Rep. Karl Gillespie

Maddy summaryHB 63 removes four specific property parcels (totaling approximately 62 acres) from the Town of Andrews' corporate limits in Cherokee County. The bill directly affects the owners of these parcels - Steelhouse Mountain, LLC, and others named in the deeds - by ending their obligation to pay municipal taxes starting July 1, 2025. Key provisions include formally removing the described tracts (listed by parcel numbers and acreage) and clarifying that existing property taxes or liens for pre-2025 debts remain enforceable. The change takes effect June 30, 2025, with tax exemption applying to taxable years beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 876 requires North Carolina local governments to complete an initial administrative review of development approval applications within two business days. If an application is incomplete, the local government must provide developers with a detailed written list of deficiencies, including the specific requirements violated and corrective actions needed. Developers can then correct deficiencies, request reconsideration within two days, or opt for an independent third-party review by a licensed engineer or architect if the local government misses deadlines - after which the government must issue permits within two days and refund fees. This bill applies to most development approvals but excludes residential building plans under the North Carolina Residential Code, which follow separate 15-day review rules.

Maddy summaryHB 869 requires North Carolina state buildings, parking areas, and license plates to use a new "dynamic symbol of access" (a wheelchair icon with a forward-leaning, movement-focused design) instead of the current international symbol of access, effective January 1, 2026. The bill mandates that state agencies implement the new symbol on signs and updates driver’s license tests to require recognition of both symbols. It also specifies that license plates, removable windshield placards, and parking space signs must display the dynamic symbol by the same deadline. The change applies to all new or replaced signage and vehicle markings after 2026, while affirming the new symbol signifies equivalent accessibility standards as the existing symbol.

Maddy summaryHB 160 requires North Carolina's University of North Carolina School of Medicine Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) to create and share evidence-based information about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) with all healthcare practitioners in the state. This includes current risk factors, conditions, and contact details for epilepsy support organizations, available on NC AHEC's website. Healthcare providers treating epilepsy patients will directly receive this standardized resource, which must be compiled by consulting medical boards and professional societies. NC AHEC must report the completed resource to the legislature by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 471, the Food Labeling Transparency Act, requires manufacturers of cell-cultured and insect-based food products to clearly label items that use meat or poultry terms (like "beef," "chicken," or "burger") with qualifying terms such as "cell-cultured," "insect-based," or "lab-grown" in prominent, close proximity to the product name. This applies to products that mimic traditional meat or poultry but are made without animal slaughter, directly affecting manufacturers of these alternative protein products. The law mandates this labeling to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring the product’s origin is transparent, with enforcement starting October 1, 2025. It does not restrict the sale of these products but requires specific labeling to distinguish them from conventional meat.

Maddy summaryHB 295 requires the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) to install permanent property corner markers after acquiring land for transportation projects. It directly affects property owners whose land is used for DOT projects, ensuring clear boundary identification. The bill mandates DOT to survey and place durable markers (like metal stakes) along acquired property lines after project completion, using coordinates tied to North Carolina's State Plane Coordinate system. This ensures accurate, long-term documentation of property boundaries for future reference.

Maddy summaryHB 382 allows North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission to issue elk hunting permits through a raffle and an auction for the 2026 season. Residents can enter a $20-per-ticket raffle (max 30 tickets for $500), while a nonprofit focused on elk conservation must conduct an auction where the nonprofit keeps ≤25% of proceeds, with all other funds going to elk conservation. Permits are nontransferable, and the Commission must reserve 50% of raffle permits for North Carolina residents in future seasons. All revenue supplements existing elk management funding, and the Commission must report annually on program effectiveness to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 647 expands North Carolina’s agricultural tax program to include land owned by qualified conservation organizations. It allows conservation holders (nonprofits dedicated to preserving farmland/forestland) to have land taxed at its current agricultural or forest use value, rather than its full market value, when they acquire it. To qualify, land must be appraised at present-use value upon transfer to the conservation holder, and the holder must continue using it for conservation purposes while assuming tax liability for any deferred taxes. This bill directly affects conservation groups and landowners transferring property to them, aiming to support long-term land preservation through tax incentives. The law takes effect for taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 300 establishes a program to reimburse owners of retired first responder dogs for veterinary care. It directly affects owners of canines that served with law enforcement, fire departments, or correctional agencies in roles like narcotics detection or search and rescue, after retiring on or after July 1, 2024. The bill requires registration of the dog and owner with the Department of Public Safety, then allows reimbursement of up to $1,500 annually for covered care - including routine check-ups, vaccinations, emergencies, surgeries, and euthanasia. Owners must submit itemized vet bills within 90 days of service.

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.