RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Josh Stein has taken decisive legislative action this week, signing seven bills into law and vetoing three others, with a focus on enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and protecting North Carolina’s environment and economy.
Bills Signed into Law
Governor Stein signed several bipartisan measures aimed at modernizing systems, improving services, and reducing regulatory barriers. Key legislation includes:
- House Bill 506 – 2025 State Investment Modernization Act: Updates the state’s investment strategy to improve long-term fiscal performance.
- House Bill 50 – LEO Special Separation Allowance Options: Supports law enforcement by offering flexible retirement options for veteran officers, helping to retain experienced personnel.
- House Bill 231 – Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact: Reduces barriers to professional licensure by allowing North Carolina to participate in a multistate compact, easing credential transfers for social workers.
- House Bill 477 – Retirement Death Benefits Rewrite: Clarifies and revises provisions related to retirement system death benefits.
- Senate Bill 248 – Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted: Improves access to vital records for adopted individuals.
- Senate Bill 477 – DNCR Agency Bill: Advances administrative improvements for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
- House Bill 126 – Revise Voluntary Agricultural District Laws: Updates regulations governing voluntary agricultural districts to better support rural communities and farmland preservation.
Bills Vetoed
Governor Stein vetoed the following bills, citing concerns about safety and constitutional issues:
- Senate Bill 50 – Freedom to Carry NC: Would have allowed permitless concealed carry of firearms.
- Senate Bill 153 – North Carolina Border Protection Act: Raised civil liberties and enforcement concerns.
- House Bill 318 – The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act: Criticized for targeting immigrant communities and placing undue burdens on local governments.
Advocacy for Clean Energy and Coastal Protection
In addition to legislative action, Governor Stein recently urged U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd to oppose a repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy and manufacturing tax credits. He emphasized that repealing these credits would threaten billions in clean energy investments and thousands of jobs in North Carolina.
Further underscoring his environmental commitment, Governor Stein joined South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in urging the Trump administration to maintain the offshore drilling ban off the Carolinas’ coasts. The governors emphasized the need to protect the region’s coastal communities, which are home to more than 2.7 million people and numerous national wildlife refuges.
A Commitment to a Safer, Stronger North Carolina
The administration has signaled it will continue working across the aisle to advance legislation that strengthens communities while pushing back against proposals that endanger safety or environmental health.
