Governor Stein Vetoes Squatters Bill Over Pet Store Provision

Governor Stein vetoed HB96, also known as the Squatters Bill, on Wednesday, July 9. While he expressed support for the bill’s original intent to create a faster process for removing unauthorized occupants, the inclusion of a last-minute amendment preventing local governments from regulating pet stores led to the veto, as the Governor raised concerns that the provision could weaken efforts to crack down on puppy mills and inhumane breeding practices.

Below is a link to Governor's Stein's press release and statement on the veto:

Governor Stein made the following statement on vetoing House Bill 96: 

“This legislation originally addressed squatters, and I supported it. At the last moment, however, an unrelated amendment was added that prohibits local governments from regulating pet stores. This bill would facilitate inhumane puppy mills in North Carolina. Without this provision, I would sign the legislation. With it, I cannot support it.”  

There are two potential next steps moving forward:

1. Veto Override Attempt:
   The General Assembly may attempt to override the veto. While the Senate likely has the votes, the House is currently one vote short of the three-fifths threshold, making an override unlikely without bipartisan support.

2. Introduction of a Clean Bill:
   Legislators may introduce a revised version of the bill that focuses solely on the squatters provision. The Governor has signaled that he would sign a clean version that does not include the pet-store language.

The House has placed the bill on the calendar for July 29th to consider legislative action following the Governor's veto. GCAA will continue to monitor actions on the bill and provide updates as it evolves.