The League of Women Voters of North Carolina, along with more than a dozen coalition partners, has urged Governor Josh Stein to veto HB 377: 2026 Court Changes.
We encourage League members and other North Carolinians to:
- Contact Governor Stein and urge him to veto HB 377.
- Contact your state legislators and urge them to sustain a veto if the General Assembly attempts an override.
What HB 377 Would Do
HB 377 is a broad court-administration bill containing numerous changes to North Carolina's court system. LWVNC is particularly concerned about a provision affecting the discipline and suspension of judges.
Under the legislation, after a recommendation from the Judicial Standards Commission, the Chief Justice could suspend a district or superior court judge without pay while a disciplinary matter is pending.
That suspension would not require a vote of the full seven-member North Carolina Supreme Court.
A majority of the Supreme Court would still be required for permanent removal of a judge. But the interim suspension—and loss of the judge's salary while the matter is pending—could be ordered by the Chief Justice alone.
Why Judicial Independence Matters
Judges must be accountable for genuine misconduct. At the same time, a strong judicial disciplinary system needs safeguards that protect the independence and impartiality of the courts.
LWVNC is concerned that HB 377 would:
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Concentrated power. One official — currently Chief Justice Paul Newby, and whoever holds that office in the future — can financially sideline a sitting judge without a vote of the other justices.
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Investigations can take months. A judge suspended without pay may be forced to resign and seek other employment before any final finding is made — effectively removing them from the bench without the due process the Constitution otherwise requires for removal.
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No public accountability while it's happening. Because the underlying investigation is confidential, the public cannot evaluate whether a suspension was warranted or politically motivated.
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This power outlasts any single Chief Justice. Whoever wins the office in future elections — regardless of party — will hold this same unilateral authority.
The issue is larger than any individual judge, Chief Justice, political party, or particular case. Judicial independence depends on systems that hold judges accountable while maintaining appropriate checks and safeguards over the disciplinary process.
Take Action
Contact Governor Josh Stein
Urge Governor Stein to veto HB 377.
Contact Your State Legislators
Ask your North Carolina House and Senate members to sustain the Governor's veto if an override is attempted.
Learn More
Read HB 377: 2026 Court Changes
Review the legislation and the provisions affecting judicial discipline.
Read: Why Judicial Independence Matters
Learn more about judicial accountability, disciplinary systems, and why safeguards protecting independent courts matter to every North Carolinian.
Read the coalition letter to Governor Stein
LWVNC joined coalition partners in urging the Governor to veto HB 377.
Our courts must be both accountable and independent. Judicial misconduct should be addressed through a strong disciplinary system with appropriate safeguards, transparency, and checks on the exercise of disciplinary power.
