NC S856

Expands the reasons for assigning emergency judges to include court coverage needs determined by the chief district court judge, in addition to existing grounds such as holdover sessions, administrative responsibilities, conflicts of interest, and judicial educational responsibilities.

Maintains the cap of 10 active emergency judges for superior and special superior courts combined, and 25 active emergency judges for district courts, with unlimited inactive lists.

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to cover costs of emergency judges.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment, except for the funding appropriation which becomes effective July 1, 2024.