Key absences help Republicans override Stein vetoes
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North Carolina House Republicans overrode Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes on several controversial pieces of legislation on Wednesday.
Why it matters: The overrides advance Republican priorities on immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion. Votes were stalled for months because no unaffiliated or Democratic members would support them.
State of play: The House seated a new Republican member and took advantage of a couple of swing votes being absent from the proceedings Wednesday afternoon.
- Those two members — unaffiliated Rep. Carla Cunningham and Democratic Rep. Shelly Willingham — attended committee meetings earlier Wednesday but left before veto override votes began at 2:40pm, per reporters at WUNC and Assembly.
- The new member is Rep. Dan Kiger (R-Surry), appointed to replace Sarah Stevens after she resigned to run for state Supreme Court.
By the numbers: Votes were 71-47, narrowly clearing the three-fifths threshold needed to override a veto.
Zoom in: Here's what the legislation does:
- 🚔 S.B. 153 deals with immigration, strengthening ties with ICE and limiting sanctuary policies at local governments and universities. It is now law.
- 🚸 S.B. 227 restricts DEI in public schools and bars teaching "divisive concepts." It is now law.
- 🎓 S.B. 558 limits community colleges and public universities from requiring DEI coursework or endorsing "divisive concepts." It is now law.
- 🏛️ H.B. 171 prohibits DEI initiatives in state agencies. The Senate must also override Stein's veto for it to become law.
What they're saying: Democrats criticized the maneuvering, including decisions to limit debate.
- Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) defended the decisions, saying "these bills have been well debated. I realize that there's certain members who are against the subject matter in these bills, and that's fine, but that doesn't call into question this body at all."
The other side: "Today's a frustrating day… This does nothing for the people of North Carolina," said Rep. Zack Hawkins (D-Durham), who added that lawmakers should be focused on completing the budget.
What's next: One veto override remains on the House calendar: legislation expanding concealed carry rights.