S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Sec. 18B.12 of S.L. 2017-57 allows the clerk of superior court in a county, with the written or e-mailed consent of the chief district court judge, to hire one deputy or assistant clerk in lieu of one of the magistrate positions allotted to that county, even if doing so would take the number of magistrate positions in the county below the number of magistrates required for the county by statute. In order to provide accessibility for law enforcement and citizens, the clerk of superior court's office who does this will provide some of the services traditionally provided by the magistrates' office during some or all of the regular courthouse hours.

The Administrative Office of the Courts must report on the results of the pilot project by October 1, 2018, to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. The report must include the counties participating, a summary of the magisterial tasks assumed by clerks, the estimated cost savings, and recommendations for future expansion.

This section became effective June 28, 2017.