In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Republican-controlled House moved swiftly to override three vetoes issued by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. The votes, which were mostly split along party lines, have now been sent to the Senate for further consideration. These veto overrides demand supermajorities from both the House and Senate to become law, a threshold the GOP has managed to meet ever since securing supermajorities last year, blocking all of Cooper’s veto attempts.
The first bill in contention enables the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to provide title certificates for all-terrain and utility vehicles, also expanding the accessibility of modified utility vehicles to all roads with speed limits of 55 mph or lower. Governor Cooper expressed concerns in his veto statement, warning that the legislation could pose a risk to individuals on state highways due to the relatively fewer safety features on off-road vehicles.
The second piece of legislation encompasses changes to various laws governing tenancy, notaries, and small claims court. Cooper’s objection to this bill was largely fueled by a clause that prohibits local ordinances intending to prevent landlords from turning away potential tenants whose rent largely stems from federal housing assistance programs.
Lastly, one of the bills prohibits state agencies from accepting payments in central bank digital currency, a form akin to cryptocurrencies but with values dictated by a country’s central bank. The legislation sparked criticism from Cooper, who labeled it as “premature, vague, and reactionary,” urging lawmakers to hold off on passing laws to regulate it until its implications are better understood.
Even though the House has overridden three of Cooper’s vetoes, there are still two more awaiting action from both chambers. The state lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene in early September to address any pending legislative matters.