Bill Summaries: S711 (2025-2026 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Apr 30 2025 - View summary

    Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes, including to act’s long and short titles. Makes organizational changes.

    Removes (1) provisions in new GS 161-11.7 that establish a code of ethics for registers of deeds and procedure for removal by the county manager and (2) changes to GS 153A-76, which allows removal of a register of deeds by a county board of commissioners. Instead, replaces the content of GS 161-117.7 in its entirety with a process to remove a register of deeds (ROD) from office by a judge of the superior court, resident in or holding the courts of the district encompassing the county in which the ROD serves, upon charges made in writing and a hearing for six listed causes, including corruption, extortion, and willful or habitual neglect. Provides for a complaint or petition of removal in the name of the State to be filed upon the relation of any five qualified electors of the county in which the person charged is the register of deeds, upon the approval of the county attorney of such county, or the district attorney of the district, or by any such officer upon his or her own motion. Requires the county attorney or district attorney to appear and prosecute the proceeding. Provides for an answer by the accused. Allows for suspension of the accused if the presiding judge determines that sufficient cause appears from the petition and affidavit(s). Provides for filling of vacancies in case of removal. Gives priority to such matters on the court’s calendar.


  • Summary date: Apr 1 2025 - View summary

    Creates new GS 161-11.7 (Code of ethics for registers of deeds) requiring each county board of commissioners to adopt a code of ethics addressing the need for the register of deeds to faithfully perform the duties of the office, uphold the integrity of the office, avoid impropriety in the exercise of official duties, and to maintain professionalism. Allows any person alleging the register of deeds violated this code of ethics to file a complaint with the county manager, and outlines a process where the register of deeds may respond and the county manager must conduct a review of the complaint. Requires the board of commissioners to hold a hearing in closed session on a report received from the county manager on a violation of the code of ethics, and if the board finds a violation, it must hold a public hearing on the matter. Outlines the possible sanctions the board may issue against a register of deeds, including censure, suspension without pay, and removal from office, and specifies the grounds that justify removal from office. Provides that the board will fill any vacancy caused by removing the register of deeds under GS 161-5. Allows for an appeal by the register of deeds to superior court, and sets priority for the matter above over causes on the superior court calendar. Also specifies that if the county does not have a manager, the board may delegate responsibility to a department head, and if the register of deeds serves as clerk to the board under GS 161-23, the clerk of superior court must perform the duties imposed on the board under the statute.

    Makes corresponding changes to GS 153A-76, and updates a reference in GS 161-23.

    Creates new GS 75-67, requiring a third-party vendor or contractor to pay for or reimburse a state government entity for the full cost of the security breach or unauthorized release notifications and associated legal fees required by GS 75-65 when the breach results from the third party’s acts or omissions. Applies to acts or omissions occurring on or after the effective date of the act.