Cooper vetoes bill to clear school voucher waitlist, compel sheriffs to cooperate with ICE

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper rejected a bill Republicans that included two major GOP priorities. The measure will likely become law over Cooper's objections.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is greeted with applause as he walks on stage at an event in Raleigh for Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill on Friday that stands to expand the state’s school voucher program, commonly referred to as Opportunity Scholarships. The measure would also force sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Last week, House and Senate Republicans advanced the legislation after a monthslong budget stalemate.

House Bill 10 could become law as early as Oct. 9, the next date lawmakers are able to return to Raleigh for a one-day session.

Senate leader Phil Berger, however, told reporters last week, an override vote is more likely to be taken up on the Senate after the election when lawmakers for a four-day session from Nov. 19-22.