by Dr. Mark Creech
Director of Government Relations
Return America
The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned on July 2 and is scheduled to reconvene at noon on Monday, July 27. During that session, lawmakers may address vetoes, budget-related legislation, conference reports, and certain other unfinished matters before eventually adjourning sine die – bringing the 2025 – 2026 legislative session to its formal conclusion.
Before leaving Raleigh, lawmakers completed several significant veto overrides. Other important bills remain unresolved and will require continued attention from Return America.
Veto Overrides Completed
SB 227 – Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education
The General Assembly overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto of SB 227. The legislation restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices in North Carolina’s public schools. This represents an important victory for those concerned about ideological programming, race-based preferences, and gender-related policies in public education.
SB 558 – Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Education
Lawmakers also overrode the veto of SB 558. The measure addresses DEI programs and policies within the University of North Carolina System and other public higher education institutions. From Return America’s perspective, the law is a favorable step toward intellectual fairness, equal treatment, and greater accountability in taxpayer-supported colleges and universities.
SB 153 – North Carolina Border Protection Act
The veto of SB 153 was overridden. The measure concerns cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, public benefits, law enforcement, local governments, and institutions within the UNC System. Although Return America was not a principal advocate on this issue, it remains relevant to the broader concerns of public safety, respect for the law, and responsible government.
The House override votes on SB 153, SB 227, and SB 558 were each 71-47.
Two Veto Overrides Unfinished
The Senate has overridden Governor Stein’s veto of SB 50, but the override remains incomplete because the House has not yet taken its vote. The bill would allow eligible adults age 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a permit or completing the training presently required for a concealed-carry permit.
SB 50 was not included among the veto overrides completed before the General Assembly adjourned on July 2. It remains eligible for House consideration when lawmakers return on July 27. Because several House members opposed the bill during its original passage, the outcome of an override vote remains uncertain. Return America will continue to monitor the measure as a public safety issue.
HB 171 – Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI
The House voted 71-47 on June 24 to override the Governor’s veto of HB 171. The bill would prohibit specified DEI policies, programs, spending, and training within state agencies, local governments, and other covered public institutions.
The override is not yet complete, however. After the House vote, HB 171 was sent to the Senate Rules Committee, where it remains pending. The Senate must also vote by the required three-fifths majority before the bill can become law. This will be an important measure to watch when lawmakers return.
Major Bills Still Being Watched
HB 198 remains one of Return America’s most consequential watch items. Although the bill retains its original economic-development title, its latest versions deal extensively with alcoholic beverages, raffles, game nights, and related matters.
On June 23, the House voted 111-1 not to concur with the Senate committee substitute. House and Senate conferees have since been appointed, meaning the differences may be negotiated through a conference committee.
This process presents a serious danger. Objectionable alcohol and gambling provisions that were removed or modified during earlier deliberations could be restored in a final conference report. Because conference reports generally receive an up-or-down vote without amendment, Return America will continue watching HB 198 closely.
HB 437 – Drug-Free Zones/Unauthorized Public Camping
HB 437 would increase penalties for certain drug offenses committed within designated homeless-service zones. It would also restrict state and local governments from permitting unauthorized public camping on government property, subject to specified exceptions.
The General Assembly presented the bill to the Governor on July 2. Governor Stein vetoed it on July 8, after lawmakers had adjourned. HB 437 may therefore become another veto-override matter when the legislature returns July 27. Return America will monitor the override effort favorably because of the bill’s emphasis on drug enforcement, public safety, and the responsible use of public property.
HB 1121 – Added Fee for Sexually Oriented Businesses
HB 1121 would impose a $10 fee for each customer admission to a sexually oriented business holding an alcohol permit. Revenue would be directed to the Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Center Fund through the North Carolina Council for Women.
The bill received a favorable report from the House Finance Committee on June 30 and was re-referred to the House Rules Committee, where it remains pending. Because it addresses the harmful combination of alcohol and sexually oriented entertainment while providing funding for sexual-assault services, Return America will continue monitoring it favorably.
HB 958 is a broad election-law measure addressing ballot-counting procedures, voter registration, citizenship, campaign finance, election records, artificial intelligence, the State Board of Elections, and other election-administration matters.
The House passed the bill on June 30 by a vote of 66-47, and it was referred to the Senate Rules Committee on July 1. Because of its potential implications for election integrity, voter administration, campaign practices, and the use of artificial intelligence in elections, the legislation warrants continued monitoring.
Looking Ahead
When lawmakers return on July 27, Return America will be watching especially for action on HB 198, the attempted override of HB 437, completion of the override process for HB 171, and any movement on HB 1121 and HB 958.
The General Assembly has completed much of its work, but several morally and culturally significant questions remain unsettled. Return America will continue to monitor these measures and inform pastors, churches, and concerned citizens as the legislature moves toward final adjournment.
