Stein signs four bills, criticizes ‘petty’ limits on governor’s office

Stein praised the legislation for strengthening disaster relief, teacher workforce pipelines, and economic development programs. 

However, the bill also includes a provision that requires a member of the governor’s cabinet to vacate their office if the Senate does not confirm their nomination. Under the measure, the cabinet member’s acting term expires when the General Assembly adjourns sine die or at the end of the legislative biennium. 

“I regret that the General Assembly saw fit to include some petty provisions that undermine the executive branch and impede the work of government on behalf of North Carolinians,” Stein said in a statement. 

Earlier this week, Stein withdrew Jeff Smythe’s nomination as secretary for the Department of Public Safety, an appointment he originally made Jan. 1. Senate Republican leaders declined to hold a hearing on Smythe’s appointment, citing concerns about his track record as Burlington’s police chief.

Veto coming on the GOP’s big elections bill, NC Gov. Stein says

Stein appointed Smythe as his senior adviser for homeland security instead, a position that does not require approval from the legislature. The governor also appointed Department of Public Safety Chief of Staff Casandra Hoekstra to replace Smythe as interim secretary.

“By failing to consider his nomination or even hold a single public hearing, the Senate abdicated its responsibility, disrespected Jeff and law enforcement, and undermined the safety of the people of North Carolina,” Stein said in a statement Monday. “Their failure to do their jobs is unacceptable. 

On Tuesday, Stein also signed Senate Bill 445, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026. The legislation tackles a variety of issues related to the environment, housing, and public safety, and passed both chambers with bipartisan support. 

It attempts to expand housing, requiring cities with more than 50,000 residents to allow homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, sometimes called “granny flats” or “in-law suites.” Examples include backyard structures or attached apartments.

Stein highlighted the need to build more housing units of all types, driving down rents and mortgages. 

“This bill cuts red tape to help produce more houses and apartments and deliver results for North Carolinians,” he said in a statement. “It also makes it easier for families to install solar panels or battery systems to save on their utility bills.”

Stein also signed House Bill 562, more technical corrections to the state budget, and House Bill 834, which makes administrative changes to the state board of elections. 

Lawmakers left Raleigh last week. Their next meeting on the legislative calendar is Aug. 31, but leaders of both chambers have said they do not anticipate holding official voting sessions again until after the November elections. 

There are two bills remaining on Stein’s desk.

House Bill 377 makes changes to court processes. Democratic senators said they worried the measure makes the judicial branch too political. 

The remaining legislation, House Bill 958, is also controversial. It’s an election law bill that Democratic senators have called a “power grab.” 

The bill includes provisions to reduce early voting periods, require state Auditor Dave Boliek to conduct post-election audits of county election systems, and use federal databases with known problems to identify people who have died but remain on the voter rolls. 

Stein has already said he intends to veto the elections bill. He could sign the other bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.