NC S75

Restores the North Carolina Court of Appeals to 15 judges by removing a provision that abolished vacant judgeships whenever a seat became vacant due to death, resignation, retirement, impeachment, or removal after January 1, 2017.

Eliminates the automatic seat abolishment mechanism that had reduced the court from 15 judges to 12 judges by preventing replacement of departing judges.

Maintains the Court of Appeals structure of sitting in panels of three judges with the ability to sit en banc, with the Chief Judge assigning panel members.

Became effective upon enactment on February 27, 2019.