North Carolina lawmakers approve more voucher funds and order sheriffs to aid immigration agents

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Republican-dominated North Carolina legislature passed a supplemental spending bill Wednesday that eliminates a large waitlist for private school vouchers and also directs sheriffs to assist federal immigration agents seeking jail inmates. While Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper almost assuredly will veto the measure, it’s still poised to become law later this year if GOP lawmakers remain united.

The House voted 67-43 following debate to accept the legislation worked out by Republican legislative leaders. The Senate approved the measure separately Monday during a scheduled General Assembly session this week. The House also wrapped up Wednesday a successful veto override of a separate Senate bill involving the state’s building code. The bill is now law.

The spending proposal contains provisions considered by Senate and House Republicans but didn’t reach Cooper’s desk when the year’s chief work session ended in late June because GOP leaders couldn’t reach agreements on budget adjustments or other bills.

The compromise measure transfers $463.5 million more this school year and next to the Opportunity Scholarship program. The program saw a massive surge in applications for the fall because legislators in 2023 did away with income limits on families to qualify.

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