Rep. Wyatt Gable

Maddy summaryHB 528 allocates $20 million from the state General Fund to Coastal Carolina Community College for renovating its Trades Building. The one-time funding, effective July 1, 2025, is specifically designated to upgrade facilities used for vocational training programs. This bill directly affects the college’s infrastructure and the students who use the Trades Building for hands-on learning. The provision creates a concrete policy change by directing state funds for a specific capital improvement project.

Maddy summaryHB 527 appropriates $2 million from the North Carolina General Fund to the Town of Swansboro specifically for road maintenance. The bill directs this funding as a grant to the town, with no broader policy changes or new requirements for residents or other entities. It becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and directly affects only the Town of Swansboro's road maintenance budget.

Maddy summaryHB 526 allocates $209,000 in one-time state funds to Onslow County to establish a drug testing laboratory at the Sheriff's Office. This funding directly supports the sheriff's office in improving the speed and accuracy of drug testing for local law enforcement investigations. The bill directs the Office of State Budget and Management to provide the grant for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It will become effective on July 1, 2025.

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 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 411 reduces the early voting period for primary elections in North Carolina from 17 days to 6 days. The bill requires counties to conduct early voting for primaries within a six-day window ending on the last Saturday before the election, affecting voters participating in primary elections. This change applies to all primary elections (including runoffs) and takes effect January 1, 2026. The bill does not alter early voting periods for general elections or municipal elections, which maintain separate rules.

Maddy summaryHB 98, titled the "Patriotism Expression Act" (though misleadingly named), primarily modifies North Carolina's fireworks laws to permit the sale, possession, and use of specific consumer fireworks. It allows consumer fireworks (like sparklers, party poppers, and small novelty devices meeting safety standards under G.S. 58-82A-80) for public use, while maintaining an 18+ age restriction for purchase. The bill specifies that these fireworks must comply with defined safety limits (e.g., no more than 16 milligrams in party poppers, 75 grams per tube for sparklers) and prohibits indoor displays. It directly affects consumers, retailers, and fire safety enforcement, but does not change prohibitions on most fireworks or explosives.

Maddy summaryHB 380 would allow North Carolina students to opt out of school vaccination requirements by submitting a written statement citing personal beliefs (a "conscientious objection"), rather than requiring proof of religious affiliation. It amends immunization reporting rules to include "conscientious objection" as a formal exemption category alongside medical and religious exemptions for public schools and colleges. Parents or guardians would need to provide this written statement instead of religious documentation to exempt their child from vaccination mandates. The policy change applies to public schools and colleges starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 359 appropriates $2 million from the state General Fund to the City of Jacksonville for water and wastewater infrastructure projects during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funds are a one-time allocation specifically for the city’s water and sewer system improvements, directly affecting Jacksonville residents and local infrastructure. The bill requires the city to use the funds exclusively for these projects and takes effect on July 1, 2025. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the financial allocation.