NC H868

Appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the North Carolina State Bar to fund three pilot projects in geographically dispersed judicial districts.

Each of the three districts receives $50,000 to establish a Provision of Counsel Committee to study the need for counsel in civil cases involving basic human needs such as shelter, sustenance, safety, health, or family integrity.

Each committee must consist of at least seven members including senior resident superior court judge, chief district court judge, court clerk, bar association representative, legal services provider representative, government representative, and Equal Access to Justice Commission representative.

Committees must evaluate existing justice system resources and determine what categories of cases require counsel, cost of establishing a provision system, and financial need thresholds for eligibility.

Each committee must submit a written report of findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by April 1, 2012; the act becomes effective July 1, 2011.