Josh Stein

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit to exercise the state's right to repurchase land in Chatham County from Vietnamese electric-vehicle manufacturer VinFast, citing the company's failure to meet construction deadlines established in a 2022 agreement. Under the buyback provision, the state could reclaim the property if VinFast failed to begin vertical construction by January 1, 2024, or commence operations by July 1, 2026, neither of which the company achieved. Jackson stated the action was intended to preserve the site for future economic development projects that would create jobs for North Carolina residents.

A Democratic National Committee report released in May 2026 identified North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's 2024 gubernatorial campaign as a model for national Democratic strategy, citing his victory by the largest margin in decades. The report noted that Stein's campaign focused on issues including economic concerns, disaster relief, and housing affordability while addressing Republican messaging on crime and immigration, drawing on his background as state attorney general. The DNC chairman released the previously internal report publicly, stating it was necessary for transparency despite acknowledging quality concerns with the document.

Stein initiated an investigation into RealPage, a data company accused of using confidential landlord information to artificially inflate rental prices in violation of antitrust laws, and joined a federal lawsuit against the company in the years preceding a 2026 settlement between the Department of Justice and RealPage. The settlement, approved by a North Carolina judge, required RealPage to cease using confidential and non-public information to assist landlords in setting rent prices. Stein's successor, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, continued the state's separate antitrust case against RealPage and six real estate management companies in January 2025.

Stein visited Hope Haven, a substance abuse rehabilitation center in Charlotte, to highlight the state's allocation of approximately $1.5 billion in opioid settlement funds toward treatment, housing, and employment services. The Governor noted that opioid deaths declined from 2023 to 2024, marking the first decrease since before the pandemic, while acknowledging that six Carolinians continue to die daily from drug overdoses on average. Stein announced his initiative to establish a Fentanyl Control Unit composed of law enforcement and prosecutors dedicated to removing fentanyl from circulation.

Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order on housing affordability that directs state agencies to prioritize housing access and creation, establish coordination frameworks for housing-related resources and programs, and work with local governments and builders to increase housing options. The order addresses a projected shortage of more than 750,000 housing units by 2029 in North Carolina and notes that approximately half of renters in the state spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Stein appointed Janneke Ratcliffe as senior advisor for housing policy to oversee the initiative and develop long-term housing solutions in coordination with local governments, state agencies, and private-sector partners.

North Carolina joined a multistate lawsuit filed in May 2026 challenging federal student loan restrictions enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which reduced borrowing limits for graduate and professional degree students beginning July 1, 2026. The lawsuit, filed in Maryland federal court by 16 states, contends that the U.S. Department of Education unlawfully narrowed the definition of qualifying professional degree programs in a manner that excludes healthcare and other professional graduate programs eligible for higher loan limits. State officials argued that the restrictions would impede students' ability to pursue advanced healthcare degrees during a period of documented healthcare workforce shortages in North Carolina.

North Carolina legislative leaders advanced Senate Bill 1080, a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap the state's income tax rate at 3.5%, after the measure passed out of a Senate committee in May 2026. If approved by both chambers, the amendment would be placed on the November 2026 ballot for voter consideration. Governor Josh Stein stated that the amendment would "put North Carolina in a financial straight jacket" and could force cuts to public schools and public safety.

Governor Stein visited Hope Haven, a substance abuse rehabilitation center in Charlotte, to highlight the allocation of funds from opioid lawsuit settlements toward recovery services and overdose prevention. Stein's office stated the visit was intended to demonstrate how settlement proceeds support individuals in recovery programs. North Carolina's health department reported that overdose deaths in the state declined by more than one-third between 2023 and 2024.

The North Carolina state Senate voted 36-9 on May 5, 2026 to give initial approval to Senate Bill 889, legislation that would block most county governments from implementing property tax increases based on new appraisals conducted in the current calendar year. The bill included a last-minute amendment exempting Clay, Chowan, and Pamlico counties from the moratorium while affecting nine other counties scheduled to conduct reappraisals, including Guilford and Harnett counties. If approved by the House of Representatives and Governor Josh Stein, the legislation would delay counties' ability to adjust property tax bills based on updated property valuations.

Governor Stein proposed an average teacher pay raise of 11 percent over two years, along with restoration of extra pay for teachers holding master's degrees, in response to ongoing budget negotiations in the state legislature. The proposal additionally included a $1,000 bonus for all teachers and local education employees, with an extra $500 bonus for those earning less than $75,000 annually. This proposal emerged amid a standoff between the Republican-controlled House and Senate, which had proposed raises of 8.7 percent and 3.3 percent respectively over the same period.

Governor Stein signed House Bill 696, a $319 million appropriations bill on Thursday to address a funding shortfall in North Carolina's Medicaid program affecting approximately 3 million recipients. The legislation passed both chambers of the General Assembly on Tuesday with bipartisan support and became law immediately upon Stein's signature. The bill included cost-management provisions sought by Republican lawmakers, including fraud-prevention measures and eligibility verification procedures, though Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about provisions that could affect coverage for certain populations including legal immigrants.

Stein signed House Bill 696 on April 30, 2026, legislation that secures $319 million in Medicaid funding for North Carolina through June to address rising healthcare costs and increased program enrollment. The bill implements several policy changes including shifting Medicaid eligibility verification from quarterly to monthly intervals, tightening documentation requirements, and adding citizenship and immigration status verification for recipients. The legislation also establishes work or community service requirements for certain Medicaid recipients to maintain coverage.

North Carolina lawmakers approved a $319 million Medicaid funding plan and sent it to Governor Josh Stein's desk for final approval in April 2026. The bill, which passed with near-unanimous initial votes and broad bipartisan support in both chambers, fully funds the state's Medicaid program serving more than 3 million residents. Stein's office indicated support for Medicaid funding while stating the governor was still reviewing other provisions of the legislation, which included stricter work requirements, income eligibility checks, and changes affecting immigrant families.

Gov. Stein called on the North Carolina legislature to reexamine tax incentives for data centers, specifically the sales tax exemptions on construction costs, equipment, and electricity for projects involving at least $75 million in investment. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, existing data center operators receive approximately $20 million annually in electricity-related sales tax exemptions and between $25 million and $37 million per year in exemptions on replacement equipment purchases. Stein stated that the current structure of incentives, which includes rebates on electricity consumption, should be reviewed to ensure they serve the interests of North Carolina residents, though no legislation had been filed as of the article's publication date.

North Carolina lawmakers gave initial approval to a $319 million Medicaid funding bill that passed the House 112-1 and the Senate 48-1, with final votes expected the following week before the measure reaches Governor Stein's desk. The bill includes provisions establishing new oversight requirements for autism therapy providers, including minimum credential standards and in-state or near-in-state location requirements, intended to reduce costs estimated between $210 million and $450 million. The funding was necessary to prevent the state's Medicaid program from running out of money, which would have affected over 3 million North Carolinians enrolled in the program.

Governor Josh Stein welcomed AbbVie's $1.4 billion manufacturing investment in Durham County, which the state's Economic Investment Committee approved with an incentives package worth up to $26 million. The project is expected to create up to 734 jobs at a new biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus, with construction beginning in 2026 and completion expected by the end of 2028. State officials project the investment will generate approximately $8.1 billion in economic growth over the next 12 years and position North Carolina as home to eight of the ten largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue.

North Carolina legislative leaders announced a deal to fund Medicaid at the $319 million level requested by Gov. Stein through a rewritten version of House Bill 696. The legislation fully funds the program, which serves approximately 3 million low-income and disabled North Carolinians and was projected to exhaust its resources within weeks. Republican leaders indicated the bill would include new oversight provisions and stricter reporting requirements, including rules that count gambling winnings against Medicaid income eligibility.

Governor Stein announced that the U.S. Navy signed a 10-year lease at Global TransPark in Kinston, North Carolina, with operations expected to begin in July. The Navy's Fleet Readiness Center East will use the facility to repair and overhaul aircraft for all branches of the military, creating an estimated 400 jobs and generating approximately $15 million annually once fully operational. The lease agreement followed a 2023 state legislative approval of a $350 million loan to fund facility improvements at Global TransPark.

Governor Stein, alongside Attorney General Jeff Jackson and state health official Dev Sangvai, presented testimony to a legislative oversight committee regarding Medicaid fraud detection and prevention efforts in North Carolina amid a $300 million program shortfall. Jackson stated that North Carolina ranks among the best nationally in recovering funds from fraudulent providers and noted a request for additional staff funding to bolster fraud investigations, while also highlighting the state's adoption of data-mining technology to identify suspicious billing patterns. Republican lawmakers questioned the effectiveness of fraud prevention measures and collection of court-ordered repayments, with Jackson explaining that criminal convictions sometimes complicate collection efforts and advocating for expanded investment in data-mining capabilities.

Stein vetoed Senate Bill 266, legislation that would have allowed Duke Energy to pass volatile fuel market costs onto ratepayers through the fuel rider mechanism. Duke Energy subsequently requested approval from the Utilities Commission for an $800 million increase in fuel costs on top of proposed rate increases of 15% for Duke Carolinas customers and 18% for Duke Progress customers. Stein issued a statement calling on the Utilities Commission to reject the fuel cost increase and stating that the veto was intended to prevent shifting electricity costs from large industrial users to residential ratepayers.

Stein visited Davidson Elementary School on Thursday as part of Legislators in School Week to meet with teachers and discuss education investment. Stein's Critical Needs Budget would increase starting and average teacher pay and restore master's degree pay differentials. Stein also toured Trane Technologies' training facilities to discuss clean energy initiatives.

Governor Stein called for the reduction or elimination of state tax exemptions for data centers, stating that without action North Carolina could lose billions in revenue. Stein made the proposal during a meeting of his Energy Policy Task Force, arguing that data centers should not receive tax subsidies while their electricity consumption drives up energy costs for residential consumers. Stein stated that data centers do not require economic incentives to locate in North Carolina given current market conditions and that the state should only forego revenue when there is clear economic justification.

