RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed House Bill 237, according to his office on Friday morning, June 21.
The bill, which included increased penalties for those who wear a mask to conceal their identity while committing a crime and updated the state’s campaign finance laws, was ratified by state legislators on June 12.
The changes would allow certain federal political committees, many known as Super PACs, to donate funds to state political parties through accounts that do not have to abide by contribution limits.
Current state law says candidates cannot accept more than $6,400 from any individual donor, but some say if House Bill 237 becomes law, it could create a loophole.
“When it boils down to it, what we’re talking about is large amounts of cash, including from wealthy individuals, trickling its way down through these complex systems into our state elections,” Ann Webb with Common Cause North Carolina said on June 13.
Some Republican Lawmakers have said the bill will help to even the playing field ahead of this year’s elections.
The bill will now return to state legislators, where a three-fifths majority vote in the house and senate would override the veto.
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