NC H820

Abolishes the Courts Commission and transfers its oversight responsibilities to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety, which will now examine the structure, organization, and procedures of the courts.

Changes district court judge vacancy appointments so the Governor has sole appointment authority rather than being bound by the highest-voted bar nominee if the Governor fails to appoint within 60 days.

Requires bar associations to submit nominations for district court judge vacancies within 30 days, eliminating the previous provision that allowed the Governor to appoint without waiting for nominations if the bar missed the deadline.

Directs chief district judges to maximize efficient use of court resources by fully utilizing magistrates for less complex cases, traffic court, and administrative matters so district court judges can focus on specialized cases requiring judicial expertise.

Effective dates: judicial oversight transfer and magistrate efficiency provisions take effect July 1, 2013; vacancy appointment changes effective upon enactment for vacancies occurring after that date.