Governor Stein formed an advisory council that released a report recommending North Carolina legalize marijuana for adult use through a licensed retail system. The council cited the need to regulate an existing unregulated cannabis marketplace, improve consumer safety through labeling and testing requirements, and establish age verification standards to prevent sales to minors. The council also recommended a unified regulatory framework for hemp and intoxicating cannabinoid products rather than a medical-only approach, with a final detailed report expected later in 2026.

The North Carolina Supreme Court on April 2, 2026, ruled to dismiss the Hoke County Board of Education v. State of North Carolina lawsuit, commonly known as the Leandro case, which had sought to require the state to provide adequate funding for public education since its filing in 1994. Governor Stein responded to the ruling by stating that the court's decision would not change the state's responsibility to students and reiterated his commitment to advocating for teacher pay raises, expanded school support personnel, universal free breakfast, and investments in reading instruction and advanced teaching roles. Stein characterized the decision as preventing the General Assembly from continuing to deprive North Carolina students of constitutionally promised educational benefits.

Governor Stein requested $792 million in additional state funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. The request was made as state officials briefed a legislative oversight committee on recovery progress, noting that 30 single-family homes had been completed through HUD-supported programs 18 months after the storm, with approximately 140 more under construction and 3,700 applications under review. The funding request comes as the state has been allocated $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with more than half earmarked for single-family home reconstruction.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, under the administration of Governor Josh Stein, referred a debt of approximately $100,000 owed by Balanced Nutrition to a collection agency on March 24, 2026. The nonprofit, which was run by former Second Lady Yolanda Hill and has since closed, was found by state audit to have misreported operating costs, submitted duplicate and inflated receipts, and violated nutrition standards while receiving federal funds for child nutrition assistance. The state determined that the nonprofit had been reimbursed more than it was entitled to receive, and as of the date of the article, no repayment had been made.

Gov. Josh Stein announced that Capital Group, a Los Angeles-based asset management firm, will establish a major East Coast operations hub in Charlotte with a $60 million capital investment expected to create 600 new jobs in the region. The project was supported by a Job Development Investment Grant approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee, authorizing potential reimbursements of up to $17,173,500 over 12 years based on job creation targets. The initiative is projected to generate an annual payroll impact exceeding $116 million to the Charlotte region and an estimated $5.2 billion contribution to the state's economy over the 12-year term.

Governor Stein requested $792 million in additional state funding from the North Carolina General Assembly for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, marking his third such request since the storm struck in September 2024. The proposal allocates $230 million to address funding gaps for private infrastructure, local government support, and emergency communications systems, with additional funding directed toward rental and utility assistance, state parks restoration, forestry infrastructure, and nonprofit housing partnerships. Stein's request came as state and federal funding had restored most damaged drinking water systems and reopened most impacted roads, though more complex repairs to private roads, bridges, and local systems remained incomplete.

Governor Stein criticized the Trump administration's decision to spend approximately $1 billion in federal funds to cancel the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind project off North Carolina's coast, which was planned to generate 1,300 megawatts of electricity for roughly 300,000 homes. Under the agreement negotiated by the Interior Department, French energy company TotalEnergies received reimbursement for federal water leases and agreed to redirect its investment toward oil and natural gas projects, including liquefied natural gas production. Stein characterized the transaction as detrimental to North Carolina's energy future and fiscal responsibility.

Governor Stein announced nearly $26 million in funding awards through the state's Stop-Gap Solutions program to connect 5,161 rural North Carolina homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to high-speed internet across 66 counties. The program, administered by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology's Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, distributes awards to five broadband providers with projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The initiative targets unserved and underserved areas through targeted broadband line extensions designed to reach small clusters of locations in hard-to-reach areas.

Governor Stein proposed a $1.4 billion "critical needs" budget on March 19, 2026, which included $211 million allocated to the public safety sector to address staffing shortages and low wages. The proposal included a 10% raise for correctional officers and law enforcement officers, a 6.5% increase for probation and parole officers, and a 10% raise for nurses and behavioral health technicians in state-run facilities. Stein linked the budget request to the need for expanded mental health resources and intervention services, citing North Carolina's current ranking of 49th in the nation for starting pay for state troopers and correctional officers.

Governor Stein called on state lawmakers to increase funding for law enforcement across North Carolina during a March 2026 appearance at Central Piedmont Community College, citing ongoing staffing shortages in state agencies. Stein proposed $1.4 billion in state budget funding that would allocate more than $211 million to public safety and include pay increases for law enforcement personnel. The governor stated that without action on the state budget, staffing shortages in law enforcement and other agencies such as the State Bureau of Investigation could worsen and create public safety risks.

Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order in February 2026 directing closer collaboration between law enforcement officers, state prison officials, and mental health experts in response to high-profile killings in North Carolina. The order was issued following the deaths of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and teacher Zoe Welsh in Raleigh, both cases involving individuals with lengthy criminal histories and mental health issues. Stein cited these cases in his efforts to push for reforms to the state's probation and parole system.

Gov. Stein called on state lawmakers to fully fund Medicaid in North Carolina, requesting an additional $319 million in spending to address a program shortfall that could affect 3 million residents. Stein previously convened a special legislative session in late 2025 to address Medicaid funding, which Republican-controlled lawmakers did not attend, and renewed his funding request as the legislature prepared for its April 2026 session. Republican leaders acknowledged the program required additional funding but had not reached agreement with the governor on a budget solution.

Governor Stein announced the creation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education in coordination with Republican legislative leaders Phil Berger and Destin Hall on Tuesday, with nearly 30 members appointed to the group including state lawmakers, educators, and university system leadership. Stein issued an executive order tasking the commission with studying ways to improve teacher training and student advancement in North Carolina public schools. The commission is required to provide a list of recommendations to Stein by the end of the year.

Governor Josh Stein announced $40 million in new recovery funding for North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene during a meeting of his Helene advisory committee on Friday, consisting of $24 million in Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund grants and $16 million for nonprofit rebuilding organizations. The funding allocation included specific awards to municipalities and organizations, such as $2 million to the city of Hendersonville for stormwater improvements and $3.45 million to Baptists on Mission for disaster rebuilding assistance. The announcement occurred as federal disaster aid from the federal government remained uncertain following the departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose office had previously required personal approval for FEMA spending over $100,000.

Democratic primary voters in North Carolina ousted four state lawmakers in 2026 who had voted to override vetoes issued by Governor Josh Stein on legislation affecting energy, business, and environmental policy. The four legislators—Michael Wray, Shelly Willingham, Carla Cunningham, and Nasif Majeed—were defeated by challengers in their primary races, with none coming particularly close to retaining their seats. Stein endorsed at least two of the winning candidates and congratulated all four victors on social media following the election results.

Stein vetoed an immigration bill in the previous year, which prompted Democratic House Representative Carla Cunningham to vote to override his veto. Cunningham's decision to override the veto became a defining element of her reelection campaign in North Carolina State House District 106. Cunningham has emphasized her record of bipartisan cooperation in seeking reelection against challengers Rev. Rodney Sadler and Vermanno Bowman.

Governor Stein is expected to announce Thursday that U.S. Forged Rings, a steel manufacturing company, will build a production facility in Hertford County, North Carolina. The project is anticipated to bring over 700 jobs and approximately $875 million in investment to the region, with production facilities planned to open in phases between 2028 and 2029. State lawmakers previously approved $51 million in funding for a public dock and $11 million for a public road in Hertford County to support industrial manufacturing operations.

Rep. Majeed voted to overturn Governor Stein's veto of the Power Bill Reduction Act, legislation that removed North Carolina's interim climate goals requiring a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030 and allowed Duke Energy to charge customers earlier for power plant projects. Majeed also voted to overturn Stein's veto of HB805, a bill defining male and female as the only two sexes in the state, banning state funds for gender-affirming medical care in prisons, and requiring schools to provide online catalogs of library books for parental review. These votes became central issues in the primary campaign for North Carolina House District 99, with Majeed's primary challenger arguing that his votes did not align with Democratic Party leadership or Governor Stein.

Governor Stein urged residents to review their vaccination status and get immunized against measles in response to a measles outbreak in North Carolina that resulted in 24 confirmed cases as of March 2026. The outbreak, which began in December 2025, disproportionately affected unvaccinated children and those who had not received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine. Stein's statement came as legislative leaders announced no plans for new action related to the outbreak.

Stein created the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force in August to address rising electricity costs and increasing energy demands in the state. The task force released a report in February 2026 finding that electricity bills had increased 22% since 2020 and outlining nine preliminary recommendations including large load tariffs, grid infrastructure investments, and evaluation of tax exemptions for data centers. The task force is expected to submit a detailed report with updated recommendations one year later.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson secured a consent judgment against David Satterfield and his towing companies A1 Towing Solutions and Automobile Recovery & Parking Enforcement, which Jackson identified as the state's first judgment in a discriminatory towing case. Under the agreement, Satterfield's companies are prohibited from towing vehicles without property owner permission, charging excessive fees, booting commercial vehicles, and engaging in other specified practices, with affected drivers receiving $30,000 in restitution and Satterfield subject to a $110,000 penalty for violations. The case originated from pandemic-era complaints involving alleged unlawful towing, price gouging, and racial discrimination against Black drivers.

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek prioritized an upgrade to the state's Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS), which has operated since 1998 and relies on legacy programming languages posing security risks. Boliek announced the creation of a bipartisan Modernization of Election Data Systems commission composed of 22 members including election staffers, political appointees, and academics to oversee the modernization effort. The state legislature allocated $15 million for the upgrades, with Boliek indicating additional funding from lawmakers would be needed to complete the full modernization over several years.

