RALEIGH, N.C. — In a significant political move, North Carolina Democratic Governor Josh Stein vetoed his first bills on Friday, putting a temporary halt to Republican-backed legislation that would allow adults to carry concealed handguns without a permit and further empower state agencies and local sheriffs in immigration enforcement.
Stein, who took office in January, formally objected to three measures that had been advanced by the Republican-controlled General Assembly. As the former attorney general, Stein had the option to sign these bills into law or avoid action, which would allow them to automatically become law. However, he chose to veto all three, which now return to the legislature.
Currently, the Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly are one House seat short of a veto-proof majority. Legislative leaders will soon deliberate whether to attempt overrides, with votes potentially taking place as early as next week.
The first bill vetoed by Stein was a contentious immigration measure that would direct heads of several state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Legislative votes thus far have primarily adhered to party lines, although one House Democrat supported the other immigration bill that Stein also vetoed.
This particular bill aimed to tighten a 2024 law that mandated sheriffs assist federal agents in locating criminal defendants.
In relation to the gun legislation, the proposed measure would permit individuals aged 18 and over to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining the necessary permit. Stein articulated strong objections to this initiative in his veto message, stating that it would make North Carolinians less safe and undermine responsible gun ownership.
During legislative discussions, Democratic lawmakers echoed similar concerns about the risks of introducing such a bill. The existing law requires individuals to be at least 21 years old to obtain a permit, involving rigorous steps like submitting an application to the local sheriff, completing a firearms safety training course, and ensuring the absence of any physical or mental conditions that would hinder safe handling of a handgun.
Stein remarked, “Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous,” reflecting the fears of gun-control advocates who praised his veto.
In contrast, conservative proponents of the bill argue that removing the permit prerequisite would enhance the safety of law-abiding citizens. Senate leader Phil Berger criticized the veto in a press release, asserting, “Law-abiding North Carolinians shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to effectively exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Stein’s veto poses a challenging outlook for the GOP’s aspirations to implement permitless carry in a state where such legislation is already legal in 29 others.
In addition to the gun bill, there were significant implications tied to the immigration measures that Stein vetoed. One of these bills would necessitate that four state law enforcement agencies formally engage with the 287(g) program, which trains officers on how to assess defendants’ immigration statuses. Notably, an executive order by President Donald Trump had urged maximum use of 287(g) agreements.
In his veto comments, Stein expressed concern that this bill diverts officers from their existing state responsibilities, particularly as law enforcement agencies face growing strains on their resources. Furthermore, it would instruct state agencies to prevent noncitizens from accessing specific state-funded benefits, though Stein pointed out that people without lawful immigration status are already ineligible for such assistance.
The second vetoed immigration bill sought to expand the scope of a 2024 law — enacted despite former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s veto — which compelled jails to keep certain defendants temporarily incarcerated to allow ICE time to apprehend them.
This proposed legislation aimed to broaden the range of crimes that would trigger a jail administrator’s obligation to ascertained legal status, while also requiring prompt notification to ICE about detainees, effectively extending the time federal agents would have to act.
In response to the veto, House Speaker Destin Hall accused Stein of siding with “the most radical elements of his party’s base over the safety and security of North Carolinians.”
Meanwhile, advocates for the Latino community and other opponents of the immigration bills welcomed Stein’s actions. They believe the legislation would foster an atmosphere of intimidation within Hispanic communities, pushing immigrants to fear law enforcement.
Stein’s vetoes have garnered support from groups like El Pueblo, which emphasized the importance of ensuring that North Carolina remains a welcoming state for all residents, including immigrants.
As the debate continues, the focus now turns to the legislature, where decisions on potential override attempts will shape the future of both the gun and immigration policies in North Carolina.
image source from：apnews
