Rep. Paul Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill's title ("Ensuring Patient Safety with Mail Order Medications") does not match its actual content. The bill, formally titled "AN ACT REVISING ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG LAWS," restricts the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs in North Carolina. It prohibits mailing such drugs to pregnant women unless a qualified physician provides in-person counseling 72 hours prior, all other informed consent requirements are met, and the drugs are FDA-approved. Violations carry $5,000 fines per offense or Class H felony charges, and the bill creates civil remedies allowing women, parents, or the Attorney General to sue for damages or injunctions. The bill is currently pending in committee (referred March 31, 2025) and would take effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 330 updates North Carolina's Controlled Substances Act by adding specific synthetic drugs and chemical structures to Schedule I, making them illegal without exception. It directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals using these substances, as it automatically controls new variants of fentanyl derivatives (like 4-fluorofentanyl), nitazenes, synthetic cannabinoids (including indole carboxamides), and other novel psychoactive substances based on their chemical structure - not just named compounds. Key mechanisms include defining "structurally derived" compounds (e.g., fentanyl modifications) and listing specific examples to close loopholes where manufacturers alter molecules slightly to evade existing laws. This policy change aims to address emerging drug threats by expanding the legal definition of controlled substances.

Maddy summaryHB 16 requires the North Carolina General Assembly to display the national motto "In God We Trust" directly above and behind the dais for the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, aligning with the U.S. House of Representatives' display. The bill mandates the Legislative Services Officer to implement this, first using private gifts or donations for costs, and if none are provided within 90 days, using state funds. It becomes effective July 1, 2025. This is a procedural bill affecting legislative chamber decor, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 470, "The Second Amendment Protection Act," prohibits North Carolina state officials and employees from enforcing federal firearms laws within the state. It specifically bans state law enforcement, government employees, and political subdivisions from assisting in the enforcement of any federal rules, regulations, or statutes related to firearms, accessories, or ammunition. The bill states that such federal laws exceed constitutional authority under the Tenth Amendment and that North Carolina retains full power to regulate firearms under its own laws. It does not change North Carolina's existing firearm regulations but blocks state resources from being used to implement federal gun control measures. The act applies directly to all state and local government employees who might otherwise assist in federal gun law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 47, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, allocates $524 million from the Helene Fund to support recovery efforts in North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The bill directs funds to specific programs including home reconstruction ($120 million), agricultural crop loss assistance ($200 million), road and bridge repairs ($100 million), small business infrastructure grants ($55 million), debris removal ($20 million), fire department equipment ($10 million), and tourism promotion ($4 million). These resources directly assist residents, farmers, local governments, and businesses in designated hurricane-affected counties by addressing immediate rebuilding needs and supporting economic recovery. The bill requires programs to align with federal disaster recovery guidelines to maximize potential federal reimbursement, with reporting requirements for certain initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 184 allows small North Carolina sawmills (those milling under 1 million board feet annually) to sell ungraded lumber directly to homeowners for residential construction. The bill amends building codes to permit this ungraded "dimension lumber" in one- and two-family homes and certain small structures, provided mills meet specific requirements. These include operators holding state-approved lumber grading training certifications, marking lumber with detailed specifications (species, mill ID, PS20 compliance), and providing purchaser certificates. Code officials must review construction for safety compliance (excluding grade-stamp requirements) and are protected from liability for structural issues related to ungraded lumber use. The law aims to support local sawmills while maintaining safety standards through defined labeling, training, and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 186, the "Stars and Stripes Commitment Act," requires all North Carolina public schools (including charter, regional, and laboratory schools) to schedule the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance within one hour of the start of the instructional day. It also mandates that schools display U.S. and North Carolina flags in classrooms when available and provide age-appropriate instruction about the flag and pledge’s meaning. The bill applies to all school governing bodies and state education board meetings, requiring the pledge to open each meeting. Crucially, it explicitly states the policy does not compel anyone to stand, salute, or recite the pledge. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

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 430 would raise North Carolina's legal sales age for all tobacco and nicotine products (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices) to 21. It requires retailers to obtain a tobacco sales permit and verify customers' ages using acceptable ID. The bill directly affects tobacco retailers (who must get permits) and youth under 21 (who would be barred from purchasing these products). Key provisions include defining "vapor products" and establishing penalties for violations, such as fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.

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.