Governor Stein's veto of The Power Bill Reduction Act was overridden by the legislature last year, and an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund attributed recent residential bill increases in North Carolina to provisions within that legislation. The veto override occurred prior to Duke Energy's 2025 financial results announcement, which reported nearly $5 billion in net income as customers experienced significantly higher winter bills following a cold snap. The North Carolina Utilities Commission is scheduled to consider Duke Energy's proposed 15 percent rate increase beginning in July 2026.

Stein announced the statewide expansion of Energy Saver NC, a $208 million federally funded rebate program now available in all 100 counties that provides up to $16,000 in rebates for whole-home energy efficiency upgrades and up to $14,000 for energy-efficient appliances. The program is designed to help eligible households reduce electricity bills, with state officials estimating qualified participants could save nearly $1,000 annually on utility costs. Stein stated the expansion addresses rising energy costs and grid pressure while criticizing legislation passed over his veto last year that shifted additional construction costs and fuel-price volatility onto residential customers.

Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order aimed at creating new strategies for bridging the gap between the state's behavioral health and criminal justice systems, following concerns raised by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys about inadequate legal safeguards for criminal suspects deemed unfit to stand trial. Representatives from the prosecutor group testified before the House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety, describing cases where nonviolent suspects with mental illness were released and subsequently re-offended despite being unable to understand court proceedings or assist in their own defense. The executive order was issued in response to high-profile cases involving individuals with documented mental health histories who had cycled through the criminal justice system.

First Lady Anna Stein was appointed to the North Carolina Joint Reentry Council in April 2026 and has undertaken efforts to increase volunteer participation in prison reentry and substance abuse treatment programs during a state budget impasse that has prevented additional state funding for these initiatives. Stein announced plans to expedite volunteer training by moving sessions online and offering them more frequently to expand participation in programs serving incarcerated individuals and those reentering society. Governor Josh Stein had requested at least $5.6 million in additional recurring state funds the previous year to support reentry initiatives, including reentry councils and post-secondary education opportunities for incarcerated individuals, though the Republican-led legislature has not scheduled consideration of this request.

Stein filed a lawsuit challenging a 2024 law passed by Republican lawmakers that transferred control of state election administration from the governor's office to the state auditor's office, a shift implemented in 2025. The North Carolina appellate court heard oral arguments in the case on Tuesday, with Stein's legal team arguing the legislature violated the state constitution by stripping executive powers from the governor and reassigning them to another elected official. The ruling will determine whether the governor or the state auditor holds authority over setting election rules and confirming election results in North Carolina.

Gov. Josh Stein issued an executive order on February 5, 2026, designed to improve coordination between North Carolina's behavioral health and criminal justice systems in response to high-profile killings involving individuals with mental illness histories. The order establishes goals including strengthening the state's capacity for involuntary commitment and treatment of individuals with dangerous mental health conditions, and enabling law enforcement agencies to deploy social workers alongside officers responding to mental health crises rather than making arrests. Stein stated the measure aims to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, reduce police response times to criminal calls, and decrease violent encounters, while noting that legislative funding authorization would be required to implement the statewide program.

The State Board of Education approved a set of legislative priorities totaling more than $1 billion on an 8-2 vote, including a request for approximately $200 million to revamp North Carolina's special education funding formula by removing the current 13% cap and implementing a tiered system based on student disability needs. The request represented a continuation of a proposal the board submitted in the previous year, which Governor Stein had addressed by proposing to lift the cap and increase funding by $27 million without otherwise restructuring the formula. The board's current request seeks both recurring and nonrecurring funds to accommodate students with higher needs under a revised funding mechanism based on classroom placement and individualized education programs.

Stein announced a $25,000 reward last month for information leading to a conviction in the January 2025 shooting death of Khari Wilkes in Kannapolis. The reward was made in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Kannapolis Police Department into the fatal shooting that occurred on January 6, 2025, at an apartment complex parking lot. Stein's announcement of the financial incentive was intended to encourage witnesses to provide information to law enforcement regarding the case.

Governor Stein issued public guidance on January 22, 2026, ahead of a major ice storm approaching North Carolina, advising residents to prepare to remain home for several days and potentially experience power outages. Stein stated that state officials were taking the storm seriously and would work to keep the public safe, while state agencies including the Department of Transportation, State Highway Patrol, and Division of Emergency Management implemented preparedness measures such as pre-treating roadways with brine and pre-positioning emergency responders. The governor's statements were part of coordinated messaging from state and local officials urging residents to avoid travel during the forecasted severe winter weather event.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to bring significant ice and freezing rain to the Carolinas over the weekend. Stein's declaration activated the State Emergency Response Team, authorized the North Carolina Department of Transportation to pre-treat roads and prepare equipment, and authorized a waiver of certain transportation regulations to facilitate emergency response vehicle coordination across the state. The governor issued guidance to North Carolina residents to prepare in advance and remain off roads during the storm to allow first responders to operate safely.

Stein signed legislation that bans cellphone use during classroom instruction, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2026, though some school districts including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools implemented phone-free policies earlier. Phones are prohibited from being seen or heard except during designated times such as lunch and passing periods, with exceptions available if teachers determine devices are necessary for learning or in emergencies. The same legislation also established a requirement for schools to teach social media literacy courses beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with instruction occurring once in elementary school, once in middle school, and twice in high school.

North Carolina state and county officials reported to legislators in January 2026 on implementation efforts for the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a tax-and-spending plan signed by President Trump that modified Medicaid and SNAP eligibility requirements and work obligations. The legislation shifts administrative and financial costs from the federal government to states and counties, requiring new work requirements, increased eligibility verification frequency, and state penalty provisions for SNAP administration errors exceeding specified thresholds. State Medicaid officials estimated the implementation would require approximately $50.9 million annually in additional state funding plus $6.5 million in one-time startup costs, while county administrators requested deadline extensions and additional resources to comply with the January 2027 implementation date.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Trump administration would withhold approximately $48.8 million in federal transportation funds from North Carolina for fiscal year 2026, with an additional $97.5 million annually withheld until remedial action is taken. The action followed allegations that North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles issued commercial driver licenses to 29 immigrants in violation of federal rules, including 19 individuals on temporary work visas whose licenses remained valid after their work permits expired and 10 individuals whose immigration status was not properly verified before licensing. Stein's office did not respond to requests for comment regarding the federal action.

Governor Stein addressed the state's Joint Reentry Council on January 8, 2026, highlighting North Carolina's efforts to assist formerly incarcerated individuals by improving access to employment, mental health care, and other support services. Stein stated that expanded behavioral health urgent care centers, outpatient treatment options, and involuntary commitment procedures should be prioritized to enhance public safety and facilitate successful reintegration into society. The governor's remarks were delivered in the context of recent high-profile crimes and underscored his position that increased state investment in mental and behavioral health systems is necessary.

Following the killing of Ravenscroft School teacher Zoe Welsh, Governor Stein called on state lawmakers to improve treatment for people with mental health issues who pose risks to the public. Stein stated that the state is not adequately treating individuals with paranoia and delusions who may present dangers and noted that behavioral health urgent care centers and increased psychiatric hospital beds are needed to address mental health crises outside of emergency departments and jails. Republican lawmakers indicated they plan to prioritize mental health funding and staffing in psychiatric hospitals when the legislature convenes in spring 2026.

Governor Stein endorsed Rodney Sadler in the Democratic primary against seven-term state Representative Carla Cunningham in the northern Mecklenburg County district. Stein's endorsement followed Cunningham's votes to override his vetoes of Senate Bill 266, which reallocated utility costs between commercial and residential customers, and Senate Bill 254, which transferred charter school oversight from the state superintendent to a board appointed largely by Republican lawmakers. Sadler, a pastor and legislative advocate, stated his intention to align with Stein in the state House if elected.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather requested the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations against Sheriff Garry McFadden following a petition for his removal filed by State House Rep. Carla Cunningham, former deputies, and other former Sheriff's Office employees. The allegations include willful neglect of duty, misconduct in office, corruption, extortion, campaign finance violations, and economic threats made to influence legislation related to House Bill 318 concerning sheriff cooperation with ICE detainers. The SBI's Professional Standards Unit was assigned to conduct the investigation, which Merriweather stated he would review before determining whether to approve the removal petition's advancement.

Stein signed House Bill 67, which includes provisions requiring hospitals and surgical centers to install systems to manage surgical smoke generated during procedures, with noncompliant facilities subject to state investigation. The law also contains provisions making it easier for North Carolina hospitals and clinics to hire physicians trained overseas. Additionally, Senate Bill 479 went into effect on January 1, 2026, establishing new penalties for unfair or deceptive pharmaceutical trade practices and requiring drug manufacturers to notify interested parties of price increases of 15 percent or more for drugs costing $100 or more.

Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 67, legislation that establishes new licensure pathways for healthcare providers including internationally trained physicians and experienced physician assistants in team-based practice settings. The law authorizes North Carolina's entry into the PA Licensure Compact, enabling physician assistants to practice across state lines. The bill took effect on January 1, 2026, as part of broader healthcare workforce reforms aimed at improving access and efficiency.

Governor Stein announced that North Carolina received a $213 million federal grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the Rural Health Transformation Program in December 2025. The award will fund initiatives over five years designed to expand rural healthcare access for approximately 3 million people, including investments in workforce development, mental health services, artificial intelligence deployment, and chronic disease management programs. Implementation of the funded programs is scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Stein announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the July 2021 murder of John Moore, a Gastonia barber killed during a home invasion. Moore was shot and killed when three masked individuals with firearms broke into a home on Allison Street, an incident captured on surveillance video. The reward was made available to encourage tips to the Gastonia Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation.

