July 29, 2025
RALEIGH – The John Locke Foundation celebrates the North Carolina General Assembly’s override of Governor Stein’s veto of the REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny — House Bill 786), which restores a vital check on costly, unelected regulatory action.
“With this override, North Carolina takes a bold step toward restoring balance and accountability in state government,” said Donald Bryson, President and CEO of the John Locke Foundation. “The REINS Act ensures that major regulations — those with significant economic impact — must be approved by the people’s elected representatives.”
The REINS Act requires legislative approval for any rule proposed by a state agency that imposes $100 million or more in costs over a five-year period. This mirrors successful federal reforms and enhances transparency and public input in the rulemaking process.
The John Locke Foundation believes this law is essential to limit bureaucratic overreach and protect job creators, taxpayers, and consumers from unnecessary regulatory burdens.