NC S198

Expands authority for senior resident superior court judges and chief district court judges to contract with local governments for administrative assistance and court program support through the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Broadens the purpose of such contracts from specifically addressing drug offenses, domestic violence, and public safety threats to the general goal of improving overall administration of justice.

Allows counties and cities to appropriate funds under contract with the State for administrative assistance and court program improvements, subject to requirements in G.S. 7A-44.1.

Removes the requirement that contracts demonstrate "overwhelming public interest" tied to specific offense types, replacing it with a broader standard of showing that additional resources would improve overall administration of justice.

Becomes effective July 1, 2011.