Stein approved more than $300 million in funding to expand high-speed internet service across North Carolina through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. The funding aims to provide reliable internet access to more than 93,000 homes and businesses in the state. Combined with $670 million from the American Rescue Plan Act already allocated, the state plans to connect more than 250,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet by the end of 2026, with projects launching by mid-2026.

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lilley announced that the state achieved a record 34,000 new jobs and $23 billion in investment during 2025 under Governor Josh Stein's administration. Lilley identified workforce development and training alignment across state, community college, and university systems as a priority area for improvement, with the Governor's Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships establishing eleven strategic goals to be met over the next four years. Lilley described the state's economic development strategy as combining workforce talent, infrastructure, and partnerships between local, state, and federal entities, citing the JetZero aircraft manufacturing project as an example of evaluating credible projects with federal government investment backing.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein supported the inclusion of the "Lumbee Fairness Act" in the National Defense Authorization Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on December 19, 2025. The provision grants full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina after 137 years of the tribe pursuing such status, making its approximately 55,000 members eligible for federal services and benefits. Stein stated that the recognition represented a long-delayed acknowledgment of the tribe's historical presence in North Carolina and would generate economic opportunities in Robeson County.

Governor Josh Stein signed a mini-budget into law that loosened Division of Motor Vehicles rules to allow more people to renew their driver's licenses online, a measure that enabled nearly 80,000 people to use the online portal since October. Stein attended a graduation ceremony at Nash Community College in December 2025 where approximately 150 new DMV license examiners completed their training to address staffing shortages at the agency. The new examiners and online renewal expansion were part of broader efforts to reduce average customer wait times at driver's license offices, which had reached approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in the fall.

The U.S. Senate approved a defense spending bill on December 18, 2025, that includes a provision granting federal recognition to North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe, marking the culmination of the tribe's 137-year effort to obtain such status. The bill passed with a vote of 77-20 and was subsequently sent to President Donald Trump for signature. Upon Trump's signing, the Lumbee would become the largest federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River and would gain access to federal funding for healthcare, education, and community services.

Governor Stein stated in a Tuesday interview that he was encouraged by the progress of Lumbee Tribe federal recognition through the National Defense Authorization Act, which was under Senate consideration. Stein noted that federal recognition would provide the tribe access to federal resources for housing, health care, and disaster recovery. He characterized the recognition as beneficial to the tribe's economic health and well-being.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced on December 10, 2025, that he was canceling Medicaid reimbursement rate reductions of 3% to 10% that had taken effect on October 1, 2025. Stein stated that recent court rulings demanding the restoration of rates to pre-October levels made maintaining the cuts untenable, and he acknowledged that "the writing on the wall" indicated the reductions would not survive legal challenges. The state's Medicaid program, which serves over 3 million low-income residents, now faces potential depletion by March or April 2026, and Stein called on the Republican-led General Assembly to fully fund the program to resolve the ongoing shortfall.

The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force approved recommendations on Tuesday that state lawmakers pass legislation to curb addictive features in social media algorithms and establish regulations for artificial intelligence chatbots. The recommendations emerged from the task force's intentional deaths committee, which focuses on reducing suicide and self-harm among young people. The task force also re-approved several existing recommendations that have not yet been enacted into law, including raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 and establishing stricter child car seat regulations.

Governor Stein urged U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse a November 2025 decision tied to President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill that would lower student loan limits for advanced nursing programs beginning in July 2026. Stein cited projections from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicating North Carolina will face a shortage of nearly 12,500 registered nurses and over 5,000 licensed practical nurses by 2033, along with current vacancy rates of 13 percent statewide for registered nurses. The governor stated that reduced loan access could make it more difficult for students to enroll in professional and graduate-level nursing degree programs.

Estella Patterson took her oath of office on December 5, 2025, becoming the first female police chief for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Patterson announced that reducing violent crime in the community is a top priority and outlined Operation Safe Seasons, a multi-agency crackdown on violent crime in the city. Patterson stated that her focus during her first 100 days includes connecting with department officers, engaging with the community, and addressing officer recruitment and retention through increased pay and signing bonuses.

Governor Stein ordered cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for healthcare providers in response to a funding shortfall created by the state legislature's failure to pass a budget or standalone Medicaid funding bill. An administrative law judge ruled on December 5, 2025, that the cuts to reimbursements for adult care homes must remain blocked pending a fuller decision on whether the Department of Health and Human Services has legal authority to impose such cuts. The ruling extends a temporary block on the reductions and may prompt similar legal challenges from other healthcare providers, including physicians and addiction counselors.

Stein announced that the North Carolina Department of Justice was reviewing Duke Energy's request for a 15% rate increase, which would result in customer bills rising by an additional $20 to $30 monthly by 2028 if approved. Stein stated in a news release that the proposed rate increase was excessive and noted the company's concurrent retreat from more affordable clean energy investments. Stein indicated he would continue advocacy efforts to lower costs for North Carolina residents.

Governor Stein announced that North Carolina set a new record for job creation in 2025, with companies pledging nearly 34,000 new jobs and over $23 billion in new investments across aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, and electric vehicle manufacturing. Stein highlighted the state's continued economic development strategy, which includes taxpayer-funded incentives to attract corporate investment, and noted that the Triad region around Greensboro was the largest beneficiary with over 14,000 promised jobs from jetmaker JetZero. The governor also announced a separate grant program established by his administration to provide funding for downtown revitalization in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and indicated that expanding job creation in rural regions would be a priority for his administration in 2026.

Stein issued a statement on December 3, 2025, opposing Duke Energy's proposed rate increase of 15% over two years, which would add $20 to $30 monthly to household bills by 2028. Stein characterized the increase as "simply too high" in the context of families' financial circumstances and praised Attorney General Jeff Jackson's intervention in the utility rate case. Stein had created the Energy Policy Task Force in August 2025, which met on December 3 to examine how electricity demand growth from data centers and new industries could affect grid capacity and residential utility costs.

In May 2023, Stein declined to bring criminal charges against Fayetteville police officers who fatally shot Jada Johnson in July 2022, stating that evidence showed the officers faced a deadly threat and acted reasonably in response. Johnson had called 911 reporting a home break-in, but officers found no evidence of one; after nearly an hour of dialogue, she produced a firearm and threatened self-harm while family members were nearby. A federal judge subsequently dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by Johnson's grandparents against the city and officers in November 2025.

Governor Josh Stein appointed Jeffrey Smythe as North Carolina's secretary of public safety, effective January 1, 2026. Smythe, a former Burlington police chief and director of the state Department of Justice's criminal justice education and training standards division, replaces Eddie Buffaloe, who retired from the position on December 31, 2025. Stein had previously appointed Smythe to his role in the Department of Justice in 2021 when serving as state attorney general.

After the Republican-led North Carolina legislature failed to pass a state budget, Gov. Josh Stein's administration implemented reductions of 3 to 10 percent in Medicaid reimbursement rates to hospitals, doctors, health clinics, and care facilities to address a funding shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars. Several groups of patients and providers challenged the rate cuts in court, arguing that the Department of Health and Human Services lacked legal authority to reduce rates without legislative approval. The case was heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings, with the state arguing that blocking the cuts could render the Medicaid program insolvent and terminate coverage for approximately 3 million North Carolina residents.

Stein signed "Iryna's Law," which took effect in December 2025 and made several changes to North Carolina's criminal justice system, including stricter requirements for pre-trial bail release, restrictions on cashless bail, and expanded grounds for involuntary mental health commitment following arrest. The law also directed Stein's administration to identify alternative execution methods to restart capital punishment in the state, which had not carried out executions since 2006. Stein stated upon signing that he was troubled by the law's limited scope and that no executions would occur under his governorship.

Governor Stein signed "Iryna's Law," legislation that implements stricter scrutiny for pre-trial release decisions, bans certain cashless bail options, and facilitates involuntary mental health commitments for individuals with mental health histories following arrest. The law also directs Stein's administration to recommend alternative execution methods such as firing squads or electric chairs to restart capital punishment in North Carolina, which has not carried out executions since 2006 despite maintaining over 120 death row inmates. Stein stated he signed the legislation while troubled by what he characterized as insufficient provisions for public safety and indicated he would not permit executions by firing squad during his tenure as governor.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 on Tuesday to approve a citizenship verification plan that would cross-check voters' Social Security numbers against state databases to identify non-citizens on the state's 7.6 million voter registration list. The board's three Republican members voted in favor of the plan, while the two Democratic members opposed it, citing concerns about data security and the risk that database errors could result in eligible voters being wrongfully investigated. The board currently has access only to the last four digits of Social Security numbers and has been attempting to obtain full 10-digit numbers from the Department of Motor Vehicles without success thus far.

Governor Stein criticized the Trump administration's Operation Charlotte's Web, a Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement operation launched in North Carolina's largest cities beginning November 15, 2025, which aimed to arrest immigrants in the country illegally who had prior criminal arrests. Stein stated that the operation targeted everyday people based on skin color rather than violent criminals, calling on federal agents to focus their efforts differently. The operation expanded from Charlotte to Raleigh and other areas, resulting in approximately 370 arrests by the following Friday.

State Auditor Dave Boliek released a report in November 2025 finding that the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency mismanaged disaster relief efforts following hurricanes Matthew and Florence, with some victims remaining in temporary housing for more than 1,400 days due to inefficient processes and an eight-step approval procedure that averaged 100 days per step. The report documented that NCORR spent $25 million on a data management program with inconsistent implementation and at times spent more than $230,000 on temporary lodging for single households. Governor Josh Stein, upon taking office in January 2025, transferred disaster recovery responsibilities from NCORR to a new office called GROW NC and stated his commitment to completing the recovery mission.

