Governor Josh Stein has vetoed three bills and signed one into law. The vetoed bills include Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 153, and House Bill 318. House Bill 126 was signed into law.
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.”
For House Bill 318, Governor Stein commented: “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; those charged with serious offenses ought to receive increased scrutiny from federal immigration officials.
“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 Fourth Circuit is clear that local law enforcement officers cannot keep people in custody solely based on a suspected immigration violation. But let me be clear: anyone who commits a serious crime in North Carolina must be prosecuted and held accountable regardless of their immigration status.”
The governor’s decisions have received support from various North Carolinians.
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said about 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… I’m pleased to see that Governor Stein has vetoed this bill…”
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead added: “As a sheriff sworn to protect… This legislation would have made it harder… for law enforcement to keep our communities safe…”
Guilford County Sheriff Danny H. Rogers supported Stein’s decision on both Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 by stating his commitment “to enhancing the quality of life for all community members.”
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough emphasized standing up for constitutional rights.
Kami Chavis expressed concerns over House Bill 318 being “problematic” and “likely unconstitutional.”
Pender Sharp shared his view on accountability while supporting due process regarding Senate Bill 153.
Dr. Karen Smith highlighted potential public health challenges posed by Senate Bill 153.
