The governor also vetoed a bill that would have changed concealed carry requirements.
RALEIGH, N.C. โ North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three bills, two of which were aimed at requiring law enforcement to more closely coordinate with federal immigration officials.
Stein announced the vetoes of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 Friday afternoon. He said law enforcement in the state is already stretched thin when responding specifically to Senate Bill 153 and said House Bill 318 was unconstitutional.
“I support the billโs 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, and those charged with serious offenses ought to receive increased scrutiny from federal immigration officials,” Stein said in a statement regarding the House bill. “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.โ
Stein’s vetoes were supported by Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers and Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, who offered their own statements as well.
“The Guilford County Sheriffโs Office is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all community members. We do that by building trust, not fear, within our communities,” Rogers said.
โAt a time when constitutional and due process rights are under attack, we must say something and stand up. I stand with the Governor,” added Kimbrough.
Stein also vetoed Senate Bill 50. If he had signed it into law, it would have allowed permitless concealed carry in North Carolina. The governor said the bill would have presented dangers to citizens.
โThis 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,” he said. “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.โ
Stein did pass one bill into law on Friday: House Bill 126, which amends laws about how agricultural districts can hold public hearings regarding the condemnation and rezoning of farmland. That law will take effect on October 1, 2025.
Stein’s signing of HB 126 comes afterย he announced a $3 million investment in rural counties to renovate buildings, increase pedestrian safety and create jobs after the Rural Infrastructure Authority approved nine grants to local governments.
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