SB 382 is a power grab disguised as hurricane relief

RALEIGH (December 5, 2024) – This week, the North Carolina Senate voted to override Governor Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 382. Though framed as a hurricane relief bill, this legislation is a mean-spirited, partisan power grab meant to undermine the will of the voters. SB 382 does not provide adequate funding, delaying the immediate relief our neighbors in Western North Carolina desperately need.

This bill strips power from local governments, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and makes significant changes to the courts and election law. In addition, lawmakers’ lack of notice, public engagement, and transparency when introducing the bill further undermined the democratic process and eroded public trust.

The North Carolina Justice Center opposes this undemocratic legislation and the exploitation of hurricane victims for political gain. State lawmakers should support Western North Carolina by halting evictions, providing rental assistance, improving unemployment benefits, funding childcare stabilization, and aiding small businesses.

“As winter approaches, people in Western North Carolina urgently need real relief,” said Reggie Shuford, Executive Director of the North Carolina Justice Center. “Instead of funding efforts to help rebuild homes and businesses, our government leaders are playing political games—with lives at stake. All North Carolinians deserve leaders who answer to the people, not those making backroom deals that further jeopardize the well-being of our Western North Carolina neighbors.”

We stand with a large coalition of organizations calling for meaningful relief for North Carolinians working to rebuild their communities after Hurricane Helene. We will continue amplifying the voices of partners leading on this issue and work alongside them for democracy, accountability, and community-centered recovery.

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