- Lifetime concealed handgun permits approved with eased renewal rules
- State benefits barred for undocumented immigrants at public institutions
- Minors restricted from sole medical consent except for pregnancy care
- Capital punishment expansion to firing squads fails to advance
- Budget negotiations begin amid veto threats from Democratic governor
North Carolina legislators raced against Thursday’s crossover deadline to advance high-priority Republican bills touching on constitutional rights, border security, and family governance. Unlike previous years marked by last-minute chaos, House Speaker Destin Hall’s structured approach enabled early completion of floor debates – though parliamentary loopholes remain for reviving stalled proposals.
The House approved HB 398 on Wednesday, creating permanent concealed carry permits without renewal requirements. While Democrats argued this eliminates critical safety checks for firearm owners, GOP representatives countered that permit systems don’t deter criminal behavior. This follows January’s Senate-backed proposal for permitless concealed carry, signaling growing momentum for expanded gun rights. Separate school safety legislation would let private K-12 staff carry firearms with administrative approval, mirroring policies in Texas and Florida.
Immigration measures dominated midweek sessions, with HB 563 prohibiting state agencies from providing benefits to undocumented residents. Public universities must now verify applicants’ legal status before granting in-state tuition – a policy shift aligning with Trump-era enforcement priorities. This builds on earlier bills requiring E-Verify checks for employers and cooperation with ICE detainers.
Healthcare debates turned contentious as HB 572 passed Tuesday, requiring parental consent for minors’ medical treatments beyond STD care and pregnancy. Supporters like Rep. Jennifer Balkcom emphasized preserving family oversight, while opponents warned it could deter teens from seeking mental health support. Regional analysis shows 14 states now mandate parental involvement for adolescent care, though exceptions exist for emergencies.
Controversial proposals like SB 544 – which would’ve added electrocution and firing squads as execution methods – stalled despite clearing committees. North Carolina’s last execution occurred in 2006 due to ongoing litigation over lethal injection protocols. Meanwhile, SB 631 seeks to protect parents from neglect charges if raising children according to biological sex, sparking LGBTQ+ advocacy group protests.
With Thursday’s deadline passed, legislative leaders now focus on budget negotiations. House Republicans aim to finalize spending plans before Memorial Day, though Senate counterparts passed their version in April. Governor Josh Stein’s veto power looms large, as GOP lawmakers lost their supermajority in 2023. Recent history shows bipartisan deals on teacher pay and infrastructure could soften partisan divides.
National context reveals NC’s legislation reflects broader conservative trends, with 9 states adopting permitless carry laws since 2020 and 18 restricting transgender healthcare for minors. However, the Tar Heel State’s rapid economic growth – including 4.2% GDP increase last year – complicates immigration enforcement measures affecting agricultural and tech sectors reliant on migrant labor.
