State lawmakers had six veto override votes scheduled for the first day of the new session. They took up zero of them. Here’s what’s awaiting their decision.
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers wrapped up the first day of the short legislative session on Tuesday without taking action on several key veto overrides or passing a state budget.
The House had six veto override votes on its agenda, but took up none of them. Lawmakers will return on Wednesday, though House leadership has no plans to address the overrides that day either.
Among the bills awaiting override votes:
- Senate Bill 153: would require state law enforcement officers to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Senate Bill 227: would ban public schools from teaching concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Senate Bill 50: would allow adults to carry concealed firearms without a permit
Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Coin and Gun in Charlotte, said the concealed carry bill comes down to self-protection, a concern he says has grown among his customers following high-profile local crimes, particularly those involving repeat offenders.
He specifically cited the killing of Iryna Zarutska. Decarlos Brown Jr, who is accused of killing her on the light rail, had multiple prior encounters with law enforcement.
“We saw it with this stabbing on the train. We see it in parking lots. We see it at self-service gas stations,” Hyatt said. “I’ll tell you, storing a gun safely, training — they’re a lot easier to get than it seems getting criminals put in jail.”
The state budget also remains unresolved heading into the session. Tuesday, Gov. Josh Stein announced his proposal for the year ahead, which focuses on increasing teacher pay, providing tax relief and investing in public safety health care, and workforce development.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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