NORTH CAROLINA — Democratic lawmakers in North Carolina introduced three constitutional amendments to the state legislature. The proposed amendments aim to protect the governor's traditional executive powers and reform oversight of the state court system.
State Representative Phil Rubin sponsored a bill that would prohibit the state legislature from removing additional powers from the governor's office. His proposed bill would also require legislative leaders to provide prior notice to the minority party and the public before advancing major legislation. Rubin said, "Republicans won't always be in the majority. And when they're not, they're going to suddenly think these are great rules. So let's do them now."
State Representative Marcia Morey authored a proposed amendment concerning the Judicial Standards Commission. Morey's proposal would require the commission to make its disciplinary hearings and sanctions public. Her bill would also divide appointments to the commission equally among the chief justice, the governor, and the North Carolina State Bar. State law currently grants Republican legislative leaders and Chief Justice Paul Newby authority to appoint a majority of the commission members. Morey said, "Who makes decisions about discipline and who appoints the decision-makers are critical to making the system fair and effective." She added, "We're committed to following through on these bills to ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts and legislature. This should be the norm, not the partisan bias we have now."
State Representative Deb Butler sponsored a separate proposed amendment addressing the state judicial system. Butler's proposal would disqualify state Supreme Court justices from presiding over cases involving their family members. State Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. has presided over multiple cases in which his father serves as the state Senate leader. Butler's proposed bill would also require justices to publicly disclose large stock transactions, outside income sources, and sponsored travel. Butler said, "People deserve complete confidence in the integrity of their court."
If the General Assembly passes these constitutional amendments, they will appear on a public ballot for voter approval. Republicans hold majorities in both the North Carolina House and Senate.