Governor Stein announced approval of a $918 million rare-earth magnet manufacturing facility in Johnston County by Pentagon-backed startup Vulcan Elements, which is projected to create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2029. The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Economic Investment Committee approved a state incentives package worth up to $25.2 million, with local officials providing an additional $95 million in incentives. The facility at Crosspoint Logistics Center in Benson would become the largest rare-earth magnet factory outside of China and support domestic supply chain development for materials used in defense and consumer electronics.

Governor Josh Stein scheduled an economic development announcement at an industrial property near Benson in Johnston County on Tuesday following a special public hearing where the county board of commissioners considered a proposed economic development agreement for an undisclosed manufacturer. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners and the state Commerce Department's Economic Investment Committee were expected to approve economic incentives, including annual cash grants over a 15-year period contingent on job-creation and investment targets, for a company planning expansion at the Crosspoint Logistics Center. The project, identified in county notices as involving a manufacturer considering expansion in Banner Township, was expected to result in upwards of 1,000 jobs and an investment approaching $1 billion.

Governor Stein called a special legislative session in November 2025 to address a Medicaid funding shortfall of several hundred million dollars, which Republican legislative leaders declined to convene. In response to the legislature's inability to pass a state budget or standalone Medicaid funding bills, Stein's Department of Health and Human Services instituted cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to doctors and hospitals serving over three million North Carolina patients. Republican leaders characterized Stein's reimbursement rate cuts as premature and politically motivated, while Stein stated the cuts were necessary administrative action given the legislature's failure to fund the program.

Governor Josh Stein called the North Carolina General Assembly to convene a special session in November 2025 to address a Medicaid funding shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars resulting from lawmakers' failure to pass a comprehensive state budget. Republican legislative leaders declined to convene for the special session, stating that the Medicaid funding gap did not constitute an "extraordinary occasion" warranting the use of the governor's constitutional power to call such sessions. The funding shortfall has resulted in the state reducing payments to doctors and hospitals treating Medicaid patients, affecting millions of North Carolina residents enrolled in the program.

Governor Stein issued a statement expressing gratitude to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services following the resolution of the federal government shutdown, stating that full November SNAP benefits would be distributed to beneficiaries by the end of the week. Stein characterized the rapid processing of benefits as enabling North Carolinians to purchase food for their families over the weekend. The statement was issued after the U.S. House and Senate ended the shutdown and the USDA provided guidance for distributing full benefits to the approximately 600,000 households in North Carolina receiving SNAP assistance.

Gov. Stein issued an executive order calling the North Carolina General Assembly into a special session on November 17, 2025, to address Medicaid funding shortfalls after Republican lawmakers failed to pass a state budget or standalone Medicaid funding bills. State Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall announced in a formal letter that they would not comply with the order, contending that the Medicaid funding gap did not constitute an "extraordinary occasion" as required by the state Constitution to justify a special session. North Carolina's Medicaid system faces hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded costs, resulting in payment cuts to healthcare providers ranging from 3 to 12 percent.

Governor Stein announced $22 million in aid to North Carolina Food Banks during a federal government shutdown that halted SNAP benefits for more than 1 million state residents. Stein's office, in partnership with private entities, allocated the funds to support food-insecure families affected by the suspension of federal nutrition assistance. Stein presented a $3.3 million check to the Foodbank of Central and Eastern NC and stated his expectation that SNAP benefits would be fully restored by the end of the week.

Governor Stein announced a state advisory council in June to examine North Carolina's unregulated cannabis market, stating that the market required regulatory oversight. The announcement followed concerns from hemp industry participants and law enforcement regarding the proliferation of hemp-derived THC products that exploit federal regulatory ambiguity. The advisory council was established as the U.S. Senate passed a spending bill containing provisions that would substantially restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products by reducing the allowable THC limit.

Governor Stein announced an additional $4 million in funding to address food insecurity in North Carolina, with particular impact on Anson County where approximately one-third of the population relies on food assistance programs. The funding allocation responds to challenges facing residents whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have become inconsistent or insufficient for basic needs. The initiative aims to provide support to local food pantries including Anson Crisis Ministry and Feed My Lambs in Wadesboro that serve high numbers of families in the region.

Governor Stein sent a letter to Congress urging the Trump administration to release additional disaster aid for North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, stating that federal support had covered barely 9% of the state's estimated $59.6 billion in damages. Stein noted that the federal government had covered more than 70% of recovery costs for historic storms including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and Hurricane Maria, and warned that FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund was approaching a shortfall that could further delay reimbursements to affected counties. The letter emphasized that North Carolina counties facing multimillion-dollar recovery costs while waiting for federal reimbursement deserved equitable federal support.

Governor Stein issued a call for a special legislative session in North Carolina using his constitutional authority, a rare action employed only a few times in recent decades, to address Medicaid funding shortfalls that have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in program deficits. Stein stated that the state's Medicaid program, which provides coverage to nearly one in three North Carolinians, would eventually exhaust its funding unless lawmakers approved additional appropriations or changed state law to allow him access to a Medicaid savings reserve currently restricted from gubernatorial use. Republican legislative leaders disagreed with the necessity of the special session, though House Speaker Destin Hall acknowledged that Medicaid funding remained an issue requiring legislative action.

Stein signed Senate Bill 245 into law, legislation designed to expand online services and improve customer service for North Carolinians. The bill enabled the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to introduce an online option for teen drivers to upgrade from a Level 2 Limited Provisional License to a Level 3 Full Provisional License without visiting a driver license office in person. Eligible teens who have held a Level 2 license for at least six months without moving violations can complete the two-step upgrade process entirely online, receiving a temporary driving certificate while their new license arrives by mail.

Governor Stein signed legislation in July 2025 creating new criminal offenses for exposing a child to a controlled substance, which establishes felony charges even when a child ingests the substance without suffering harm. The law becomes effective December 1, 2025. The incident involving twin toddlers exposed to fentanyl on November 3, 2025, occurred before the law's effective date, resulting in the defendants being charged under existing child abuse statutes rather than the new offense.

Stein traveled to Japan and Taiwan in early November 2025 to meet with business and government officials as part of an economic development effort to attract foreign direct investment to North Carolina. During the trip, Stein stated that he secured meetings with companies considering expansion in the state or new investment, and indicated that a new economic development announcement would be forthcoming in the coming weeks, though he did not disclose specific project details. Japan currently serves as North Carolina's top source of foreign direct investment, and Stein emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with Japanese companies in industries including pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and automotive manufacturing.

Stein announced a $50 million Broadband Recovery Program on Monday to aid in rebuilding broadband infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina's 39 disaster-designated counties, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The program will provide grants to internet service providers to repair and reconstruct broadband infrastructure, with providers required to submit applications and estimated costs by November 24 through the state's Broadband Infrastructure Office Data Exchange. Stein had previously signed legislation in August that allocated funds to restore and strengthen high-speed internet access for communities affected by the storm.

Governor Josh Stein signed a disaster relief package that included the creation of a $10 million Dam Safety Grant Fund to repair or remove dams damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, when more than 40 dams failed across North Carolina. The fund was established to address infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed by the storm, particularly concerning privately-owned dams that had fallen into disrepair and were operating beyond their intended lifespan. State officials and advocates identified the fund as an initial step toward addressing the state's aging dam infrastructure in response to increased extreme weather events.

Gov. Josh Stein announced on Tuesday that Pacific Life, a Fortune 500 insurance company, plans to open a new office in Charlotte with 301 jobs and a $12.3 million investment in Mecklenburg County. The 68,000-square-foot office will be located at the Queensbridge Collective in Charlotte's central business district, with full occupancy expected by 2028. The project received approval from the state's Economic Investment Committee for a Job Development Investment Grant that could reimburse Pacific Life up to $5.54 million over 12 years, contingent on the company meeting specified job creation and investment targets.

Stein's office allocated $11,500 from the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program to the Morganton Department of Public Safety for enhanced traffic enforcement. The funding supports overtime for traffic enforcement officers to conduct high-visibility traffic safety enforcement in problem areas. Burke County, where Morganton is located, ranked 50th in the state for crash fatalities, prompting the initiative to address traffic safety concerns and reduce accidents and fatalities.

The North Carolina House passed legislation on its third reading that would allocate $190 million from a reserve fund to partially fund the state's Medicaid program, sending the bill to the State Senate. Governor Stein indicated his support for the legislation. The bill addresses funding gaps as the state Department of Health has reduced Medicaid reimbursement rates and the federal government plans to reduce Medicaid spending in the coming year.

Stein stated that the National Guard deployment was not necessary in North Carolina and that the state should instead prioritize trained law enforcement in communities. Stein cited Iryna's Law, which provides additional funding to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office to hire prosecutors, as a step toward improving public safety. Stein said the state needs "trained law enforcement" and community engagement rather than military presence on streets.

North Carolina Governor Stein publicly criticized a Republican congressional redistricting map scheduled for a vote in the state legislature, stating that the map redrawing District 1 in the eastern part of the state constituted an abuse of power. Stein stated at a press conference in Charlotte that the redistricting effort was anti-democratic and improperly manipulated district lines to determine electoral outcomes. Although Stein indicated he would veto the map if it reached his desk, state law does not grant the governor veto authority over congressional redistricting measures.

Stein announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the 1992 murder of Isis Denise "Dee Dee" Dawkins, a 13-year-old girl whose remains were discovered in the South Fork River in Brookford on July 28, 1992. The case has remained unsolved for over three decades with no arrests made since Dawkins' disappearance. The reward program aims to encourage individuals with information about the case to contact local law enforcement or the State Bureau of Investigation.

Stein traveled to eastern North Carolina in October 2025 to advocate for increased state mental health funding with a focus on public safety applications. He highlighted efforts by local law enforcement and healthcare organizations, including Integrated Family Services in Greenville, which was opening a behavioral health urgent care facility. Stein called on state lawmakers to allocate additional mental health resources during budget negotiations, framing such funding as a mechanism for crime prevention and improved outcomes within the criminal justice system.

