Amends GS 7A-191.1 to require electronic or mechanical recording of all criminal proceedings and infraction hearings in district court, including pre- and post-trial motions, pleas, plea bargains, explanations of reductions or dismissals in impaired driving cases, taking of evidence, sentencing, and requests for limited driving privileges. The clerk of superior court has responsibility to operate the recording device and preserve the recording. Making the recording available online is allowed and complies with public records law. The retention schedule of the Administrative Office of the Courts applies. Effective December 1, 2025.
Amends GS 7A-109.2 to require the clerk of superior court to include the disposition of the charge in the electronic record. For sentencing after impaired driving convictions, the clerk shall include aggravating factors, grossly aggravating factors, mitigating factors, and the level of punishment imposed. Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to publish an annual report of statewide and countywide summaries of charges, dispositions, and sentencing information. Corrects a typographical error. Effective December 1, 2025.
Amends SL 2006-253 to change the act’s effective date to April 1, 2026, for the requirement that the clerk make a record of electronic data about explanations of reductions or dismissals in impaired driving cases.
Directs the first annual report to include information from December 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and to be published by September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 7A-191.1, 7A-109.2