Republican wins on 8 veto overrides

Overview of the North Carolina Legislative Session

North Carolina’s legislative session has been marked by a series of significant developments, particularly in the context of the state's House of Representatives. The term "working supermajority" has become a key phrase as lawmakers navigate the balance of power between the Democratic governor and the Republican-led General Assembly.

First-term Democratic Governor Josh Stein is experiencing the challenges his predecessor faced, with multiple vetoes being overturned. Governor Roy Cooper, who previously issued 52 vetoes over two years, has now moved on to pursue a U.S. Senate seat. This shift leaves Stein facing a legislature where unity among Democrats is crucial to prevent a potential Republican push through various legislative measures.

Key Legislative Wins for Republicans

Republican lawmakers have achieved several notable victories, including changes related to the roles of state auditors, charter schools, and immigration policies. These efforts were spearheaded by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall. Additionally, there was a significant win regarding the authority of the state auditor, with changes that expanded investigative powers over publicly funded entities.

Another major development involved the Power Bill Reduction Act, which aims to eliminate the interim date for carbon reduction by certain electric utilities. Lawmakers estimate this could save between $12 billion and $15 billion in energy costs. This legislation was passed with a strong bipartisan effort, showcasing the impact of collaboration across party lines.

Veto Override Efforts

Several vetoes are still pending decisions in the House, with three-fifths majority required in each chamber. Republicans currently hold a majority in both the Senate (30-20) and the House (71-49), allowing them to potentially override some of Stein’s vetoes. A group of Democratic representatives, including Carla Cunningham, Nasif Majeed, Shelly Willingham, and Cecil Brockman, have played a pivotal role in these efforts.

Among the vetoes up for reconsideration are those related to constitutional carry, immigration, diversity policies, and expedited eviction of squatters. The Senate successfully overturned all but one of the diversity bills and the squatter proposal in a record-setting vote of 12-0 on the day of the override.

Specific Legislation and Overrides

Several specific pieces of legislation were overridden, highlighting the collaborative efforts of lawmakers:

• Clarify Powers of State Auditor (House Bill 549): This law expands the investigative work of the state auditor. Shelly Willingham joined Republicans in supporting the override.

• Power Bill Reduction Act (Senate Bill 266): This bill eliminates the interim date for carbon reduction, potentially saving billions in energy costs. Democratic representatives such as Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed supported the override.

• Charter School Changes (Senate Bill 254): This law modifies the authority between the State Board of Education and the Charter Schools Review Board. It received support from several Democratic representatives.

• Personal Privacy Protection Act (Senate Bill 416): This bill protects the privacy of donations made to nonprofits. It was passed with bipartisan support.

• Limit Rules With Substantial Financial Costs (House Bill 402): Known as the NC REINS Act, this legislation requires legislative approval for regulations exceeding $20 million in cost.

• Firearm Law Revisions (House Bill 193): This law allows certain employees and volunteers at private schools to carry concealed firearms and increases penalties for threats against elected officials.

Pending Vetoes

Six vetoes remain under consideration, including:

• Freedom to Carry NC (SB50)
• North Carolina Border Protection Act (SB153)
• Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI (HB171)
• Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education (SB227)
• Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Education (SB558)
• Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Person (HB96)

These pending vetoes highlight the ongoing debate over issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as broader policy implications for the state.