Governor Josh Stein announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders of Charles Williams and Myisha Angle in Salisbury. The killings occurred on August 10, 2024, when more than 30 shots were fired into a house on Rowan Mill Road, killing 80-year-old Williams and 3-year-old Angle as they slept. Stein urged anyone with information to contact the Salisbury Police Department or the State Bureau of Investigation to assist in the case.

Stein announced on October 7, 2025, that North Carolina is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 6-year-old Chance Douglas Smith, who was reported missing on December 13, 2003, from Locust and found dead with a head wound that same evening. The reward was announced as part of ongoing efforts by the Locust Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation to pursue the cold case and encourage witnesses to provide information. Stein stated that the state remains committed to pursuing justice in cases where initial leads have been exhausted.

Governor Josh Stein signed Iryna's Law on Friday, legislation that authorizes funding for ten additional district attorneys across the state. Mecklenburg County received $1.6 million in recurring funds and $37,000 in nonrecurring funds as a result of the law's passage, along with funding for five full-time legal assistants. The law was named after Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed in August 2025.

Stein signed Senate Bill 245 into law on October 2, 2025, enabling North Carolina drivers to renew their licenses remotely for a second consecutive time through mail, telephone, electronic devices, or other DMV-approved secured methods. The legislation exempts drivers holding REAL ID licenses from remote renewal for a second consecutive time, though such drivers may switch to a standard license to access remote renewal. The bill also eliminates the driver's log requirement for 16 and 17-year-olds seeking a full provisional driver's license, while maintaining other conditions including a six-month limited provisional license holding period and a six-month violation-free driving record.

Governor Stein released a statement endorsing a proposed one-cent sales tax increase for Mecklenburg County that was approved by county commissioners for a November ballot referendum. The tax would fund public transportation projects and infrastructure investments in the county. Stein stated that the measure was necessary to maintain the county as a desirable location for residents and businesses.

Stein formed a cannabis task force earlier in the year that recommended the state legislature legalize marijuana while establishing regulations for both marijuana and THC-infused products to restrict purchases to adults only. The task force included several high-ranking Republican lawmakers alongside Democratic officials. As of the article's publication, the state legislature had not taken action on the task force's recommendations or other regulatory proposals.

Stein offered a $25,000 reward for information in the case of Asha Degree, a nine-year-old who disappeared in February 2000 in Shelby, North Carolina. The reward was added to existing bounties from authorities, bringing the combined total to $100,000, which was publicized on billboards along Highway 18. The case saw renewed investigative activity in September 2024 when authorities identified two suspects and executed search warrants related to the disappearance.

Governor Stein stated he remained undecided on whether to sign Iryna's Law, legislation that would restrict cashless bail in response to a fatal stabbing in Charlotte. The bill was passed by the North Carolina legislature following the death of Iryna Zarutska. Stein indicated that addressing pre-trial release policies, repeat offenders, and mental health services were areas requiring attention.

Governor Stein called on North Carolina lawmakers to pass Medicaid funding legislation before an October 1 deadline, stating at a public event that the General Assembly had failed to secure necessary state funding for the program. Stein announced his readiness to sign a clean Medicaid funding bill and rejected suggestions to delay the deadline, noting that lawmakers could return to address the issue before their scheduled October 20 return date. The state faced a shortfall of approximately $219 million after lawmakers appropriated only $600 million of the $819 million in Medicaid funds needed for the fiscal year.

Governor Stein is reviewing Iryna's Law following its passage in the House on Tuesday with bipartisan support. The legislation would establish stricter conditions for pretrial release of defendants. The bill includes a provision added by Senate leadership to study alternative methods for capital punishment in the state.

The North Carolina State Senate passed House Bill 307 on a 28-8 vote Monday, which included a surprise amendment introduced by Senate leader Phil Berger to reinstate capital punishment by authorizing execution methods other than lethal injection. Berger's amendment requires the administration of Democratic Governor Josh Stein to identify alternative execution methods to replace lethal injection, which has not been used in the state since 2006 due to legal challenges and medical board guidance. The amendment was added to a broader crime-and-safety bill introduced Sunday night in response to a fatal stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train, with Democrats walking out in protest and the House expected to vote on the measure as soon as Tuesday.

Governor Stein announced a request for $13.5 billion in new federal funding from Congress to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina, with the proposal including $8 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding, nearly $2 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Special Community Disaster Loans, and $2 billion from the Department of Transportation for infrastructure restoration. Stein also urged federal agencies to allocate previously appropriated funds from the American Relief Act of 2025 to the state, bringing the total request to $23 billion when combined with new funding. The governor stated that current federal support covers approximately 9 percent of total damages in western North Carolina and that the requested funding would increase federal support to 47 percent, comparable to recovery funding levels provided after Hurricanes Katrina, Maria, and Sandy.

Governor Stein issued an executive order in September 2025 eliminating the prescription requirement for COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina for two groups: individuals aged 65 and older and individuals over 18 who meet certain specified criteria. Previously, state law required a prescription to obtain the COVID vaccine from a pharmacy. The action expanded access to the vaccine by removing this administrative barrier for the specified populations.

Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued Standing Orders allowing seniors 65 years and older and adults over 18 with certain medical conditions to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without a prescription. The standing orders took effect immediately and eliminated the previous requirement for patients to obtain a doctor's note before receiving a vaccine at a pharmacy. The action made North Carolina one of several states to remove the prescription requirement for COVID-19 vaccine access.

Stein signed Executive Order 25 on Wednesday, relaunching the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs to address homelessness in North Carolina through enhanced coordination among government agencies and private and nonprofit service providers. The council, co-chaired by Karen Wade of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Jessica Whichard of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will focus on housing stabilization, access to health care, substance use treatment, and recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene. Stein's 2025-2027 state budget proposal includes $35 million annually for the Housing Trust Fund and investments in the Workforce Loan Program to support affordable housing construction and repair.

On September 11, 2025, Governor Stein announced that seven film and television productions would be shot in North Carolina, including "Top Chef" season 23 and the film "Bad Counselors" in the Charlotte region. According to the State Film Office, these productions are expected to create more than 3,800 jobs and generate over $131 million in economic activity for the state. Stein made the announcement at Bespoke Coffee in Wilmington, a location previously used for filming scenes from Amazon's "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Gov. Josh Stein pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to accelerate federal reimbursements for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. The slowdown in FEMA payments resulted from new Department of Homeland Security rules requiring Noem's personal approval of funding, which left tens of millions of dollars in recovery costs pending and forced local agencies to cover expenses they anticipated the federal government would reimburse. Stein's action addressed delays that State Emergency Management Director Will Ray identified as creating complications for recovery planning.

In June 2025, Stein vetoed Senate Bill 50, legislation that would have repealed North Carolina's concealed carry permit requirements, lowered the age for carrying a concealed pistol from 21 to 18, and eliminated training and background check requirements for permit applicants. The bill had passed the state House of Representatives and was co-sponsored by the Senate's Republican leader. In his veto statement, Stein stated that the bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership.

Governor Stein announced the appointment of Timothy Rooks to the Superior Court for Judicial District 36, which serves Burke and Caldwell counties in North Carolina. Rooks, an attorney with over thirty years of experience in private practice, will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert C. Ervin. Rooks holds a Bachelor of Arts from Drew University and a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest School of Law.

Stein held a news conference to announce that western North Carolina remains open for business as the fall tourism season begins, nearly one year after Hurricane Helene. Stein stated that the state is rebuilding but faces delays due to federal bureaucratic processes and requested an additional $11.5 billion in federal supplemental disaster funding. Stein characterized the recovery as a long-term effort extending beyond 2027 and emphasized that while nonprofits and community assistance have been critical, the federal government's response has been insufficient in scale and speed.

Stein vetoed multiple bills related to immigration, guns, and diversity initiatives during the 2025 legislative session, but the Republican-led General Assembly successfully overrode many of these vetoes in July with support from a handful of Democratic lawmakers. The legislature returned to session in August amid an ongoing state budget impasse, with no indication that Republicans had secured sufficient Democratic votes to override Stein's remaining vetoes on the contested bills. The absence of a new state budget, which began on July 1, has prevented teachers and state employees from receiving raises and halted hundreds of millions in planned projects including renovations to Poe Hall at N.C. State University and construction of the state's first children's hospital.

Governor Stein signed an executive order on Tuesday establishing a gang prevention and intervention task force designed to address gang violence in North Carolina. The task force will include law enforcement, education leaders, mental health and substance use organizations, and individuals who have successfully left gangs, with the stated goal of addressing root causes of violence and offering alternatives to gang involvement. According to Stein, the state has approximately 4,000 validated gang members, with juvenile gang crime rising nearly 50% over the past five years.

Governor Stein signed a mini-budget in August 2025 that authorized the creation of 40 new driver license examiner positions within the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The positions were designed to reduce wait times and lines at driver's license offices across the state. The NCDMV announced plans to conduct job fairs statewide to expedite the hiring and training of examiners for these roles.

Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in North Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Erin, which prompted Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to implement an early prescription refill policy for its members. The early refill policy applies to all counties in North Carolina while the state of emergency declaration remains in effect through September 17, 2025, though controlled substances are excluded from the provision. Members may request early refills through customer service or by logging into their self-service portal at blueconnectnc.com.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services pursued $101,000 in repayment from Balanced Nutrition, a nonprofit operated by Yolanda Hill, wife of former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, alleging the organization submitted duplicate receipts, inflated expenses, and filed claims for child care centers that did not request funds. The state initially demanded $132,000 but reduced the amount to $101,000 following discussions with the nonprofit's legal team, and subsequently referred the case to the Department of Justice for collection after non-payment. The investigation began under former Gov. Roy Cooper and continued under Gov. Josh Stein.

