NC H709

Revises the process for dismissing county election directors by replacing terminology of "termination" with "dismissal" throughout statute G.S. 163-35.1

Requires county board of elections to petition the State Board's Executive Director by majority vote to recommend dismissal, with the county director having 15 calendar days to respond in writing

Mandates the Executive Director render a final decision within 20 calendar days, unless the State Board defers the decision within 20 days and holds an open meeting to make a final determination after providing the director and county board opportunity to be heard

When dismissal is based on violations of G.S. 163-35(a)(1) through (a)(7) or Article 4A, suspends the county director with pay until the dismissal process completes, with maximum suspension of 5 business days if no termination action is taken

Allows the State Board to independently initiate dismissal proceedings for just cause, and makes dismissal documents public records except as provided in G.S. 163-27.2

Becomes effective October 1, 2023, applying to dismissals or suspensions initiated on or after that date