North Carolina legislature

North Carolina's new budget proposal slashes funding for Legal Aid of North Carolina, redirects IOLTA program funds to public defender offices, and imposes restrictions on Legal Aid's ability to handle immigration, gender transition cases, and political advocacy. The changes follow a $6 million deficit caused by a previous funding freeze, leading to attorney layoffs and office closures in rural areas.

North Carolina Democrats introduced three constitutional amendments to reform the state's court system and protect gubernatorial powers, responding to ProPublica's findings of Republican-led efforts to reduce the governor's authority. The measures aim to prevent partisan shifts in power and increase transparency, though they are unlikely to pass in the current legislative session due to Republican majorities.

The North Carolina legislature has passed a new congressional map that targets a closely-divided House district currently held by a Democrat. This move may impact the balance of power in the state's congressional representation. The proposed map is expected to have significant implications for upcoming elections.