Some North Carolina Republicans want to repeal a 2017 law that reduces the number of Court of Appeals judges from 15 to 12 as retirements and other vacancies arise.

A state Senate judiciary committee Tuesday voted unanimously to keep the court’s size at 15.

Bill sponsors say approving the measure should end a lawsuit filed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper challenging the law. The state Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments in the case for early next month. A trial-judge panel actually sided with Republicans last year. Registered Democrats comprise a majority on the Supreme Court.

The law is one of several approved by the GOP-dominated legislature that eroded Cooper’s powers because it prevents him from filling three vacancies when they occur. No vacancies have occurred since the law took effect.

Related Stories
‹
Taxes, Salaries, Vacancy Cuts Make Plain Differences Over Rival North Carolina GOP Budgets
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina House’s reveal of its state government budget proposal makes plain the differences on taxes, salaries and job cuts between Republicans who control both General Assembly chambers. With strong bipartisan support, the House gave preliminary approval late Wednesday to its plan to spend $32.6 […]
North Carolina Governor Urges State Lawmakers To Include More Helene Aid in Upcoming Budget
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein pushed lawmakers to allocate $891 million toward western North Carolina's ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery.
North Carolina Justice Riggs Sworn in After Long Battle Over Result
North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs was sworn in to a new term on Tuesday after winning a monthslong post-election fight.
North Carolina Lawmakers Focus On Guns, Immigration and Parental Rights Ahead of a Key Deadline
The crossover deadline has passed for bills in the North Carolina General Assembly. What are some of the themes seen in this session?
'Where Do We Draw the Line?': NC Legislation Targets Public School Libraries
In this legislative session, North Carolina Republican lawmakers sponsored bills that would allow more control over public school libraries.
The Election Director in North Carolina, A Key Swing State, Is Ousted After a Republican Power Play
The North Carolina elections board ousted its executive director Wednesday in a partisan move that now puts Republicans in control.
Republican Concedes Long-Unsettled North Carolina Court Election to Democratic Incumbent
The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat conceded last November’s election to Democratic opponent Allison Riggs.
Federal Judge Says Results of North Carolina Court Race With Democrat Ahead Must Be Certified
Disputed ballots in the still unresolved 2024 race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat must remain in the final count, a federal judge ruled late Monday.
North Carolina Republicans Already Seek to Tighten Up 2024 Immigration Enforcement Law
North Carolina Republicans want a 2024 deportation law tightened further as President Donald Trump's national immigration crackdown builds.
North Carolina Is Pursuing Its Own Restrictions Amid Trump’s Pushback Against DEI
Following the lead of several conservative states and the president himself, North Carolina Republican lawmakers have advanced their own bills that target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
›