NC S953

Restores automatic determination of senior resident superior court judges based on continuous service rather than Chief Justice appointment, effective immediately upon enactment.

Senior resident judge shall be the judge with the most continuous service as a regular resident superior court judge within a district or set of districts.

If two or more judges have equal seniority, the oldest judge becomes senior resident superior court judge.

Grandfathers current senior resident judges who do not meet the new seniority criteria, allowing them to serve until they vacate their seats.

Removes Chief Justice's discretionary authority to designate senior resident judges and the requirement to consider seniority, experience, management competence, and consult with local court officials and bar members.