North Carolina Republicans Overturn Eight Vetoes, Advance Key Policies

In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers successfully overrode Governor Josh Stein's vetoes on multiple bills, including House Bill 318 which requires sheriffs to notify immigration officers before releasing undocumented individuals, and legislation that delays the state's carbon emissions reduction goals. This override effort was aided by a few Democratic representatives, notably Rep. Carla Cunningham, whose support for these measures and related comments on immigrant assimilation sparked controversy among Democrats. Despite these overrides, Democratic leaders have managed to uphold Stein's vetoes on six other bills, including those concerning concealed carry permits and diversity initiatives. The legislative actions reflect a Republican supermajority in the Senate and a narrow margin in the House, where Democratic defections are critical for veto overrides. Advocates criticized the passage of bills like SB 266, which they argue will lock residential customers into decades of higher energy costs benefiting corporate interests such as Duke Energy. The ongoing political struggle highlights tensions over immigration enforcement, energy policy, and social issues in North Carolina's 2025 legislative session.