Lawmakers in North Carolina approved more severe punishments for rioters for the second time in three years on Thursday — a measure created in response to destructive demonstrations in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.

House Bill 40 now awaits the signature of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who vetoed a similar bill approved by the GOP-controlled General Assembly in 2021. Republicans gained enough seats in November to override a Cooper veto as long as one House Democrat joins them and the GOP majorities remain united.

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