Controversial bills await action from Governor Stein
Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 both look to increase cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. Senate Bill 50 allows for those 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
With only five months on the job and a lot of his work focused on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, Stein has enjoyed a mostly amicable relationship with the GOP-controlled legislature. That could change if Stein were to reject any of the three pieces of legislation.
'Certainly the Republicans will use that as messaging for their base…parties are always looking for opportunities to dent the other side,' said Eric Heberlig, a political science professor at UNC Charlotte.
Heberlig told Queen City News that Stein will have to weigh whether he has enough votes for his vetoes to stand, as he will need every single democrat on his side. A three-fifths vote is required in both chambers to override. Democrats hold 49 seats in the House, the exact number needed to reject such a vote.
'Second thing he has to think about is his ongoing relationship with Republican leadership. Is it worth taking them on at this point and perhaps poisoning the well for future negotiations,' said Heberlig.
For now, Stein nor his staff are revealing how he will act.
'The Governor will continue to review the bills. He has made clear that if someone commits a crime and they are here illegally; they should be deported,' a spokesperson told Chief Political Correspondent Andy Weber.
Stein has until the end of next week to sign or veto all three of the bills.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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