Raleigh, NC – Governor Josh Stein signed nine bills into law today and vetoed three, addressing a variety of issues impacting North Carolina residents.
In a statement on Senate Bill 479, which aims to protect community pharmacies from unfair practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Governor Stein emphasized its potential to lower prescription drug costs and improve access to healthcare, especially in rural areas. “This bill increases accountability and will help independent pharmacies promote access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas,” he said. “It will also lower the amount consumers pay at the pharmacy counter by ensuring discounts are passed on to them.”
Regarding Senate Bill 429, which focuses on domestic violence and fentanyl-related penalties, Governor Stein expressed support for parts of the bill, particularly provisions making it easier for domestic violence victims to obtain restraining orders and increasing penalties for fentanyl sales. However, he voiced concerns over its potential impact on addiction penalties and civil legal services. “I urge the General Assembly to responsibly address addiction and protect funding for Legal Aid and other organizations,” he added.
Governor Stein also signed Senate Bill 311, a measure that targets crimes such as burglary, retail theft, reckless driving, and hit-and-run offenses, while also providing additional protection for utilities and communications workers. “This bill cracks down on a variety of crimes,” he stated.
On Senate Bill 118, which seeks to ease the transition for military families by allowing remote enrollment for school and drivers’ license renewals, the Governor expressed concern over businesses potentially exploiting the bill to overcharge servicemembers. He urged the General Assembly to find ways to support military families while protecting them from potential exploitation.
In his veto message for House Bill 193, Governor Stein argued that the bill would make schools less safe by allowing teachers and school volunteers to carry guns. “Just as we should not allow guns in the General Assembly, we should keep them out of our schools unless they are in the possession of law enforcement,” he stated, adding that law enforcement officers receive extensive training in firearm use and crisis response.
Governor Stein also vetoed Senate Bill 416, citing concerns over reduced transparency and increased opportunities for dark money in politics. “This bill reduces transparency and creates more opportunity for dark money in our politics,” he said. “It makes it difficult for the Department of Revenue to identify and crack down on certain types of tax fraud.”
Lastly, Governor Stein vetoed House Bill 96, which originally addressed squatters but was amended to prevent local governments from regulating pet stores. “This bill would facilitate inhumane puppy mills in North Carolina,” he explained. “Without this provision, I would sign the legislation. With it, I cannot support it.”
In addition to the aforementioned bills, Governor Stein also signed Senate Bill 375, House Bill 850, House Bill 694, House Bill 1003, and House Bill 992 into law.
These legislative actions reflect ongoing efforts by the Governor to address a variety of public safety, healthcare, and transparency issues across the state.
