Stein Vets NC Bill Granting Chief Justice Power to Suspend Judges Without Pay
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced he will veto House Bill 377, a measure that would grant Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby the authority to suspend any trial court judge without pay during an ethics investigation. Stein argues the bill threatens judicial independence and is unique in its scope nationally. The legislation passed the General Assembly despite unanimous Democratic opposition, with Republicans arguing it ensures judicial accountability. Critics warn the move allows political retaliation against judges, particularly those ruling against the party’s interests on issues like bail.