(The Center Square) – Two immigration policy bills and a concealed carry proposal in North Carolina were vetoed Friday by first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
Each had been presented on June 10 and reached the 10th of 10 days for the governor to sign, veto or allow to become law without his signature. Stein was also sent eight bills, each of which is considered on Day 0 and has an action deadline of June 30.
Yet to reach the governor is a negotiated budget between the General Assembly chambers with majority Republicans. Respective leaders Phil Berger, R-Rockingham and president pro tempore in the Senate, and Destin Hall, R-Caldwell and speaker of the House of Representatives, have indicated there is work to be done ahead of the July 1 start of the fiscal year.
The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, known also as House Bill 318, enhances cooperation with lawmen in the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local law enforcement could not release the suspect until 48 hours after ICE is notified.
Stein said the bill is unconstitutional. He said he supported the bill’s efforts to require sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“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,” Stein said in his veto message. “The 4th Circuit is clear that local law enforcement officers cannot keep people in custody solely based on a suspected immigration violation.”
The North Carolina Border Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 153, would give protection to taxpayer dollars through eligibility assurances for state-funded public benefits such as housing tax credits, child care subsidies and caregiver support. The Office of State Budget and Management, if the bill becomes law, would determine if unauthorized immigrants are receiving such benefits.
The North Carolina Border Protection Act would instruct memorandums of agreement to be extended to the director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the state’s law enforcement agencies – Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, State Highway Patrol, and the State Bureau of Investigation. Each would be lawfully ordered to determine immigration status of any person in custody.
“Senate Bill 153 would make us less safe,” Stein said. “At a time when our law enforcement is already stretched thin, this bill takes state law enforcement officers away from their existing state duties and forces them to act as federal immigration agents. Furthermore, under current law, people without lawful immigration status already are prevented from receiving Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8 and other benefits.”
In response, Hall said in a statement, “Governor Stein has made one thing clear today: he stands with criminal illegal aliens and the most radical elements of his party’s base over the safety and security of North Carolinians. Make no mistake, the NC House will override the Governor’s veto at the earliest opportunity.”
The third veto was of Freedom to Carry NC, known also as Senate Bill 50. The governor said the bill “makes North Carolinians less safe.” It would have made the Tarheel State the 30th for concealed carry without a permit, and reduced the age from 21 to 18.
Overturning a gubernatorial veto requires three-fifths majority in each chamber. Republican majorities are 30-20 in the Senate and 71-49 in the House. Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, was the lone member of her party in either chamber to support either bill, providing an aye on the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act.
Stein did sign into law Revise Voluntary Ag. District Laws, known also as House Bill 126 with companion Senate Bill 59. The legislation amends laws governing voluntary agricultural districts and development of alternatives for land use decisions.
The eight bills presented Friday include:
• Various GSC Recommendations (House Bill 40).
• Define Armed Forces/Religious Prop. Tax Excl. (House Bill 91).
• Underground Safety Revisions (House Bill 247).
• UNC Tuition Discounts for Certain Students (House Bill 373).
• Motor Vehicle Dealers (House Bill 421).
• Fostering Care in NC Act (House Bill 612).
• Pooled Trust Transfers/Public Benefits Elig. (Senate Bill 344).
• Adult Protection Multidisciplinary Teams (Senate Bill 400).
