, 2011.

Effective July 1, 2010.