In a recent development, Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina vetoed a masking bill on Friday, citing concerns over a campaign finance provision added during legislative negotiations. The revised bill, which had initially sparked controversy due to the removal of a health exemption for wearing masks, will now be sent back to the state legislature for further discussion.

Despite Republicans holding narrow veto-proof majorities at the General Assembly, Cooper's veto marks his third this year. GOP lawmakers have yet to take up override votes on his previous two vetoes from the current session. However, it is anticipated that such votes may take place soon.

The original version of the bill, which passed through the state Senate, faced significant criticism for eliminating an exemption to public masking laws enacted in 2020. This exemption allowed individuals to wear masks for health reasons, and its removal would have technically made masking for health purposes illegal in the state.

While the removal of the health exemption garnered attention, the main focus of the bill was on increasing penalties for wearing masks while committing crimes or obstructing roadways during demonstrations. Republican legislators pushed for this legislation as a response to the use of masks during protests over the war in Gaza, including demonstrations on the University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus.

However, when the bill reached the state House, Republican Representative Erin Pare made it known that she would not vote for the bill without a health exemption. Since Republicans required every GOP vote to pass more divisive legislation, the bill was sent to a committee to reach a compromise.

Earlier this month, a deal was reached, adding a health exemption that permitted the wearing of "medical or surgical grade masks" to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, under the new bill changes, law enforcement and property owners would be allowed to request temporary removal of masks for identification purposes.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of a campaign donations clause in the bill sparked outrage among Democratic legislators. This provision allows affluent donors to contribute to special federal political organizations that can then direct the funds to state and county parties. Governor Cooper expressed concerns about this provision, stating that it creates a "gaping loophole for secret, unlimited campaign money" which could lead to problems during an election year. He also emphasized that the legislation still fails to fully protect individuals who wear masks for health reasons.

Cooper's veto received support from the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, with policy counsel Reighlah Collins denouncing the bill as "anti-protest" legislation that curtails people's First Amendment rights. On the other hand, Republican Senator Danny Britt argued that the veto encourages "bad actors" to wear masks to evade accountability for their actions.

Republicans defended the campaign finance addition, citing the need to address issues arising from a 2020 State Board of Elections advisory opinion. They claimed that the opinion imposed limitations on campaign donations, hindering groups such as the Republican Governors Association from assisting the state party.

The veto overrides for the bill are expected to be taken up by the House and Senate next week before a potential indefinite hiatus is taken to address budget concerns.