North Carolina lawmakers override Stein vetoes on numerous key bills, fall short on others

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Republican lawmakers overrode several vetoes by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday, getting some help from Democrats along the way.

The votes were seen as key tests for Republican General Assembly leaders since they narrowly lost their veto-proof majority following last fall's elections.

The GOP is one seat shy in the House of overcoming vetoes at will. Lawmakers were able to convince anywhere from one to three House Democrats to override on some measures.

Both chambers enacted eight of 14 vetoed measures.

"It depends on what the issue is, but on most issues, we're going to have a working supermajority," House Speaker Destin Hall told reporters after session.

Democratic leaders managed to keep intact other vetoes, meaning bills to let adults carry concealed handguns without a permit and eliminate DEI initiatives are derailed for now.

Republicans "didn't override them all. I mean, we might come back and override them if they have the numbers," Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison said after Tuesday's session. "It's a heck of a way to do policy."

During his first seven months in office, in total, Stein vetoed 14 bills, addressing issues such as gun laws, immigration enforcement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public education.

Senate President Phil Berger criticized Stein, claiming he is out of touch with North Carolinians.

"He tolerates criminal illegal aliens roaming our streets, divisive 'DEI' concepts in our schools, and government infringement on our Second Amendment rights. I look forward to leading Senate Republicans in overriding these harmful vetoes and putting North Carolina families first," he said in a press release.

The governor vetoed several House bills, including a ban on DEI within state agencies and House Bill 805, which would officially recognize two genders in North Carolina and aim to prevent the sexual exploitation of women and children.

What are the requirements to override a veto in North Carolina?

If the Governor vetoes a bill, it goes back to the chamber where it started. There, three-fifths of the members present and voting can override the veto. If the bill passes, it moves to the other chamber, where three-fifths of the members must also vote to override.

If both chambers manage to get the three-fifths majority, the bill becomes law. If not, the Governor's veto stands.

Here's a full list of the vetoed bills that were up for an override vote up:

Senate Bill 50: Freedom to Carry NC
Senate Bill 153: North Carolina Border Protection Act
Senate Bill 227: Eliminating "DEI" in Public Education
Senate Bill 254: Charter School Changes
Senate Bill 266: The Power Bill Reduction Act
Senate Bill 416: Personal Privacy Protection Act
Senate Bill 558: Eliminating "DEI" in Public Higher Ed
House Bill 96: Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons
House Bill 171: Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI
House Bill 193: Firearm Law Revisions
House Bill 318: The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act
House Bill 402: Limit Rules With Substantial Financial Costs
House Bill 549: Clarify Powers of State Auditor
House Bill 805: Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors

The Associated Press contributed to this report.