North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced Wednesday he has vetoed a bill that would have banned homeless encampments outside of official, city-maintained sites.
Read more Former GOP operative moved from elections liaison job in the NC auditor’s office
The measure would prohibit local governments from allowing “unauthorized public camping or sleeping.”
Instead, municipalities would need to provide a location for homeless camps for less than a year at a time if indoor shelters don’t have enough space. Local governments would be responsible for funding restroom facilities, water, and public safety personnel. Citizens could sue local governments for failure to comply.
The bill would also designate homeless shelters as drug-free zones.
In a statement Wednesday, Stein said House Bill 437 places a “significant” and “unfunded” burden on local governments.
Ban on ‘unauthorized camping’ by homeless people in North Carolina is on its way to Gov. Stein
“We all want people experiencing homelessness to get back on their feet and live in safe, affordable housing,” he said. “Yet, this poorly constructed bill makes that goal harder.”
Additionally, the legislation “fundamentally misunderstands” recovery from drug addiction, Stein continued.
“I have long called for funding to crack down on drug trafficking, invest in behavioral health, and expand affordable housing options — because homelessness and substance misuse are real problems that deserve real solutions, not this bill,” he said.
Homeless services providers and stakeholders applauded Stein for his veto of the bill.
Liz Carbone from the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness said criminalization doesn’t create housing, treatment options, or shelter beds.
“It creates additional barriers to employment, safety, and housing while placing further strain on already understaffed law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, service providers, and taxpayers,” she said in a statement.
While presenting the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Sen. Brad Overcash (R-Gaston) said the measure allows local governments to choose areas that are safe, drug-free, and have access to sanitation and restrooms.
Read more Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year
“It allows for the humane treatment of these homeless persons among us,” he said.
Democratic lawmakers on the panel criticized the lack of funding provided to municipalities to carry out the bill’s requirements. The Republican majority ignored their concerns and advanced the legislation.
H437 passed 26-16 in the Senate, where lawmakers voted along party lines. Over in the House, five Democrats and two unaffiliated legislators gave their support, leading to a 73-40 vote.
Republican leaders could seek to override the gubernatorial veto when they return to Raleigh at the end of the month.
Veto overrides require a vote from three-fifths of the members “present and voting.” When all 120 representatives or 50 senators are present, that’s 72 votes in the House or 30 in the Senate.
“We will vote to sustain the Governor’s veto on H437 and are willing to work with the GOP majority on practical, real-world ways to address homelessness and drug addiction,” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham) told NC Newsline in a statement.
A spokesperson for Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said the House will override Stein’s veto.
Bill sponsor Rep. Brian Biggs (R-Randolph) said Stein would’ve signed the legislation into law if he was “serious” about helping homeless people.
“The Governor’s refusal to address homelessness only allows more people to sink deeper into addiction and mental illness while making our communities less safe,” Biggs said in a statement.
Staff for Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment.
Read more To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
