161-27. Register of deeds failing to discharge duties; penalty.
(a) If any register of deeds fails to perform any of the duties imposed or authorized by law, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and he shall be removed from office.
(b) No assistant register of deeds or deputy register of deeds recusing in accordance with G.S. 51-5.5 may be charged under this section for recusal to issue marriage licenses in accordance with Chapter 51 of the General Statutes.