Rep. Kelly Hastings

Maddy summaryHB 449 increases penalties for computer solicitation of minors, making second offenses or those involving actual meetings Class D felonies (up from Class H). It requires sex offender registration petitions to be filed with courts and placed on criminal dockets for timely review. The bill also creates new offenses: "habitual indecent exposure" (Class F felony for two prior convictions) and "aggravated habitual indecent exposure" (Class E felony), both mandating sex offender registration. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of repeated indecent exposure or online solicitation of minors in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 450, the Private Property Rights Act, requires private detectives and wildlife protectors to obtain a search warrant or judicial order before installing electronic tracking devices or inspecting certain private property. The bill directly affects private investigators, wildlife protectors, and property owners by mandating judicial authorization for these specific activities. Key provisions amend state laws to clarify that wildlife protectors need warrants for inspections on private land (excluding wildlife refuges or public areas), and private investigators must secure warrants for electronic tracking. It does not change existing constitutional protections against unreasonable searches but adds procedural requirements for these two groups. The law takes effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 28, the "Gun Violence Prevention Act," creates a new criminal offense for individuals convicted of a felony who possess a firearm or "weapon of mass death and destruction" (as defined in state law) during the commission or attempt of another felony. It imposes stricter penalties: a Class C felony if the weapon is discharged, Class D for brandishing (displaying the weapon), and Class F for other violations. This law applies specifically to convicted felons who already face restrictions on firearm possession, treating this additional offense as separate from the underlying felony. The bill takes effect December 1, 2025, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 5, the NC Constitutional Carry Act, allows any U.S. citizen aged 18 or older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, effective upon enactment. This directly affects most adult residents who are not prohibited from firearm ownership under existing state or federal law. The bill removes the permit requirement for concealed carry (per new Section 14-415.35(a)), while maintaining all existing prohibitions - such as for felons, domestic violence offenders, or those under indictment. It also preserves the ability to obtain permits for reciprocity or other purposes, and continues allowing officials with permits to carry while on duty. The law does not change restrictions for prohibited individuals, who remain barred from concealed carry.

Maddy summaryHB 35 designates November of each year as Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina. The bill creates a symbolic recognition within state law, honoring military service members and veterans during this month. It does not establish new programs, funding, or requirements - it simply formally names November for this purpose. The bill affects the state government's official calendar and public recognition efforts, with no direct impact on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 62, the Farmers Protection Act, prohibits banks from denying or canceling financial services to farmers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer use, or machinery type. It creates a rebuttable presumption that banks violating this rule are acting on ESG (environmental, social, governance) commitments, requiring banks to prove decisions were financially motivated. Banks must annually attest to compliance under penalty of perjury, and violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident. The law directly affects farmers, banks, credit unions, and state financial associations by restricting discriminatory lending practices tied to environmental factors.

Maddy summaryHB 182 creates two key policy changes: First, it allows judges to issue lifetime no-contact orders against defendants convicted of certain violent offenses (including sex offenses requiring registration), requiring a show-cause hearing to determine if the victim fears future contact. Second, it clarifies that caregivers of children under 16 who commit or allow sexual acts with the child face Class D felony charges, specifically expanding penalties for permitting such abuse. The law directly affects victims of violent crimes (through the no-contact protections) and caregivers of children under 16 (through updated felony charges for sexual abuse). These provisions apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 52, the "Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act of 2025," increases penalties for assaults against public safety personnel and their animals. It creates a new Class I felony offense for throwing, spraying, or projecting substances (like water) at public safety officers or law enforcement/search and rescue animals while they are on duty or due to their role. The bill also prohibits intentionally pointing laser devices at these protected individuals or animals during duty. These changes update existing assault laws to explicitly cover a wider range of emergency workers (including firefighters, medical staff, National Guard members, and school employees) and add specific protections for animals used in public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 11 would allow North Carolina taxpayers to deduct overtime pay, up to $2,500 in bonus pay (defined as cash awards for workplace dedication), and reported tips from their taxable income. It applies to individuals and married couples filing jointly, with each spouse eligible for separate deductions. The bill specifically defines "bonus pay" to exclude tips and requires taxpayers to provide documentation to claim the deduction. This policy change would take effect for tax returns filed in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 49, the Filial Debt Fairness Act, clarifies North Carolina's filial responsibility law by explicitly stating that adult children are **not liable for debts their parents incurred** (such as medical bills or loans). The bill amends Section 14-326.1 to clarify that while adult children may still face misdemeanor charges for failing to support a sick or unable-to-work parent (without reasonable cause), they cannot be held responsible for their parents' pre-existing debts. This directly affects adult children who might otherwise be sued for their parents' financial obligations. The law aims to prevent unintended liability for parents' debts while maintaining the existing requirement for children to support parents in need.