Governor Josh Stein has taken decisive action on four legislative bills, vetoing three and signing one into law. Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 153, and House Bill 318 did not receive his approval, while House Bill 126 was signed.
Regarding Senate Bill 50, Governor Stein stated: “This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership. Therefore, I am vetoing it. The bill eliminates training requirements associated with concealed carry permits and reduces the age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18 years old. Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous. The bill would also make the job of a law enforcement officer more difficult and less safe. We can and should protect the right to bear arms without recklessly endangering law enforcement officers and our people.”
On Senate Bill 153, he remarked: “Senate Bill 153 would also make us less safe, so I am vetoing this legislation. At a time when our law enforcement is already stretched thin, this bill takes state law enforcement officers away from their existing state duties and forces them to act as federal immigration agents. Furthermore, under current law, people without lawful immigration status already are prevented from receiving Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8, and other benefits.”
Concerning House Bill 318, Governor Stein expressed constitutional concerns: “I am vetoing House Bill 318 because it is unconstitutional. I support the bill’s efforts to require sheriffs to contact federal immigration authorities about people in their custody charged with sexual battery, armed robbery, arson, assault on public officials and court personnel, and other dangerous crimes. People who commit these crimes should be held accountable whether or not they are here without legal authorization… My oath of office requires that I uphold the Constitution of the United States. Therefore I cannot sign this bill because it would require sheriffs to unconstitutionally detain people for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released…”
The governor’s actions have garnered support from various North Carolinians:
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood praised the veto of Senate Bill 50: “I am and always have been an advocate of the Second Amendment… This bill is counterproductive to the public safety of North Carolinians…”
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead commended Stein’s decision on Senate Bill 50: “As a sheriff sworn to protect… The Governor puts public safety first…”
Guilford County Sheriff Danny H. Rogers supported the vetoes of both Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318: “As the Sheriff of Guilford County… We do that by building trust not fear within our communities.”
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough stood with Stein against both bills as well.
Kami Chavis from Wake Forest University commented on House Bill 318: “This bill is problematic and likely unconstitutional…”
Wilson County farmer Pender Sharp backed Stein’s vetoes saying it promotes hate.
Dr. Karen Smith warned about potential health challenges posed by Senate Bill 153.
