RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Senate voted Monday to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would strip powers away from the governor, attorney general and other offices that Democrats won during the 2024 election.
Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 382 was overridden without any debate during Monday's session. Democrats who supported Cooper's veto previously gave lengthy speeches denouncing the proposal last month.
Senate Bill 382 located an additional $252 million for Hurricane Helene relief, adding to the over $900 million that lawmakers had already set aside or started spending in previous measures this fall. Most of the money earmarked in SB382 can't be spent until the General Assembly acts again. Cooper asked lawmakers to consider an initial spending request of $3.9 billion. The governor criticized SB382 as a "sham" and a "massive power grab."
"This bill really didn't provide immediate and direct funding to western North Carolina," Cooper told WCNC Charlotte before vetoing the bill. "It simply moved some money around, saying that they were going to appropriate it later, that leaves small businesses hanging that are really in need of direct grants. It leaves local governments hanging and to bill this as a disaster recovery legislation, it's really a disaster in and of itself because it's just a massive power grab."
Republican lawmakers defended the legislation Monday, saying Cooper had a "reckless" plan to drain the state's reserves.
"We heard a lot of lip service from Gov. Cooper about supporting Western North Carolina, but he showed us where he really stands when he vetoed the long-term relief funds our constituents are counting on," GOP lawmakers said in a press release Monday. "His reckless plan to drain our savings reserves would've left North Carolina defenseless against another storm. This bill, which brings the Helene Fund total to over $1.1 billion, will be integral as we continue to work with our local and federal partners in repairing the damage done by Hurricane Helene."
The bill won't become law until another veto override vote passes the House. That vote could be tougher, as three House Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against it, according to WRAL.
Senators also passed two amendments to the state constitution Monday, including requiring photo ID for all voters. Senators say this change would match the constitution to state law which already requires voters use a photo ID.
Senators also passed an amendment capping income taxes at 5%.
Both proposals now head to the House for consideration. If passed, voters will have their chance to weigh in on the measures in 2026.