North Carolina Republicans just handed Gov. Josh Stein another stinging defeat — and delivered a major win for conservatives on one of the most contentious issues in the country.
The General Assembly voted to override Stein’s veto of H.B. 805, a sweeping bill that bans state funding for transgender medical procedures for minors. That means no taxpayer money can be used for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or gender transition surgeries for anyone under 18. The ban also extends to prisoners, effectively ending taxpayer-funded gender transitions in the state prison system.
But H.B. 805 didn’t stop there. It codifies in state law that there are only two sexes, defines “male” and “female,” restricts pornographic content to better protect women and minors, and gives parents more control over what their kids are exposed to in schools and libraries.
NC legislature just overrode Gov Stein’s veto of HB 805.
This bill:
– defines “woman” & “man”
– restricts pornographic content
– prohibits state funding for chemical/surgical castration for minors and prisoners
– gives parents more control in schoolsBOOM👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Yb4lWETEF2
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 29, 2025
For conservatives, it’s a cultural pushback that’s been a long time coming. Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer turned women’s rights advocate, celebrated on social media:
“NC legislature just overrode Gov Stein’s veto of HB 805. BOOM.”
Predictably, Stein — who vetoed multiple GOP-led bills earlier this month — fumed over the override. He called H.B. 805 and others “mean-spirited,” accusing Republicans of “stoking culture wars that further divide us.”
But Republicans didn’t need a full supermajority to win. Despite being one seat short in the House, several Democrats crossed the aisle, giving the GOP the votes to push the bill over the finish line.
It wasn’t the only override, either. Lawmakers also enacted H.B. 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, which requires sheriffs to check immigration status when someone is charged with a serious crime and hand them over to ICE if they’re in the country illegally. Majority Leader Brenden Jones called it “commonsense law.”
Other vetoed bills — including a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education and a permitless carry measure for those over 18 — are waiting for House votes.
