NC H532

Repeals Article 1B of Chapter 7A and establishes mandatory retirement ages for North Carolina judges: 76 years for appellate division justices and judges, 72 years for superior court judges, and 72 years for district judges and magistrates.

Creates new provisions allowing retired judges to be recalled for temporary service and permits judges who have reached mandatory retirement age to apply to the Governor for emergency appointment under specified conditions.

Modifies eligibility requirements for emergency judges and special judges, including requirements that judges have completed required years of service and that their judicial service ended within a specified timeframe (10-15 years depending on court level).

Updates references throughout the statutes to replace previous retirement age provisions with the new age limits established in this bill.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to judges serving on or after the effective date, with an exception allowing judges already in the retirement process to complete that process.