NC H1203

Authorizes courts to assess a $600 fee upon conviction for toxicological testing services performed by private hospitals under contract with prosecutorial districts, with fees remitted to the Judicial Department for prosecutorial district reimbursement.

Allows courts to assess an additional $600 fee when an expert witness employed by a private hospital performing toxicological testing provides testimony about chemical analysis at trial, in addition to the base testing fee.

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts, in consultation with the Conference of District Attorneys, to evaluate private hospital toxicology contracts and recommend reasonable cost limitations per test performed.

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to report its cost limitation recommendations to legislative oversight committees by February 1, 2015.

Takes effect July 1, 2014, and applies to all fees assessed or collected on or after that date.