NC Governor Stein Vetoes Private School Guns Bill

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed a bill that would have allowed employees and volunteers at private schools to carry concealed firearms on campus with written permission and required training. Stein argued that only law enforcement officers with extensive training should be armed in schools and said the measure would endanger children. While Republicans claimed the bill would improve safety in rural areas with slower police response, Democrats and gun safety advocates warned about the risks of more guns in schools. Stein expressed support for a separate provision in the bill that would increase penalties for threats against elected officials, urging lawmakers to send a clean version of that measure for his signature. The veto is part of ongoing clashes between Stein and the GOP-controlled legislature over gun laws, and efforts to override the veto are expected. Stein also vetoed bills on nonprofit donor privacy and pet shop regulations, citing concerns over transparency and animal welfare.