Rep. Julia Greenfield

Maddy summaryHB 258, the Utility Worker Protection Act, increases penalties for assaulting utility and communications workers by designating such assaults as Class A1 misdemeanors - the highest misdemeanor level - when the worker is visibly identifiable (e.g., wearing company-logoed uniforms) and performing duties. It directly affects workers providing electricity, gas, telecommunications, or internet services, including those employed by public, private, or cooperative entities. The bill adds specific language to North Carolina’s assault statute, requiring prosecutors to apply this enhanced penalty for assaults meeting these criteria, without needing other legal provisions. The law takes effect December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 657, the "Duke's Rescue Act," sets minimum care standards for domestic dogs and cats in North Carolina, directly affecting pet owners and caretakers. The bill requires owners to provide adequate food, water, shelter, space, exercise, and veterinary treatment, with detailed definitions (e.g., shelter must protect from extreme weather like temperatures above 85°F or below 32°F). Exceptions are included for activities like hunting, herding livestock, and agricultural work, where certain standards do not apply. This law establishes concrete, measurable requirements for animal welfare without specifying enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tuition waivers at North Carolina community colleges to children of public safety workers who are injured or disabled in the line of duty. It allows children aged 17 to 24 of law enforcement officers, experienced correctional officers, and firefighters to attend classes for free if their parent is permanently and totally disabled due to a traumatic work-related injury. The waiver covers the cost of tuition for the time needed to complete the student's chosen educational program, provided they meet standard admission requirements. The law takes effect with the 2026-2027 academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SEATBELT Act, requires drivers in North Carolina who have had their licenses revoked or limited due to serious speeding offenses to install an approved Intelligent Speed Assistance system in their vehicles as a condition for regaining driving privileges. The system automatically regulates a vehicle's speed to match posted limits, and drivers must keep it installed and functioning for one year after their license is restored. To comply, individuals must designate specific vehicles for use and provide proof of the system's installation before their license can be issued again. The legislation also establishes strict rules preventing the sale or misuse of data collected by these systems and makes it a crime to tamper with the technology. Additionally, the bill mandates that the costs for installing and monitoring these systems be paid by the driver, though a waiver process is available for those who cannot afford them.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates complaints against judges and justices. The new commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the Chief Justice, the State Bar officers, the Governor, and the General Assembly, replacing the current system with a more balanced composition. It also mandates that all disciplinary hearings and resulting sanctions be made public to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill requires voters to approve it in a referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to North Carolina that would require Supreme Court justices to step aside from cases where they have a financial stake or a close personal relationship with the parties involved. It also mandates that justices publicly disclose significant financial transactions, such as buying or selling assets worth at least $10,000, along with any outside income and who funded their travel. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill does not take effect immediately but is instead scheduled for a public vote by voters in November 2026. The amendment would only become law if a majority of voters approve it during that election.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 proposes two constitutional amendments to limit the General Assembly's power and increase legislative transparency. The first amendment would restrict the legislature from passing laws that interfere with the Governor's ability to direct state agencies and manage executive departments, while also placing stricter limits on how administrative powers can be transferred between elected officials. The second amendment would require every bill to address only one specific subject and mandate that bill texts be published to the public and legislators at least 48 hours before a final vote, with exceptions for emergency situations. These changes are not yet in effect; instead, the bill sets up a process to put these amendments on the ballot for North Carolina voters to decide on November 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes the North Carolina State Board of Elections as an independent state agency, shifting its budgeting authority from the State Auditor back to the Board itself. The legislation changes how board members are selected by requiring the Governor to appoint five registered voters from lists of nominees provided by the two major political parties, with a limit of no more than three members from the same party. Additionally, the bill adjusts the appointment process for county election boards, ensuring they include representatives from the two largest political parties and designating a chair appointed by the Governor. These structural changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, following the expiration of current board terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program to clarify how forgivable scholarship loans are administered and to set specific rules for grant funding. It designates the Authority to manage loan agreements and repayment monitoring while requiring the Commission to select up to eight grant recipients annually for principal preparation and two recipients for innovative training development. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for grant recipients, mandating the collection of data on student achievement, job placement rates, and retention in high-need schools. Additionally, the bill allows the use of administrative funds from the Trust Fund to cover program operations, staff salaries, and evaluation costs, with limits set at the greater of two percent of appropriated funds or one hundred sixty thousand dollars per year.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Mike Clampitt 1st Responder Tax Fairness Act, aims to expand tax exemptions for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in North Carolina. Specifically, it allows these independent groups, which have two or fewer paid employees and are already exempt from state income tax, to avoid paying a highway use tax on specific emergency vehicles like fire trucks, forest firefighting units, and other emergency service vehicles. The change applies to vehicles when a certificate of title is issued on or after July 1, 2026, ensuring these organizations can acquire necessary equipment without incurring this particular tax. By broadening the existing exemption, the legislation directly benefits volunteer responders who operate outside of local government units.