Governor Stein announced that North Carolina secured a $4 million federal grant to support workforce reentry for individuals leaving prison. The funding will be administered through the NC Works System and will serve inmates at eight correctional facilities, providing career counseling, job skills training, and connections to second-chance employers. The initiative aims to facilitate the transition of formerly incarcerated individuals into employment upon release.

On Tuesday, Governor Stein signed legislation designed to expedite the removal of individuals unlawfully occupying residential properties by authorizing property owners to request law enforcement assistance in accelerating the eviction process. Stein had previously vetoed an earlier version of the squatting bill due to an unrelated provision concerning pet store regulations that he determined would facilitate puppy mill operations. The signed bill removes the contested pet store language while retaining the provisions to streamline illegal occupancy removal procedures.

In July 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 into law, which restricts student use of cellphones, tablets, and gaming devices during instructional time in North Carolina classrooms. The law requires school districts to develop policies by January 1, 2026, with exceptions permitted when teachers deem devices necessary for learning or in emergencies. Union County Public Schools approved its cellphone policy in August 2025 in response to the state law requirement, establishing disciplinary consequences ranging from device confiscation to potential suspension for unauthorized use.

Governor Josh Stein issued a state disaster declaration on Tuesday for eight counties in central North Carolina affected by Tropical Storm Chantal, enabling residents whose homes and belongings were damaged by the storm's heavy rainfall to seek state-funded financial grants for temporary assistance. The declaration made available individual aid for items such as rental housing assistance, personal property replacement, and medical expenses through disaster recovery centers in Orange, Durham, and Alamance counties. Stein simultaneously wrote to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a federal major disaster declaration to accelerate federal assistance for local government costs related to infrastructure repair and debris removal, with public assistance damage estimates already exceeding $42 million.

State Auditor Dave Boliek released findings from an audit of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles on Monday, August 4, 2025, addressing widespread delays and long wait times at DMV offices across the state. The audit identified that the agency requires additional driver license examiners to meet demand and recommended increased flexibility in personnel rules to improve hiring and retention. Governor Josh Stein signed legislation in July 2025 establishing a two-year grace period for standard driver licenses expiring through December 31, 2027, in response to the backlog created by these operational challenges.

Stein announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of Angelo Markantonakis, 26, who was killed during a home invasion on Windy Rush Drive in Kannapolis on Christmas Eve 2024. Markantonakis was shot twice in front of his girlfriend and three-year-old son during the incident involving three masked individuals. The reward announcement included contact information for the Kannapolis Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation for witnesses or individuals with relevant information.

North Carolina lawmakers voted to override eight of Governor Josh Stein's fourteen vetoes on July 29, 2025. Among the bills that became law despite Stein's objection was the Power Bill Reduction Act, which eliminates a state goal to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and modifies how utilities can use rates to cover power plant construction costs. The override votes included support from two Charlotte Democrats, Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed, who joined all Republicans in the legislative action.

Gov. Stein vetoed House Bill 318, legislation that would require sheriffs to contact immigration officers before releasing individuals who are undocumented. North Carolina House Republicans secured an override of Stein's veto with the support of Rep. Cunningham, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County, who voted with Republicans during the veto override session on July 30, 2025. Cunningham had originally voted for the bill and cast the deciding vote needed to override the governor's veto.

Governor Josh Stein vetoed Senate Bill 266 on July 2, 2025, legislation that would eliminate North Carolina's 70% carbon-reduction goal for 2030, authorize Duke Energy to charge customers for power plants under construction, and revise fuel-cost recovery formulas. The General Assembly prepared to vote on overriding Stein's veto, with Republicans holding the supermajority needed to pass the measure. A Duke University analysis released in late July found that eliminating the carbon target could result in up to $23 billion in additional energy costs for North Carolina households through 2050.

Governor Josh Stein signed the Mecklenburg County transit bill into law, enabling the county to proceed with a referendum on a penny sales tax. Mecklenburg County commissioners subsequently scheduled a vote for the following month to determine whether to place the sales tax referendum on the November ballot. The proposed sales tax is designated to fund transit projects including the Red Line commuter rail, which would establish connectivity between Uptown Charlotte and Iredell County.

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of federal education grant funding that the Department of Education paused in June, stating that without the funds nearly 1,000 teachers in North Carolina would lose their jobs and after-school programs and English language support would be eliminated. Attorney General Jeff Jackson, along with attorneys general from 24 other states, filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the withholding of approximately $165 million in education funds that Congress had already approved. The funding supports teacher salaries, before- and after-school programs, community learning centers, and teacher development programs, with rural school districts facing the largest impact.

Governor Stein vetoed a bill on July 10, 2025, that would have streamlined the eviction process for squatters from residential properties because the legislation contained an unrelated amendment prohibiting local governments from regulating pet stores. In his veto message, Stein stated that the pet store provision would facilitate inhumane puppy mill operations in North Carolina and that he would have signed the squatter eviction bill without this amendment. The bill had passed the House with significant bipartisan support, leaving open the possibility of a veto override when the legislature returned to session.

Stein signed Senate Bill 124, which reduces the number of state government positions requiring a four-year college degree. Stein also signed an executive order in March establishing the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships to strengthen workforce development and expand access to employment opportunities. Stein announced business expansions and new projects expected to bring nearly $17 billion in capital investment to North Carolina and create more than 20,000 new jobs.

Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 391, a Department of Transportation Omnibus bill that authorizes municipalities in North Carolina to install speed cameras in school zones. Under the law, drivers caught speeding in these zones face a $250 fine without points assessed to their driver's license, with tickets requiring photographic evidence, timestamps, recorded speed, and law enforcement officer signatures; drivers retain the right to appeal citations. Charlotte city officials stated they are in early assessment stages regarding potential implementation of the program pending further evaluation of costs, logistics, and community impact.

Stein signed Senate Bill 391 into law, which allows North Carolina Class C driver's licenses expiring on or after July 1 to remain valid for in-state driving purposes for up to two years beyond their printed expiration dates. The moratorium will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, and applies only to standard passenger vehicle licenses; expired licenses will not be valid for identification, air travel, or interstate recognition. The legislation does not extend to commercial driver's licenses or licenses that are suspended, revoked, or canceled.

Gov. Stein announced on July 8, 2025, that AssetMark and Citigroup will create a combined 762 jobs in Charlotte with significant investments in Mecklenburg County. AssetMark, a wealth management platform, will create 252 jobs and invest $10 million to establish Charlotte as its East Coast Hub, while Citigroup will create 510 jobs and invest $16.1 million in a major office facility. Both projects were supported by Job Development Investment Grants approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein stated that the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a comprehensive budget measure that includes $4 trillion in tax cuts and increases funding for border security while reducing Medicaid and food assistance, will have devastating consequences for North Carolina residents. Stein declared that the state cannot simply accept the harmful impacts of the legislation. The bill passed the House of Representatives on July 3, 2025, with a vote of 218-214, and President Donald Trump was expected to sign it into law on July 4, 2025.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 378, which would shield name, image, and likeness contracts with public schools from public records disclosure. Governor Stein has until Sunday to sign or veto the legislation before it becomes law automatically. The bill has generated debate regarding the balance between student-athlete privacy and transparency requirements for public institutions.

Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 into law on July 1, 2025, requiring North Carolina school boards to establish policies restricting student use of wireless communication devices including cellphones, tablets, and laptops during instructional time, with exemptions for teacher-authorized educational use, emergencies, and disability or health accommodations. The law mandates that school boards implement these policies by January 1, 2026, and establish consequences for violations. Additionally, House Bill 959 requires schools to implement social media literacy instruction beginning in the 2026-27 school year, with curricula addressing social media addiction, misinformation, cyberbullying identification, and internet safety practices, delivered annually for elementary and middle school students and twice yearly for high school students.

Governor Stein vetoed Senate Bill 266, known as the Power Bill Reduction Act, which had passed with bipartisan support in early July 2025. The bill would have eliminated the state's 2030 climate goals and altered how utility companies could pass costs to consumers. Stein stated that independent analysis indicated the bill could cost North Carolina ratepayers up to $23 billion through 2050 due to higher fuel costs and would increase reliance on volatile natural gas markets.

Stein signed House Bill 959 into law, which restricts student use of cellphones, tablets, and gaming devices during instructional time in North Carolina classrooms. School districts are required to develop policies implementing the restrictions by January 1, 2026, with exceptions permitted when teachers determine devices are necessary for learning or in emergencies. The law also establishes a requirement for schools to teach social media literacy classes beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with instruction occurring once in elementary school, once in middle school, and twice in high school.

Stein vetoed legislation that would have removed North Carolina's carbon dioxide reduction target. The veto message referenced a memo regarding fuel costs related to the state's carbon reduction requirements. The bill sought to eliminate the specific emissions reduction goal that had been established as part of the state's environmental policy.

A permitless concealed carry bill passed the North Carolina House on a narrow vote and was scheduled to reach Governor Stein's desk on Friday, allowing people 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The bill passed largely along party lines with two Republican representatives voting against it, while an Elon University poll found 54 percent of North Carolinians opposed the measure. Multiple lawmakers anticipated that Stein would veto the legislation, and observers noted that Republicans would require additional votes from Democrats to override such a veto.

President Trump announced a plan to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the 2025 hurricane season, with disaster relief responsibilities to be shifted to state governors and funding distributed directly from the president's office. Governor Josh Stein, D-North Carolina, characterized potential cuts to FEMA as a "man-made disaster." The proposal drew responses from various North Carolina officials, with U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross calling it disastrous for communities still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene, while Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers suggested the agency should be reformed rather than eliminated.

