General Assembly moves forward on four major policy bills as veto‑proof margins hold.
RALEIGH, NC — State lawmakers have overridden several of Gov. Josh Stein’s recent vetoes, clearing the way for a series of immigration and DEI‑related measures to become law. With veto‑proof margins in both chambers, the General Assembly continues to advance legislation even when the governor objects.
Four measures have now secured enough votes to move forward, with a fifth positioned for likely final approval. Each bill targets a different area of state policy.
Senate Bill 153 strengthens North Carolina’s existing anti‑sanctuary laws. The measure requires state and local government agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, bars policies that limit that cooperation, allows legal action against agencies that fail to comply, and expands verification steps for certain public benefits, including immigration‑status checks.
Senate Bill 227 addresses DEI‑related instruction in public schools. The bill restricts the teaching of concepts lawmakers classify as “divisive,” narrows district‑level DEI structures, and adds new reporting and transparency requirements for instructional materials.
Senate Bill 558 applies similar limits to the UNC System and community colleges. The legislation eliminates DEI offices, ends mandatory DEI training, and prevents institutions from conducting disciplinary investigations into speech protected under the First Amendment, including satire and microaggression‑related complaints.
House Bill 171 prohibits state agencies and local governments from using DEI‑based criteria in hiring or promotion. It also bars DEI‑specific staff positions and ends mandatory DEI training for state employees. The House has already voted to override the governor’s veto, and the Senate is expected to take up the measure next.
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How a Veto Override Works in North Carolina
Step 1 – Governor issues a veto A bill is returned to the General Assembly with a veto message.
Step 2 – Lawmakers vote on an override An override requires three‑fifths of the members present and voting in both chambers.
Step 3 – Veto is canceled If both chambers meet the threshold, the governor’s veto no longer has any effect.
Step 4 – Bill becomes law Once the override is complete, the bill becomes law without the governor’s signature.
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