North Carolina Gov. Stein vetoes immigration, gun bills

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed three Republican-backed bills, including two immigration measures and one that would allow permitless concealed carry of firearms for adults 18 and older. Stein cited constitutional concerns with the immigration bills, particularly that they would require sheriffs to detain individuals up to 48 hours beyond their release solely based on suspected immigration violations, which he said violates Fourth Circuit rulings. He also argued that the gun bill, which lowers the age and removes training requirements for concealed carry, would make residents and law enforcement less safe. Republicans in the state legislature, holding a slim majority in the House and a supermajority in the Senate, are considering whether to attempt veto overrides, though some bills lack sufficient support in the House. Stein emphasized that while he supports prosecuting serious crimes regardless of immigration status, the legislation as written would undermine safety and constitutional protections. The vetoes set the stage for a potential showdown between the Democratic governor and the GOP-controlled legislature.