Stein ratifies 6 bills; 4 unsigned

The governor signed his first legislation outside of those for hurricane recovery

Gov. Josh Stein (Walt Unks / Winston-Salem Journal via AP)

RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein signed his first round of non-hurricane recovery bills of the current legislative long session last week.

Stein signed six bills into law during a signing ceremony at the Executive Mansion on June 13, including House Bill 506, legislation the governor said “modernizes our state’s investment system.”

“This bill puts North Carolina in line with the rest of the nation and allows us to make responsible decisions investing our state employees’ hard-earned pensions,” said Stein.

Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) filed the legislation, which was a top priority for State Treasurer Brad Briner.

“North Carolinians deserve to know that their pension fund is working as hard for them as they worked for their state,” said Briner in a statement. “The reforms signed into law today will put us on a path to maximizing returns and I am honored this was not only a top priority of mine — but that leaders on both sides of the aisle share our vision of strengthening the pension fund.”

Stein also signed House Bill 50, which will alter retirement benefits for law enforcement. Supporters — including Stein going back to his time as attorney general — hope the legislation will keep experienced officers on the job longer.

“Our law enforcement work day and night to keep us safe, and we need more public spirited people serving to address our law enforcement staffing challenges,” said Stein. “This law enables veteran law enforcement officers to continue serving our communities and supporting their families without suffering a financial penalty.”

House Bill 231 “will expand access to care to more people by allowing social workers from certain other states to more easily transfer their licenses to North Carolina,” Stein said in signing the bill.

Stein also signed three other bills. House Bill 477 changes death benefits in state retirement plans. Senate Bill 248 aligns birth certificates of adopted persons with those not adopted. Senate Bill 477 modifies the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Four bills sent to Stein remain unsigned.

House Bill 126 would require government agencies to hold a public hearing before condemning or rezoning property located within a voluntary agricultural district. Senate Bill 50 would establish a permitless concealed carry policy in the state. House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 address illegal immigration and cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The first two bills were sent to Stein on June 13, three days after the latter two.

The governor has 10 business days to either sign a bill, let the bill become law without his signature or issue a veto.

About A.P. Dillon 1684 Articles
A.P. Dillon is a North State Journal reporter located near Raleigh, North Carolina. Find her on Twitter: @APDillon_