North Carolinians look on and hold protest signs as legislators override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 382, a controversial power shift bill they decried as a “legislative coup.” The bill offers limited relief for the storm victims in western North Carolina. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar)
North Carolina lawmakers approved a wide-ranging bill to shift executive power in state government on Wednesday, cementing a Republican override of Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto a month before new elected officials are sworn in.
The GOP override passed the House 72-46, after moving through the Senate last week. It now becomes law, though many of its sections do not take effect for months.
Legislative leaders were able to flip three GOP votes in the House — a trio of members from western North Carolina who initially objected to the bill’s branding as Hurricane Helene relief.
Senate Bill 382 strips offices soon to be held by Democrats of appointment power, redirecting much of that authority to Republicans. And it makes a litany of changes to election administration, including stricter deadlines for absentee voting, and other parts of government.
And while it does lay out more money for relief in the mountains, it is less than prior aid packages — and much of it has not yet been allocated for specific purposes.
Republicans have touted the law as another measured step in Helene aid, while making needed fixes across state government.
“I hope you will override this veto,” said Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), who is set to become the next Speaker of the House. “I know there will be much more to come in storm relief in North Carolina.”
The state constitution “gives this body the ability to make certain decisions,” Hall said. Among the concerns he made explicit were those with the state elections board.
“I simply disagree with the way that the current State Board of Elections has handled things,” Hall said.
When he remarked that the legislation was “not about politics,” protesters seated in the gallery above laughed.
Democrats and advocates, many of whom have protested at the Legislative Building in recent weeks, have decried it as a “power grab” aimed at eroding democratic government.
“What I’ve heard today is a focus on politics, and I am disappointed, sorely,” said Democratic Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham). “I am sorry to the people of western North Carolina that we did not take the opportunity we had today to do right by you.”
During a brief House debate, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle relayed emotional struggles from Hurricane Helene.
Rep. Dudley Greene (R-Avery) recalled his experience living through the storm, fighting back tears as he spoke about his “shell of a house.” Greene nonetheless voted with his fellow Republicans to override the governor’s veto of the bill.
Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) recited a list of all the western businesses that had permanently closed, and relayed personal stories of constituents who have faced financial struggle as she pleaded with colleagues to “please, please” sustain the veto.
SB 382 will likely be challenged in court. When Cooper vetoed it, calling it a “sham,” he said it violated the state constitution.
A weak governor’s office loses even more authority
The new law continues what has become a common post-election saga in North Carolina politics — lawmakers adjusting the levers of power for those on the other side of the aisle.
Before Gov. Roy Cooper first took office in 2016, the GOP-led General Assembly convened to strip the governor’s office of significant power. Then-Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, approved it.
Decades earlier, the roles were reversed. Legislative Democrats curbed the powers of Gov. Jim Holshauser, a Republican, in 1973 after he made major changes to state agencies, political science professor Chris Cooper reminded readers in a TIME column.
This time, the prime targets were Governor-elect Josh Stein and Attorney General-elect Jeff Jackson, both Democrats.
Stein will no longer have purview over the State Board of Elections, and will be limited in who he can appoint to vacancies on the courts. Jackson will not be able to take an opposing position to legislative leaders in lawsuits, and can’t argue in cases that would result in state law being invalidated.
“To use folks’ incredible need for aid as a cloak for their political pettiness is frankly despicable,” Stein said in a statement after the vote. “The legislature needs to step up and do its job for the people of Western North Carolina. If they do, they will find a good faith partner in me. I’m ready to get to work.”
Lt. Governor-elect Rachel Hunt and Superintendent-elect Mo Green, also Democrats, are also stripped of some duties under the law.
Helene’s estimated damages in NC rise to $58 billion
Shortly after Helene struck the mountains, state officials estimated that the storm had racked up an eye-popping $53 billion in total damages.
Now, more data and updated figures place that estimate at around $58 billion, state budget director Kristin Walker told lawmakers Wednesday.
The number, presented during the first hearing of a House committee for Helene recovery, further establishes the storm as the most damaging in state history. Cooper’s office will release an updated report later this week.
Heading into the new year, North Carolina lawmakers have appropriated $901 million for relief. (An additional chunk of money has been laid out, but not specifically allocated to aid.)
They are not expected to approve any more before they convene in January for next year’s session.
Critical needs remain is the west. Small businesses continue to ask for direct grants, rather than existing loan programs; agricultural leaders warn that the outlook for key commodities is bleak; and advocates have asked for housing and rental assistance.
Republicans have urged caution while allocating money — saying they don’t not to preempt federal requirements or send funds without clear indication of what the needs are.
“I expect to be the speaker of this body and I can tell you my sole priority from day one is going to be that hurricane relief,” Hall said of next year’s session.
Democrats say that’s cold comfort and have warned that without immediate investment, the region’s economy could face long-term harm.
“When disasters hit, you recognize one thing, all that other stuff doesn’t matter anymore,” Reives said. “We need to help people get their lives back.”
