NC H652

Changes public reprimand from an action by the Judicial Standards Commission to a finding by the North Carolina Supreme Court based on the Commission's written recommendation.

Eliminates the Commission's authority to issue public reprimands directly; the Commission may now only issue private letters of caution without further proceedings.

Requires at least five Commission members to concur in any recommendation for public reprimand, censure, suspension, or removal, with a majority of Supreme Court members voting to approve such orders.

Makes disciplinary records confidential until after the Supreme Court issues a public reprimand, censure, suspension, or removal order, at which point the records become public.

Repeals G.S. 7A-378 and takes effect upon becoming law.