Slew of bills become law in North Carolina as veto overrides pass Senate and House

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — By noon on Tuesday, eight bills vetoed by Governor Josh Stein had become law by way of supermajority override votes in the General Assembly.

While eight bills have crossed the complete veto override finish line, there are few that remain to see a final vote.

Bills made law by veto override so far

HB 193 — Firearm law revisions 

This law allows guns to be carried on private school property.

HB 805 — Protect sexual exploitation of minors

In his veto, Gov. Stein noted the initial version of the bill included something he “strongly supports” — policy to protect people from being exploited on pornographic websites against their will. In subsequent editions of the bill, he said the General Assembly chose “to engage in divisive, job killing culture wars.”

The bill was altered through amendments to include a definition of “biological sex” for the state, which is what Democrats took issue with.

HB 318 — Illegal Alien Enforcement Act

Requires law enforcement to verify the legal status of anyone detained and hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they are undocumented. It also allows someone to be detained for up to 48 hours.

HB 549 — Clarifying powers of state auditor

While Republicans claim the intent is to clarify powers, Democrats criticize the bill as a way to give that office unchecked authority.

Others include: SB 266 (Power Bill Reduction Act), SB 416 (Personal Privacy Protection Act), SB 254 which brings certain changes to state charter schools and HB 404 which establishes limit rules with substantial financial costs.

Senate overrides waiting on House

SB 153 — Border Protection Act 

This bill requires cooperation with ICE and audits state agencies to make sure funding is only going to citizens.

SB 227 & SB 558 — Eliminating DEI in higher education & public education

The Republican sponsors of these DEI bills said they are about merit and evening the playing field. Democrats disagree. Gov. Stein said while issuing his veto, “I stand ready to work with the legislature when it gets serious about protecting people and addressing North Carolinians’ pressing concerns.”

The governor also said our diversity as North Carolinians “is our strength.”

SB 50 — Freedom to Carry Act

This would allow anyone over 18 to carry a gun without a concealed carry permit. Restrictions would still exist for people convicted of certain crimes, such as domestic violence.

It is unclear whether votes on these remaining bills will be taken up today or tomorrow. Both chambers are in recess as of 1 p.m.