NC House overrides Gov. Stein’s vetoes on DEI and immigration bills: permitless carry remains blocked

The North Carolina House voted today, June 25, to override four vetoes issued by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein after two lawmakers were absent, giving Republicans enough votes to reach the required three-fifths majority.

The veto overrides passed 71-47. State Reps. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe, and Carla Cunningham, U-Mecklenburg, were not present for the votes. House Republicans had previously been one vote short of overriding vetoes without Democratic support.

Anti-DEI Bills

Lawmakers overrode vetoes on three bills aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state government and public education.

House Bill 171 would prohibit DEI offices, staff positions and training programs in state agencies. The bill would also ban DEI-related hiring metrics and allow audits by the State Auditor. Violations could result in termination and civil penalties. The House approved the override, but the Senate had not yet completed its override vote.

Two additional education-related DEI bills became law after both chambers completed veto overrides. The measures prohibit schools and universities from promoting certain “divisive concepts,” including the idea that one race or sex is inherently superior to another. Schools would also be prohibited from providing advantages or disadvantages based on race, sex or other protected classifications.

The legislation requires public schools, colleges and universities to eliminate DEI offices and programs. Higher education institutions must also remove bias-reporting systems related to microaggressions and offensive speech.

To become law, HB 171 requires a vote from the state Senate to become law, which is expected soon.

Senate Bill 153: NC Border Protection Act

Lawmakers overrode Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 153, known as the NC Border Protection Act. It is now the law.

The law expands cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. Agencies including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, State Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation must work with federal immigration officials.

The law requires officers to determine whether people entering custody are U.S. citizens or legal residents. If citizenship status cannot be confirmed, officers must contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Senate Bill 153 requires state agencies to verify that recipients of state-funded benefits, including Medicaid, housing assistance and unemployment benefits, are U.S. citizens or legal residents. It further prohibits University of North Carolina institutions from adopting policies that restrict federal immigration enforcement.

Senate Bill 50 Remains Vetoed

One major veto remains in place.

Senate Bill 50 would allow adults aged 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Republican leaders did not have enough votes to override Stein’s veto because two Republican lawmakers continued to oppose the measure.

House Speaker Destin Hall said the bill could still receive another override attempt in the future.

The House completed overrides on all other outstanding vetoes except House Bill 171, which still awaited final Senate action.

June 25, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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