RALEIGH, North Carolina — Gov. Josh Stein said Monday he will veto legislation that would give North Carolina’s Supreme Court and chief justice substantially greater authority to discipline and suspend lower-court judges, warning that the changes could undermine judicial independence.
House Bill 377 would allow the state Supreme Court to censure, reprimand, suspend or remove judges even without a recommendation from the Judicial Standards Commission. It would also allow the chief justice to suspend a trial judge without pay while an investigation is pending if the commission recommends that step. The bill was formally presented to Stein on Aug. 7.
Stein argued the proposal concentrates too much power in the hands of judicial leadership. He compared it to allowing legislative leaders to suspend elected lawmakers or the governor to suspend other independently elected statewide officials.
Republican supporters say the measure is intended to strengthen accountability. House Speaker Destin Hall has argued that judges who release violent defendants should face consequences, while Republican Sen. Warren Daniel has said suspended judges would retain due-process protections.
Democrats counter that the measure could pressure judges to rule in ways favored by the Republican-controlled Supreme Court and Judicial Standards Commission.
The fight comes amid a broader, years-long struggle over institutional power in North Carolina. Republican lawmakers have repeatedly shifted authority away from Democratic governors, including over appointments and election administration, prompting multiple lawsuits. Courts have upheld some changes while striking down others.
The legislature could attempt to override Stein’s veto when lawmakers reconvene, although leaders have indicated they may delay additional votes until after November’s election.
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