NC Governor Vetoes Bill Letting Chief Justice Suspend Judges Without Pay
Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a bill allowing North Carolina's chief justice to suspend judges without pay.
Why it matters: The veto highlights the ongoing debate over balancing judicial independence with accountability in North Carolina's courts, impacting legal governance and judicial authority.
- Veto occurred on August 17, 2026, by Governor Roy Cooper.
- The bill would have allowed the state Supreme Court chief justice to suspend elected trial judges without pay.
- Current law permits suspension with pay during investigations, not without pay.
- Governor Cooper said the bill granted excessive power to the chief justice, undermining judicial independence.
On August 17, 2026, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a bill that would have empowered the state Supreme Court's chief justice to suspend elected trial judges without pay. This marked a notable shift from the current procedure, which permits judges to be suspended with pay during investigations into judicial conduct.
Governor Cooper criticized the legislation, stating it "undermines the independence of our judiciary by granting excessive power to the chief justice over elected judges." The bill's attempt to expand the chief justice's authority raised concerns about the balance between accountability and judicial autonomy.
This legislative effort fits into a broader context of North Carolina lawmakers seeking to modify judicial administration. Previous actions include the 2017 Senate Bill 117, which barred judges removed from office from receiving retirement benefits, and the 2025 House Bill 56, which proposed changes affecting the appointment and term lengths of special superior court judges. These measures collectively indicate ongoing debates in the state regarding the oversight and structure of the judiciary.
While the veto preserves the status quo of suspensions with pay during investigations, it also signals the state's continuing tensions between the judiciary and other branches of government about control and independence.
By the numbers:
- August 17, 2026 — Date Governor Cooper vetoed the bill
- 1 — Chief justice's new power to suspend judges without pay was proposed
- Current procedure — Judges can only be suspended with pay during investigations