Stein vetoes homeless camping ban

United States — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed House Bill 437, which would have banned unauthorized public camping and sleeping, required local governments to provide designated camping areas with facilities, and established drug-free zones around homeless shelters. Stein argued the bill was poorly constructed, created unfunded mandates, and misunderstood addiction recovery. Supporters, including Republican lawmakers, criticized the veto and vowed to override it. Homeless advocacy groups and the North Carolina League of Municipalities applauded the veto. The bill had passed with veto-proof majorities in both chambers, and an override attempt is expected.