Rep. Brandon Lofton

Maddy summaryHB 715 appropriates $13.3 million annually from the General Fund to expand access to North Carolina's Prekindergarten (NC Pre-K) program for eligible children. The funding, allocated to the state's child development agency, will create additional program slots for children seeking enrollment starting July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects low-income 4-year-olds who qualify for the NC Pre-K program by increasing available spots through dedicated state funding. The legislation focuses solely on providing financial resources for program expansion, with no changes to eligibility criteria or program structure.

Maddy summaryHB 708 establishes a $2.5 million annual grant program to fund after-school robotics education for North Carolina high school students. It provides grants to public schools or community organizations partnering with approved robotics organizations (like nonprofits or universities) to cover robotics kits, coach stipends, competition fees, and program coordination. The bill also requires schools to grant excused absences for students participating in robotics competitions, aligning with existing policies for academic events. This directly supports high school students in STEM fields through structured, competitive robotics programs while mandating annual reporting on grant usage and student outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 691, the "Voter Protection and Reliance Act," ensures voters' ballots are counted based on election-day rules by prohibiting the exclusion of valid ballots cast under procedures in place on election day. It requires courts and election officials to apply election rules as they existed on election day, not later changes, and mandates that technical registration errors (like incomplete forms) cannot invalidate a ballot if the voter relied on the process. The bill also creates expedited court procedures for election challenges filed within 90 days before an election or after an election concludes, directing such cases to Wake County Superior Court for faster resolution. This directly affects voters, election officials, and courts by prioritizing ballot integrity based on election-day procedures over post-election interpretations.

Maddy summaryHB 141, the Joe John Remembrance Act, removes an additional fee for special license plates designated for fire department and rescue squad members in North Carolina. The bill amends state law to formally eliminate the "additional fee" listed for these plates (which was already set to $0 in the current fee schedule), meaning eligible firefighters and rescue personnel will pay only the standard registration fee when obtaining or renewing these special plates. This change applies to plates issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new benefits but codifies an existing fee structure for these specific special plates.

Maddy summaryHB 630 restores a sales tax refund program for North Carolina's public school districts. It allows local school administrative units to receive annual refunds for sales tax paid on direct purchases of tangible property and services (like supplies or equipment), excluding items such as electricity, telecom, or food. The refund amount is capped at $13.3 million per year for all districts combined. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and adjusts state funding to reflect the restored refund program.

Maddy summaryHB 651 reduces parent cost-sharing for subsidized child care in North Carolina by lowering the copayment rate from 10% to 7% of gross family income. This change directly affects families enrolled in state-subsidized child care programs who pay a portion of their care costs. The bill appropriates $25 million annually from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to fund this reduction, effective July 1, 2025. It also specifies adjusted copayment rates for blended-rate and part-time care scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 628 reenacts North Carolina's state-level child tax credit, which expired, to provide financial support to families with children. It directly affects low- and middle-income North Carolina residents who qualify under federal child tax credit rules, offering up to $250 per child annually based on household income. Key provisions include income-based credit amounts (e.g., $250 for married couples filing jointly with under $40,000 income) that phase out at higher earnings, and the credit is refundable - meaning families may receive cash payments even if they owe no state tax. The bill takes effect for 2025 tax years and mirrors the federal credit structure without creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 645 (Friendly NC Act) strengthens hate crime laws in North Carolina by expanding definitions to include offenses motivated by race, religion, nationality, or other protected characteristics. It increases penalties for hate-motivated misdemeanors (elevating them to Class 1 misdemeanors or felonies) and creates new felony charges for hate-motivated serious bodily injury. Victims gain civil remedies (including emotional distress damages and attorney fees) and can request restorative justice sessions with trained facilitators, paid for by the offender. The bill directly affects individuals who commit hate crimes and victims of such offenses, aiming to promote inclusivity through enhanced legal protections.

Maddy summaryHB 426 establishes the Workforce Diploma Program to help North Carolina adults aged 21+ without high school diplomas earn diplomas while gaining job skills. The program requires approved providers to offer courses combining diploma requirements with career training, including employability certifications and industry credentials. Participants receive milestone-based funding up to $7,500 per person, with payments tied to completing half-credits, certifications, or diplomas. The program mandates annual reports tracking participant outcomes like diplomas earned, credits, and workforce credentials. It appropriates $5 million for implementation starting July 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 608 amends North Carolina's computer trespass law to add automatic minimum damages for unauthorized copying of protected health information (like medical records) or government employee personnel files (including SSNs, medical history, and salary details). It establishes a $5,000 minimum penalty per violation for breaches involving either type of sensitive data, replacing the previous requirement to prove actual damages. The law directly affects healthcare providers, government employers, and anyone handling such data, ensuring victims can recover at least $5,000 per incident without proving financial loss. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed after that date.