In a significant move to address various issues affecting North Carolinians, Governor Stein approved a suite of 15 new bills aimed at employment, education, licensure, and child care. One of the highlights from these actions is Stein's endorsement of Senate Bill 124, which seeks to offer opportunities beyond traditional four-year degrees. "People shouldn’t have to have a four-year degree to get a good-paying job and support a family, and this bill brings us one step closer to that goal," Governor Stein remarked, according to the Governor's Office press release.
Education also received attention with House Bill 959 which is aiming to create cell phone-free classrooms. Governor Stein articulated the anticipated benefits, "When teachers don’t have to compete with cell phones for student attention, real learning happens. This bipartisan bill gives students a distraction-free learning environment so they can focus on their education, and it provides a seven-hour mental break from the unrelenting pressures of phones and social media." Governor Stein's actions come after recommendations from the Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-being, as detailed in the Governor's Office press release.
Additionally, Senate Bill 321 received the governor's approval, facilitating varied pathways to CPA licensure in the state. Governor Stein assured that the bill maintains the state's standards while improving access by stating, "This bill gives people more paths to obtaining their CPA license without reducing rigor or lowering our state’s standards." This statement, among others, was included in the same press release.
The Governor acknowledged the pressing healthcare staffing challenges with his signing of House Bill 67. He highlighted the importance of experienced practitioners, "North Carolina is facing real problems filling health care jobs. To keep our people healthy, we need to reduce barriers for well-trained physicians, physician assistants, and providers from other states to practice here more quickly." These statements reflect part of a series outlined in the Governor's Office official announcement.
The legislation's scope extended to child care as well, with House Bill 412 aimed at addressing the existing child care crisis in North Carolina. Governor Stein voiced his support for the measure: "We have much more work to do and investment needed to address the child care crisis facing our parents and child care programs, but I am pleased the General Assembly has taken a positive step forward with this bill to support early childhood educators and increase access to child care for young and school-age children," as per the Governor's Office official announcement.
Beyond these major bills, Governor Stein also signed into law House Bill 737, Senate Bill 77, Senate Bill 295, House Bill 975, House Bill 762, House Bill 537, House Bill 378, House Bill 388, and Senate Bill 391. The Governor's Office commended the collaborative efforts, particularly with the growth-focused House Bill 948, saying, "North Carolina is growing rapidly, and now is the time to make smart investments that will help us support our growing population."
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