Rep. Laura Budd

Maddy summaryHB 503, the "Don't Tread on Me Act," proposes new protections for North Carolinians by restricting government overreach in privacy, healthcare, education, and employment. It prohibits state agencies from conducting warrantless surveillance, demanding private medical or political information for services, denying reproductive care based on ideology, interfering with parental decisions without due process, or censoring fact-based education. The bill also bans discrimination in employment, housing, or public services based on private beliefs, medical history, or lawful conduct. Currently in early legislative stages (filed March 24, passed 1st reading March 26), it would take effect if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 513 appropriates $1 million annually from the General Fund to fund North Carolina's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program through fiscal years 2025-2027. It allocates $855,000 yearly to create nine new full-time Regional Ombudsman positions in areas most needing support, as determined by the State Ombudsman, to help meet national staffing standards. The remaining funds cover operational costs like equipment, supplies, and transportation for existing program staff. This directly benefits long-term care residents by expanding access to ombudsman services that address facility concerns and advocate for their rights.

Maddy summaryHB 504 allocates $474,680 over the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to fund a pilot program in Mecklenburg County towns (Matthews, Pineville, and Mint Hill), directly affecting these localities and residents experiencing mental health crises. The bill provides funds to hire full-time mental health professionals who will work alongside police officers during mental health-related emergency calls, integrating clinical support into law enforcement responses. Each participating town receives specific annual allocations ($131,280 for Matthews, $171,700 each for Pineville and Mint Hill) to support this co-responder model. The program aims to improve outcomes for individuals in mental health distress by pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals during crisis calls. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 511 establishes new salary levels for full-time magistrates in North Carolina, directly affecting these court officers who handle minor cases like traffic violations and small claims. The bill appropriates $11.5 million annually from the General Fund for 2025-2027 to fund these increases, with specific salary steps outlined in the law. Magistrates will receive raises every two years for the first three experience levels and every four years for higher levels, starting at $47,228 for new hires and reaching $90,498 for the highest step. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to magistrates working at least 40 hours weekly.

Maddy summaryHB 499, the North Carolina Paid Family Leave Insurance Act, would create a state-run program providing up to 26 weeks of paid leave for eligible workers in North Carolina starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects most employees who meet income and work requirements, allowing them to take leave for the birth or adoption of a child (up to 12 weeks), caring for a seriously ill family member (up to 12 weeks), their own serious health condition (up to 18 weeks), or caring for a military service member (up to 26 weeks). The program is funded through employee contributions and administered by the Division of Employment Security, with specific definitions of eligible family members and protections against employer retaliation for taking leave. The bill does not cover federal employees or the U.S. government.

Maddy summaryHB 510, the "Menstrual Equity for All Act," exempts feminine hygiene products (like tampons, menstrual cups, and sanitary napkins) from state sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It allocates $750,000 annually from 2025-2027 to fund a grant program through the Department of Public Instruction, providing these products to public school students in need. The bill directly affects public schools and students, particularly in low-income communities, by reducing financial barriers to accessing essential menstrual products. Key provisions include redefining "feminine hygiene products" for tax purposes and establishing a dedicated funding stream for school-based distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 500, titled "NC Adopt Equal Rights Amendment," is a resolution by the North Carolina General Assembly to formally ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA, proposed by Congress in 1972 and ratified by 38 states (including Virginia in 2020), aims to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. This bill directs the state to send a certified copy of the ratification to the U.S. Archivist, Congress, and North Carolina’s congressional delegation. It is a procedural act with no direct impact on state law, solely affirming North Carolina’s support for the ERA’s status as the 28th Amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 509, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, codifies the constitutional protections for abortion access established in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey by prohibiting North Carolina from imposing restrictions that create an undue burden before fetal viability. The bill allows state restrictions only after fetal viability to preserve life or health and defines "undue burden" as any substantial obstacle to accessing abortion care. It removes barriers such as unnecessary parental consent requirements for minors and expands the scope of healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives) who can perform or assist with abortion care. Additionally, the bill requires health insurance plans to cover abortion services and related complications, ensuring broader access for insured individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 507, "The Children First Act," expands affordable child care access for North Carolina families by increasing subsidy eligibility to 85% of state median income and raising subsidy rates to cover actual care costs. It allocates $50 million annually for subsidies and $15 million for grants to establish new child care facilities in rural or underserved areas, targeting "child care deserts." The bill also creates an employer-provided child care credit to incentivize workplace child care programs. These provisions directly affect low-to-moderate-income families, child care providers, and employers seeking to support working parents.

Maddy summaryHB 484 authorizes North Carolina's African American Heritage Commission to study creating monuments and markers honoring the state's civil rights history, including sites related to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, sit-ins, and desegregation efforts. The bill directly affects the Commission, which must hold public hearings and report findings by May 2026, and North Carolinians by commemorating local contributions to the civil rights movement. Key provisions include appropriating $500,000 for the Commission to place markers along the state's Civil Rights Trail and conducting feasibility studies on permanent monuments. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funding allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.