NC H677

Allows district court judges to be appointed to serve on three-judge panels that hear cases challenging the validity of acts of the General Assembly, in addition to resident superior court judges.

Applies to cases challenging redistricting plans for state legislative or congressional districts and facial challenges to the validity of statutes.

Requires the Chief Justice to appoint judges from different regions of the state to ensure geographic diversity on three-judge panels.

Maintains existing requirement that panel members cannot be former members of the General Assembly to avoid political bias and impropriety.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage.