Rep. Donnie Loftis

Maddy summaryHB 154 requires NCInnovation, a state entity, to return all state funds and assets it acquired using state money to the North Carolina State Controller. The State Controller must then transfer these funds into the General Fund, where they remain unappropriated until the General Assembly votes to use them for specific purposes. This bill dissolves the financial relationship between the state and NCInnovation by repealing related statutes, effective 60 days after enactment. It directly affects NCInnovation’s financial obligations and the state’s treasury, with no new spending authorized by the transfer.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes repealing a literacy test requirement from the North Carolina Constitution, which would affect all voters by removing a historical barrier to voting. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election, with the ballot explicitly stating: "Constitutional amendment to remove the literacy test requirement... The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits implementation of this requirement." If approved, the change takes effect upon certification by the State Board of Elections. The bill does not alter current voting procedures, as the literacy test has been prohibited by federal law since 1965.

Maddy summaryHB 89, the "University Vaccination Freedom Act," repeals North Carolina's requirement for college and university students to provide vaccination records. It removes the mandate for students to submit immunization certificates to institutions, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. The bill retains existing religious exemption provisions (G.S. 130A-157), allowing students to opt out by submitting a written statement of religious beliefs. This change directly affects all students attending public or private colleges and universities in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 75, the Pharmaceutical Full Disclosure Act, requires prescription drug manufacturers to clearly disclose specific information in advertisements targeting North Carolina consumers. It mandates that ads include the FDA approval date for the drug's use, the date the drug first became available to U.S. consumers, and detailed clinical trial data for required side effects (such as trial length, participant numbers, and side effect frequency). The law applies to all advertisements via TV, internet, print, or radio in North Carolina published on or after October 1, 2025, directly affecting drug manufacturers and their marketing materials. This policy change aims to provide clearer, evidence-based information about prescription drugs in promotional content.

Maddy summaryHB 86, titled "Citizens' Expungement Clarification of 2025," prohibits non-citizens and non-legal residents of the U.S. from clearing criminal convictions or charges from their records through expungement in North Carolina. The bill requires courts to verify a petitioner’s U.S. residency or citizenship status at least 30 days before granting expungement, including potential queries to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It exempts individuals who lawfully entered the U.S. and have filed or are awaiting an immigrant petition with U.S. immigration authorities. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, applying to all expungement petitions filed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 73, the Energy Security Act of 2025, requires all public utilities in North Carolina to install and maintain 24-hour security systems at their substations to protect against vandalism and other security threats. This law directly affects electric utilities operating substations across the state, mandating continuous operation of these security systems starting July 1, 2025. The bill amends North Carolina General Statutes to add Section 62-334, specifying the security requirements without creating new funding or penalties. It focuses on physical security measures for critical infrastructure without altering utility rates or service standards.

Maddy summaryHB 61 increases penalties for assaulting certain emergency personnel with a firearm in North Carolina. It reclassifies assaults against law enforcement officers, probation/parole officers, National Guard members, detention facility staff, emergency medical technicians, medical responders, firefighters, and law enforcement telecommunicators as a Class B1 felony (instead of Class D) when committed during their duties. The bill specifically targets firearm assaults, making them punishable by more severe prison sentences. This law takes effect December 1, 2025, for offenses occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 60 increases Medicaid dental reimbursement rates from 35% to 46% of average dentist charges (2023 rates) to align with neighboring states. The bill allocates $52 million annually from North Carolina's General Fund, matched by $95 million in federal funds, to cover this rate increase starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects dentists who accept Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care, aiming to boost provider participation and prevent costly emergency treatments. The change addresses years of stagnant rates that reduced dental provider enrollment in Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHB 64 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the North Carolina General Assembly to approve the governor's clemency grants (including reprieves, commutations, and pardons after conviction). Currently, the governor can grant clemency without legislative input; this bill would mandate a majority vote in both legislative chambers for such grants to take effect. If the governor grants clemency after the legislature has adjourned for over 30 days, the bill requires the governor to reconvene the session for legislative consideration. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 39 excludes motor vehicles owned by veterans with a 100% disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from North Carolina property tax. It amends state tax law to add these vehicles as a designated exempt class under G.S. 105-275. The exclusion applies to vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects eligible disabled veterans who own motor vehicles, reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or tax rates for other vehicle classes.