Voters would decide on recusal and disclosure rules for justices

Justices would have to step aside from a case when a listed financial or personal connection applies. The rule would apply to cases before the North Carolina Supreme Court. For financial interests, a justice must know or reasonably be expected to know of the interest. A justice would not have to step aside if doing so would prevent a quorum, meaning enough justices to hear a case. The rule covers specified financial interests, certain close relatives’ ties to a case, and a justice who sponsored a law being challenged. If voters approve the amendment, this rule would take effect when election results are certified.

Justices would have to report specified financial information and travel sponsors to the State Ethics Commission or its successor. The rule would apply to North Carolina Supreme Court justices. It covers purchases or sales of stock, property, or another financial interest worth $10,000 or more, income beyond state salary, and the name of anyone who sponsored or funded a justice’s travel. These reports would be in addition to other financial disclosures required by law. Reports of purchases or sales would be due within 45 days. The text sets no deadline for reporting other income or travel sponsors.

The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters statewide. Qualified North Carolina voters would decide the question at the November 3, 2026 general election. The amendment would take effect only if a majority of votes cast on the question favor it. If voters reject it, it would have no effect. If approved, the amendment would take effect when election results are certified.