The Attorney General is an elected official known as a "constitutional officer" and leads the state's Department of Justice. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal representation to all state agencies and departments, like the State Board of Elections. Importantly, the Attorney General has the power to sue on behalf of the public interest or intervene in legal proceedings in state and federal courts.
This bill would prevent the state Attorney General from participating in litigation that would invalidate a presidential Executive Order. The Attorney General has a responsibility to defend the rights of North Carolinians, including from political attacks. A healthy democracy requires checks and balances to prevent the consolidation of power. Limiting the office's ability to oppose politicians puts partisan politics over the interests of the people.
SB 58 has a companion bill, House Bill 72, meaning an identical bill introduced in the other chamber.