Governor Vetoes Judge Suspension Bill | Wilmington News

Governor Josh Stein just vetoed a controversial bill that would’ve let the state’s Chief Justice suspend local trial judges without pay — a move he called a dangerous power grab that could chill judicial independence. The bill, “Twenty Twenty-Six Court Changes,” also included unrelated reforms like electronic adoption records and eviction appeal rules, but its core provision sparked outrage: allowing the Chief Justice to act unilaterally based on a recommendation from a commission heavily influenced by lawmakers. Stein argued elected judges should answer to voters, not unelected officials, and accused the Republican-led General Assembly of politicizing the judiciary. With override votes possible, this showdown underscores a fierce battle over judicial autonomy and who controls the balance of power in North Carolina’s legal system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/75dd81afb7e3da3f