NC House overrides four more vetoes, including DEI and immigration bills

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina House of Representatives voted Wednesday to override four additional vetoes issued by Gov. Josh Stein, advancing legislation related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and immigration enforcement.

The action brings the total number of overridden vetoes overridden by the House during the current biennium to 13.

The four bills overridden by the House today are:

House Bill 171 — Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI: The legislation prohibits DEI programs and initiatives within state agencies and establishes policies focused on merit-based hiring and promotion practices.

Senate Bill 227 — Eliminating DEI in Public Education: The bill eliminates DEI offices and positions in North Carolina public schools and ends state-funded DEI training programs.

Senate Bill 558 — Eliminating DEI in Public Higher Education: The measure removes DEI offices and programs at public universities and colleges and includes provisions related to free speech and institutional neutrality on campuses.

Senate Bill 153 — North Carolina Border Protection Act: The legislation requires cooperation between state and local agencies and federal immigration authorities, restricts certain public benefits for individuals living in the country illegally, and includes provisions affecting local sanctuary policies and public university systems.

House Speaker Destin Hall said the legislation addresses public safety concerns and state government policies.

“By overriding four more of Gov. Stein’s vetoes today, we’re improving public safety and ending taxpayer-funded, divisive DEI policies for good,” Hall said in a statement.

The bills now move forward in the legislative process as Republican lawmakers continue efforts to overturn additional vetoes issued by the governor.

Stein vetoed the measures earlier this year, citing concerns about their potential impacts on state agencies, public education and local governments. Supporters of the legislation argue the bills promote merit-based policies and strengthen cooperation on immigration enforcement.

It was not immediately clear whether the Senate had completed or planned corresponding override votes on all four measures.