Stein vetoed bill on drug-free homeless service zones, public camping ban

House Bill 437 would increase penalties for certain drug offenses near homeless service facilities and restrict unauthorized public camping on government property.

RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein vetoed a bill that would create drug-free homeless service zones and ban unauthorized public camping or sleeping on state and local government property, setting up a potential legislative override fight.

House Bill 437, titled “Drug-Free Zones/Unauthorized Public Camping,” was vetoed July 8 and returned to the House, according to the General Assembly bill record. The bill was later placed on the House calendar for Aug. 4.

The ratified version would establish drug-free zones tied to homeless service facilities and increase punishment for certain drug offenses committed in those areas. It also includes provisions aimed at unauthorized public camping or sleeping on government-owned property.

In his veto message, Stein said the bill would make it harder for people experiencing homelessness to find stable housing and would create an unfunded mandate for local governments.

“We all want people experiencing homelessness to get back on their feet and live in safe, affordable housing,” Stein wrote. “Yet, this poorly constructed bill makes that goal harder and creates another significant unfunded mandate for local governments.”

Stein also argued that the bill could interfere with addiction treatment and services for people experiencing homelessness. He said government should focus on cracking down on drug trafficking, investing in behavioral health and expanding affordable housing.

The bill’s sponsors include Republican Reps. Donnie Harrison Rhyne, Tricia Cotham Chesser and Charles W. Miller Pickett as primary sponsors, along with several additional House Republicans.

The House voted 73-40 on June 30 to concur with the Senate committee substitute before the bill was sent to Stein. That total is above the three-fifths threshold of members present and voting, but any override would require another vote after the veto.

Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.