Cooper, Stein file first lawsuit over GOP bill stripping power from incoming Democrats

On Thursday, the current governor and incoming governor filed a lawsuit narrowly challenging a provision in a new law that prevents Stein from picking his own commander of the State Highway Patrol.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein speak backstage at a gubernatorial kickoff campaign event for Stein at Shaw University in Raleigh on Oct. 10, 2023.

In the first of several lawsuits likely challenge various provisions of a sweeping new law reducing the powers of incoming Democratic officeholders, Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein on Thursday asked a state court to prevent the General Assembly from reshaping the State Highway Patrol.

Under Senate Bill 382, the State Highway Patrol would become an independent agency, and Stein would be forced to get General Assembly confirmation if he wanted to appoint a new commander.