Senate Bill 89 Summary

• Clarifies that failure to affix date stamps or file stamps on court pleadings and papers does not affect the document's sufficiency, validity, or enforceability.

• Allows filing of pleadings and other court papers by electronic means pursuant to rules established by the Supreme Court and Administrative Officer of the Courts under G.S. 7A-34, G.S. 7A-49.5, and G.S. 7A-343.

• Establishes a pilot project allowing clerks of superior court in counties with three or four magistrate allocations to hire one additional deputy or assistant clerk in lieu of one magistrate position, with chief district court judge approval.

• Requires the clerk's office in pilot project counties to provide some traditionally magistrate-provided services during regular courthouse hours for accessibility to law enforcement and citizens.

• Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to report on pilot project outcomes by March 1, 2017, and to complete digitization of mental health records, after which a separate mental health record check requirement for pistol purchase permits will be repealed.