Rep. Laura Budd

Maddy summaryHB 179 would allow North Carolina taxpayers to deduct labor union membership dues from their state income tax starting in 2026. The bill creates a new tax deduction for dues, fees, assessments, or other payments required to maintain membership in a labor organization, as defined by state law. This applies specifically to individuals who pay such costs as a condition of union participation. The policy change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 175 proposes amending North Carolina's constitution to remove the current provision stating "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this change would allow the state to recognize all marriages equally, directly affecting all North Carolinians seeking marriage licenses or legal recognition. The bill requires voter approval via a yes/no ballot question in November 2026, with the amendment taking effect January 1, 2027, if passed. This is a constitutional referendum, not an immediate law, and would replace the existing constitutional language without altering current marriage laws.

Maddy summaryHB 181 reinstates North Carolina's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families with children, providing a state tax credit equal to 5% of the federal EITC amount. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive cash payments even if they owe no state tax, directly benefiting low-to-moderate income households struggling with housing, childcare, and basic living costs. It applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and aligns with federal EITC eligibility criteria. The bill reenacts the credit after its prior expiration, creating a concrete policy change to supplement family income.

Maddy summaryHB 119 allows Pitt County schools to open as early as August 10 (instead of the standard August 26) for the 2025-2026 school year, provided they meet "good cause" requirements. "Good cause" means the county experienced eight weather-related or emergency school closures over four of the last ten years. The bill applies exclusively to Pitt County schools and does not change closing dates or instructional day requirements. It modifies existing state law to provide targeted calendar flexibility for this specific district.

Maddy summaryHB 111 grants Chatham County Schools flexibility to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19) and adjust assessment timing. It allows the district to open before the standard August 26 date if they demonstrate "good cause" (eight or more emergency closures in four of the last ten years due to weather or other emergencies). The bill also permits administering annual assessments earlier if the fall semester ends before December 31. These changes apply only to Chatham County Schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill modifies existing education statutes to create this specific exception for the county.

Maddy summaryHB 168, the North Carolina CROWN Act, prohibits employment discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles like braids, locks, or twists. It explicitly adds these characteristics to the definition of "race" under North Carolina's anti-discrimination law, covering all employers and job applicants. The bill also strengthens protections by banning retaliation against employees who report such discrimination. It applies to all public and private employers statewide upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 167 (North Carolina) prohibits leaving a firearm in an unattended vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is secured with a trigger lock or stored in a locked container. This law directly affects vehicle owners who store firearms in their cars, making it illegal to leave them unsecured in an unattended vehicle. Violations carry a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty. The bill becomes effective December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 166 creates a legal process for courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms when they pose a danger of harming themselves or others. The bill allows family members, law enforcement, or healthcare providers to petition a court for an ERPO, requiring the court to order the seizure of firearms if the respondent fails to surrender them. It specifically defines "firearm" and outlines procedures for filing petitions, service, and court hearings, with no court costs for petitioners. The law aims to prevent gun-related harm through court-supervised temporary firearm removal, while including safeguards like mandatory mental health evaluations and annual reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 104 allows Buncombe County Schools to adopt an earlier school start date (no earlier than August 19, instead of the standard August 26) if the district meets "good cause" criteria - specifically, if they've had eight or more school closure days annually due to weather or emergencies during four of the last ten years. The bill amends a state law to grant this specific waiver for Buncombe County only, without changing statewide calendar requirements. It applies only to Buncombe County Schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and does not alter closing dates or instructional day minimums. This is a targeted local flexibility measure, not a statewide policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 155 allows Wilkes County Schools and Alexander County Schools to adopt an earlier school start date (no earlier than August 19) for the 2025-2026 school year, instead of the standard August 26 date, if they meet specific "good cause" criteria. The bill requires these districts to document having experienced at least eight emergency school closures (due to weather, power failures, etc.) across four of the last ten years. This waiver applies only to these two counties and ensures they can maintain required instructional days while adjusting their calendars. The law takes effect when enacted, applying to the 2025-2026 school year.