HB 470: Administration of Justice Changes

• Expands reasons for assigning emergency judges to include disaster declarations under G.S. 166A-19.3(3) and specifies emergency judges may handle Rule 2.1 exceptional cases and court coverage needs.

• Requires Supreme Court to promulgate rules authorizing electronic filing and electronic signatures in the General Court of Justice with mandatory identification procedures for pro se filers; Administrative Office must report rules by March 1, 2020.

• Changes perjury statute language to clarify that knowingly and intentionally making false statements under oath or affirmation constitutes Class F felony, effective December 1, 2019.

• Increases fees for various court services including marriage ceremonies ($20 to $50), year's allowance petitions ($8 to $20), and in rem tax foreclosure executions ($300 new fee), effective January 1, 2020.

• Mandates good-cause continuances be granted for obligations of service to the State including General Assembly membership and service on Governor-appointed boards; applies to both civil and criminal proceedings, effective December 1, 2019.