NC H517

Authorizes chief district judges to appoint a chief magistrate in counties where justified, designating a full-time magistrate to serve at the judge's pleasure and perform administrative duties over other magistrates.

Expands discipline options for magistrates to include suspension for a specified period (in addition to permanent removal), with suspended magistrates receiving no salary during suspension, and authorizes courts to issue public reprimands for minor misconduct.

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to study whether North Carolina's current constitutional method of appointing magistrates should be replaced with an alternative method and report findings to the 2013 General Assembly by March 1, 2013.

Grants senior resident superior court judges authority to schedule trial conferences if a case has not been tried within nine months of indictment or bindover to superior court.

Establishes different effective dates: Sections 1 and 3 effective upon enactment; Section 2 effective January 1, 2013; Section 4 effective January 1, 2013.