Separation of powers Coverage

Partial victory for NC lawmakers in lawsuit over state board appointment power

Republican state lawmakers have been trying to give themselves more executive branch power for a decade, starting under Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and continuing under Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Republicans say new laws give state boards more balance. Cooper calls the law unconstitutional.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: Legislative intimidation and veil of secrecy

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 -- Keeping public business secret, unfettered search and seizures and making consulting co-workers and lawyers a crime only raises suspicions of the government that is supposed to serve citizens.

State agencies' plan for legislature's new investigation powers: Ask a lawyer

The new state budget expanded the legislature's oversight powers, allowing investigators to demand documents, enter buildings and demand silence. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's administration, and Republicans who run some state agencies, are grappling with implementation.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Wide-ranging appointments bill would put reprimanded lawyer on state bar's disciplinary committee

A Robeson County attorney -- who nearly lost his law license this year for not paying taxes and mishandling client money -- was appointed to the committee that hears complaints against attorneys.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NC Republicans, flexing new powers, roll out major appointments bill

Legislative Republicans named seven new superior court judges, 13 Board of Transportation members and other key appointees in bill that could pass as soon as Wednesday.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Gov. Cooper sues NC Republican lawmakers over new law

It's not the first time GOP leaders have sought to reduce the Democratic governor's power, nor the first time he's sued them over it. Even before Cooper had been sworn into office, in the days following his first gubernatorial win in late 2016, the legislature began chipping away at the power of the governor's office.

Cooper sues NC lawmakers, claiming 'blatantly unconstitutional legislative power grab'

It's not the first time GOP leaders have sought to reduce the Democratic governor's power, nor the first time he's sued them over it. Even before Cooper had been sworn into office, in the days following his first gubernatorial win in late 2016, the legislature began chipping away at the power of the governor's office.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC Republicans pass elections overhaul bill, send it to governor. Lawsuit could follow

Republican lawmakers finalized legislation shifting control of state and county boards of elections ahead of the 2024 elections. Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to veto it, and a lawsuit could be in the offing.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: State's high court must uphold the law not partisanship

Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 -- Courts have the authority - the duty - to review the acts of the legislative and executive branches of government to determine their constitutionality. The justices of North Carolina's Supreme Court need to live up to that fundamental responsibility. Further, they should do it in a transparent manner assuring North Carolinians it is the law and constitution that comprises the foundation for their decisions.

Cooper vetoes bill shifting power on key state boards

Senate Bill 512 would reduce or reallocate gubernatorial appointments to governing boards such as the North Carolina Board of Transportation to lawmakers or other members of the executive branch.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter, and Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Editorial: Legislators, do your jobs. Stop looking to usurp governor's authority

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 -- Legislators, now more than a month late delivering a budget and critical Medicaid expansion, are challenged enough to do the job THEY are elected to do. They need to stop encroaching on the responsibilities and tasks North Carolina elects the governor to do.

To deal with diversity concerns, Cooper commission suggests changes for UNC System

Appointments to the Board of Governors would change under the draft proposal to address concerns that the current board, named by the General Assembly's Republican leadership, is too white, male and Republican.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Power-shifting bill could replace NC Board of Transportation

Under the bill, a new transportation board would be appointed July 1, with the General Assembly's Republican majority gaining appointment powers at the governor's expense.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Former NC governors denounce proposed GOP power shifts

Multiple bills are moving, including one giving General Assembly leaders more control over the state's community college system, which is looking now for a new system president.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NC Senate passes bill shifting power from governor to General Assembly

Senate Bill 512 tinkers with appointments on nine boards, including the N.C. Utilities Commission, which sets electricity rates.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: Don't grab power, share it

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 -- If this is more than a petty power-grab to upset the state' constitutionally mandated separation of powers between branches of state government, Sen. Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore will lead the effort to expand shared appointment powers to N.C. boards and commissions.

Bill to shift appointments, power, from governor to legislature on a fast track

The measure is one of several advancing at the statehouse intended to shift more control of state government away from the governor's office.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NC Republicans look to strip governor of key appointments

Some boards that make key decisions in North Carolina would be controlled by legislative appointees instead of appointees from the governor.

Travis Fain WRAL state government reporter

Spate of bills the latest volleys in longtime power struggle between NC legislature and governor

Bills to limit a governor's ability to appoint members of the State Board of Education and fill vacancies on the Council of State and in the courts are part of a decade-long battle between North Carolina's lawmakers and its governors over who should run the state.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

House again takes up limits on governor's powers

House members debate limiting the governor's powers during extended emergencies and requiring people convicted of child pornography charges to pay restitution to victims.

Lawmakers again try to curb governor's power in long-running emergency

Senate Republicans took another swing at Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday, passing the latest bill that would rein in his authority during a lengthy emergency such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief, & Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Senate debates alcohol rules, executive powers, high school sports

The state Senate debates changes to North Carolina's alcohol regulations, a proposal to limit the governor's powers during an emergency and legislation that would alter the N.C. High School Athletics Association operations.

Judge rejects effort to halt Cooper's pandemic shutdown powers

A judge on Tuesday denied an injunction sought by Lt. Gov. Dan Forest to reopen sectors of the North Carolina economy that have been shut down for months to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Judge hears arguments in lawsuit over Cooper's shutdown powers

Lt. Gov. Dan Forest sued the governor, saying he needs more buy-in before he shuts down large swaths of the state economy.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

NC Appeals Court: Not up to judges how long legislative sessions take

Common Cause had challenged a quick 2016 session over separation of powers, saying it violated the people's constitutional right to weigh in.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter