Today, Governor Stein addressed four legislative actions, signing three bills into law and vetoing one.
On the signing of House Bill 1012, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part II, Governor Stein expressed gratitude towards the General Assembly for passing the $575 million Helene Response and Recovery Act Part II. “This funding will help us fight wildfires, prevent landslides, fix homes, repair dams, and support our schools and local governments,” he stated. The bill also extends the State of Emergency until October 1, 2025, to expedite recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
Governor Stein also signed House Bill 576: Dept. of Health and Human Services Revisions. He described it as a comprehensive bill that enhances the state Department of Health and Human Services’ efficiency. It facilitates Medicaid enrollment for counties and assists county social services in obtaining emergency court orders after-hours to protect vulnerable adults. Additionally, it supports DHHS pilot programs aimed at improving psychiatric hospital care.
However, Governor Stein vetoed House Bill 402: Limit Rules with Substantial Financial Cost. He argued that the bill would hinder efforts to maintain clean drinking water from PFAS and other chemicals and ensure air quality free from toxic pollutants. “It would impose red tape…making them less effective at protecting people’s health, safety, and welfare,” he explained.
In addition to these actions, Governor Stein signed House Bill 568: 2025 Omnibus Labor Amendments.