Governor Josh Stein received House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 from the North Carolina legislature, both of which expand state cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. House Bill 318 requires sheriffs to notify ICE within two hours of scheduling an undocumented immigrant's release and to hold such individuals for 48 hours, while expanding triggering offenses to include any felony, Class A1 misdemeanors involving children or sexual assault, and DWI convictions. Senate Bill 153 directs state agencies including the Department of Public Safety, Corrections, Highway Patrol, and State Bureau of Investigation to cooperate with ICE in identifying individuals present illegally, requires cessation of state benefits to noncitizens, permits crime victims to sue sanctuary jurisdictions, and prohibits the University of North Carolina system from withholding information from federal immigration officials.

Governor Stein announced a $10 billion Amazon investment in Richmond County to construct a data center campus for cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The project is expected to create at least 500 jobs in technical roles including engineers, network specialists, and security professionals, with additional employment through construction and supply chain operations. Richmond County Commissioners approved an incentives package providing annual cash grants for 20 years based on portions of real estate and equipment property taxes contingent on job creation and investment thresholds.

Governor Josh Stein announced the creation of the State Advisory Council on Cannabis on June 4, 2025, directing the council to develop a comprehensive regulatory plan for North Carolina's unregulated THC market. The council, composed of 20 members including the State Health Director, district attorneys, medical professionals, and legislative representatives, was tasked with studying best practices from other states and recommending regulations for legal adult-use cannabis sales. Stein stated that the council's recommendations should address consumer safety through labeling requirements, age restrictions, public health protections, agricultural support, and review of past low-level cannabis convictions.

Stein attended a press conference on Friday at the Raleigh East Drivers License Office alongside Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins and newly appointed NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine to announce changes aimed at reducing wait times and appointment booking difficulties at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The announced measures included reopening 20 DMV locations for walk-in service on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon beginning May 31, improving examiner benefits, updating the DMV website and social media, and reorganizing internal department operations. The state also expanded online services to allow residents to renew driver's licenses and ID cards, order duplicates, change addresses, and apply for voter registration without visiting a physical location.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a comprehensive plan to address extended wait times at the state's Department of Motor Vehicle offices. The initiative includes pre-screening paperwork requirements, website reorganization, redeployment of central office staff to field locations, increased examiner salaries, and a budget request for 85 additional DMV employees statewide. Stein stated the changes were necessary to improve service delivery, with the North Carolina House including the personnel funding request in its budget proposal while the Senate's position remained pending.

Governor Stein requested funding for a dedicated fentanyl control unit to investigate drug trafficking across North Carolina, proposing an annual budget of $2.5 million for agents from the State Bureau of Investigation and special prosecutors from the Department of Justice. The North Carolina House allocated $1.2 million for the unit in its budget proposal, while the state Senate and House continued budget negotiations with a final vote expected later in the year. Stein's request came amid ongoing fentanyl-related deaths in the state, which numbered approximately nine per day according to the governor's statement.

Governor Stein requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency cover up to 100 percent of cleanup costs in western North Carolina beyond the first 180 days following Hurricane Helene, citing a total storm cost of approximately $60 billion and projected cleanup expenses of up to $2 billion for roads and waterways. After FEMA denied the initial request and subsequently denied Stein's appeal, the state will be responsible for covering 10 percent of cleanup costs. Stein stated that his office continues to pursue additional funding at the state and federal levels to support relief efforts in western North Carolina.

Governor Stein established the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina to oversee the distribution of millions of dollars in Hurricane Helene recovery funds. The office faced scrutiny from North Carolina Republican lawmakers regarding delays in distributing the recovery funds, with State Rep. Mark Pless stating that despite outreach to mountain communities, no funds had been distributed as of May 2025 despite being appropriated in March. The Grow NC Director reported that 80 percent of the money had been approved and distributed, with the office working to disburse remaining funds.

On May 8, 2025, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein proposed the creation of a Fentanyl Control Unit to state lawmakers during an appearance in Charlotte. The unit would employ specialized drug agents and prosecutors focused on disrupting drug trafficking operations across jurisdictional boundaries. Stein requested that the initiative be funded through the upcoming state budget.

Governor Stein included funding for over 100 new DMV positions in his recent budget proposal to address staffing shortages at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. North Carolina announced plans to adopt Arizona's DMV software system, which ranks fourth in the nation, to replace its outdated computer systems some of which are 30 years old and to reduce customer wait times. The state is also conducting a search to replace outgoing DMV commissioner Wayne Goodwin, with department leadership emphasizing that leadership changes and software upgrades will be necessary to improve service efficiency.

Governor Josh Stein's administration announced that North Carolina would partner with Arizona to address operational issues at the Division of Motor Vehicles, including lengthy wait times and limited appointment availability. Stein's budget proposal included funding for more than 100 new DMV positions, though he stated that legislative confidence in a comprehensive plan would be necessary to secure approval. The state is examining Arizona's streamlined software systems to replace North Carolina's aging technology infrastructure, with some systems dating back approximately 30 years.

Governor Stein signed into law a Hurricane Helene relief bill allocating $528 million for home repairs, private road reconstruction, agricultural recovery, and infrastructure assistance, with an additional $327 million designated for recovery from previous storms and other disasters. The measure represented a compromise between competing House and Senate versions that passed with overwhelming Republican support, though it provided less funding than the $1.07 billion Stein had requested from the legislature. Stein stated the appropriation represented a necessary first step in addressing recovery needs while acknowledging the amount was inadequate relative to the estimated $59.6 billion in total damages and recovery costs from the September storm.

Stein signed a $500 million recovery bill passed by the North Carolina legislature following Hurricane Helene. The legislation allocated funds for disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in the state. The bill's passage followed an extended period of legislative deliberation before reaching the governor's desk.

Stein expressed support for House Bill 87, legislation that would require North Carolina school districts to establish policies restricting or banning cellphone use in schools. The House Judiciary Committee advanced the bill in March 2025, with similar legislation already having passed the state Senate. Stein characterized cellphones as a "major distraction" for students and a "disruption" for teachers.

Stein announced the establishment of a bipartisan task force focused on child care and early education policy. The task force is scheduled to release an interim report in June, with a comprehensive final report due by the end of the year. The announcement was made in March 2025.

Governor Josh Stein expressed support for Senate Bill 55, which passed the North Carolina Senate and would require school districts to establish policies prohibiting students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during instructional time, with exceptions for teacher-authorized educational use, emergencies, medical needs, and individualized education plans. Stein stated his position during his State of the State address, citing concerns about student wellbeing and the need for classroom focus. The bill is currently in the House and will be reviewed by several committees.

Senate Bill 153, filed by Republican legislative leadership, would require agencies under Stein's administration, including the Department of Public Safety and Department of Adult Correction, to enter cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by August 1. The bill would direct law enforcement officials in those agencies, along with the State Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation, to work with ICE to determine immigration status of persons in custody or under supervision. Stein's communications director stated the governor was reviewing the bill and indicated the administration would work to protect people's rights and safety.

Stein announced that a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during Hurricane Helene's flooding would reopen with two lanes by March 1, 2025, with one lane in each direction operating at reduced speed. The announcement was made during a visit to the damaged roadway where Stein met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to discuss reconstruction efforts and federal emergency relief funding. The collapsed section had severed the primary road connection between North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in late September 2024 when flooding in the Pigeon River gorge washed away over one mile of the eastbound lanes.

Governor Stein announced that two lanes of Interstate 40 will reopen between North Carolina and Tennessee by March 1, 2025, operating as reduced-speed two-way traffic within a construction zone following damage from Hurricane Helene. Stein visited western North Carolina on February 10, 2025, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to assess recovery efforts, noting that the reopening would reconnect the two states and support economic recovery. The announcement followed a previous setback in January when heavy rain caused asphalt to fail in the Pigeon River Gorge, delaying an initially planned reopening.

Governor Stein requested $1.07 billion in immediate funding from the North Carolina General Assembly to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The request came more than four months after the hurricane caused widespread destruction in the region, with communities around Asheville, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain still experiencing significant hardship and displacement. Stein stated that the funding was necessary to ensure the state provided adequate assistance to affected residents and that he would work to secure the appropriation from lawmakers.

Governor Stein stated that he was concerned about the impact of President Trump's executive order freezing federal grants and aid programs on North Carolina, particularly regarding disaster relief funding for Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina. Stein's office announced it was reviewing the executive order to determine its effects on the state's federal funding. The order, which temporarily blocked much federal spending to allow officials to evaluate which programs align with the administration's priorities, prompted widespread concern among state agencies including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which receives approximately 79 percent of its $40 billion annual budget from federal sources.

Attorney General Jackson announced that North Carolina's price gouging law became effective statewide on January 10, 2025, following Governor Stein's declaration of a state of emergency ahead of anticipated winter weather. The law prohibits businesses from charging excessively high prices during emergencies, though reasonable price increases to offset legitimate operational costs are permitted. Jackson stated that the Department of Justice would investigate complaints filed through 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or online at www.ncdoj.gov/pricegouging and take action against violations.

On his first full day in office, Governor Stein signed five executive orders in Asheville focused on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The orders included a limited waiver on housing regulations to increase temporary housing supply on private property, direction to emergency management to address private roads and bridges, and creation of the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina to manage long-term housing construction and community resilience. Stein cited the need for immediate action, noting that more than 12,000 people remained displaced and that safe housing was needed during the coldest months of the year.

Governor Stein signed five executive orders on January 2, 2025, establishing the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) as a new state agency dedicated to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The orders included creation of an advisory committee composed of local leaders, provision of 16 additional paid hours of disaster relief time off for state employees, and targeted modifications to state purchasing rules to expedite reconstruction of private roads and bridges and construction of temporary housing. Stein stated the changes were intended to accelerate recovery efforts, noting approximately 12,000 people in western North Carolina remained without safe housing following the hurricane.