North Carolina Legislature Triumphs Over Governor Stein's Vetoes

General Assembly Asserts Authority with Veto Overrides

On July 29, the North Carolina General Assembly, with its Republican supermajority, successfully overrode eight vetoes by Democratic Governor Josh Stein, turning several significant bills into law. This action reaffirms the legislature's commitment to addressing key issues facing the state, despite opposition from the governor's office. The overrides cover a range of policies, from immigration enforcement to defining biological sex, showcasing the Assembly's resolve to uphold the will of the people.

The North Carolina Constitution allows for a veto override with a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate, a threshold the Republican-led chambers have consistently met. This latest round of overrides is part of a broader pattern, as Governor Stein has vetoed 14 bills in his first seven months in office, often clashing with the legislative priorities set by the Assembly.

Key Legislation Enacted Through Overrides

Among the bills enacted over Stein's vetoes is one requiring local sheriffs to comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding suspected illegal immigrants. This measure aims to strengthen cooperation between state and federal authorities to ensure public safety by addressing concerns over individuals who may pose a threat to communities.

Another significant override pertains to a bill defining 'male' and 'female' as the only two sexes recognized under state law. This legislation seeks to provide clarity in state policies and protect traditional understandings of biological distinctions. Additionally, a bill mandating legislative approval for costly executive branch regulations was passed, reinforcing checks and balances within state governance to prevent unchecked regulatory overreach.

Other overridden bills address diverse issues such as energy policy and firearm regulations, reflecting the Assembly's broad focus on safeguarding economic stability and individual rights. These actions underscore a commitment to practical governance over partisan gridlock, ensuring that critical policies move forward.

Legislative Focus Amid Budget Delays

While Governor Stein held a press conference on the same day, urging lawmakers to prioritize passing a state budget over pursuing veto overrides, the General Assembly remained steadfast in its legislative agenda. Stein described the overrides as a 'distraction that divides us,' but the Republican majority views these actions as essential to addressing immediate policy needs that impact North Carolinians directly.

The successful overrides on July 29 demonstrate the Assembly's ability to maintain its legislative momentum, even in the face of executive opposition. With a supermajority in both chambers unchanged since the 2024 elections, the legislature continues to assert its role as a counterbalance to the governor's veto power, focusing on laws that align with the values and priorities of many in the state.