ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — North Carolina Republicans are trying to restrict the power of one of the state’s top elected officials — Attorney General Jeff Jackson, a Democrat.
Senate Bill 58, filed Wednesday, would prevent Jackson from joining any lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
Sens. Eddie Settle (District 36), Bobby Hanig (District 1) and Tim Moffitt (District 48) are the primary sponsors of the bill.
“The Attorney General shall not, as a party, amicus, or any other participant in an action pending before a state or federal court in another state, advance any argument that would result in the invalidation of any statute enacted by the General Assembly or any executive order issued by the President of the United States,” the bill said.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 1-PAGE FILING
A spokesperson for Jackson’s office said they did not have any comment on the bill. Efforts to reach Moffitt, who represents Henderson, Polks and Rutherford counties, were also unsuccessful.
Jackson, who took office earlier this month, has already been involved in a lawsuit challenging Trump. He and attorneys general from almost two dozen other states sued to block Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship, which guaranteed citizenship to U.S.-born children regardless of their parents’ status.
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The bill comes as several states have announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the Department of Government Efficiency.
This is the latest effort by Republicans to stifle the power of Democratic officials in North Carolina.
Last year, Republican lawmakers introduced and passed a bill shifting power from the governor and attorney general — positions held by Democrats.
Although then-Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the legislation, both chambers overrode his veto.
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In December, Cooper and Stein filed a lawsuit to block the Republican-led law they said violated the separation of powers established in the state Constitution.
Senate Bill 58 passed its first reading Thursday, Feb. 6. and was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.
Efforts to reach Democratic Sen. Julie Mayfield and Gov. Josh Stein about SB 58 were also unsuccessful.