Rep. Carson Smith

Maddy summaryHB 50 creates two new options for retired state and local law enforcement officers with at least 30 years of service or 55 years old with 5+ years of service. It allows officers retiring before age 62 to choose between two calculation methods for an annual separation allowance: either 0.85% of their most recent base pay for each year of service, or a fixed amount based on pay at 30 years of service. The allowance stops when officers turn 62 or pass away. This directly affects qualifying law enforcement officers who retire under North Carolina's state retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 897 modernizes North Carolina's alarm systems licensing rules by requiring alarm businesses to designate a full-time licensed manager (called a "qualifying agent") who must pass background checks for violent crimes, drug offenses, or moral turpitude. It updates requirements for businesses to ensure proper oversight, clarifies that out-of-state alarm monitoring companies can register without local employees if they don’t operate through in-person representatives in North Carolina, and specifies that certain security guard companies can use the same manager for alarm monitoring licenses. The bill directly affects alarm installation, monitoring, and security system businesses operating in North Carolina, as well as their qualifying agents. These changes aim to strengthen licensing standards and streamline processes for both in-state and out-of-state providers.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 597 designates the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) as the official state raptor of North Carolina. This bill amends Chapter 145 of the General Statutes to formally adopt the osprey as a state symbol.

Maddy summaryHB 674, "The Firearms Liberty Act," proposes several changes to firearms regulations. It would allow for the issuance of lifetime concealed handgun permits, in addition to the current five-year permits, affecting individuals seeking to carry concealed handguns. The bill also specifies that permittees whose concealed carry permits lapse would not need to retake a firearms safety course for renewal under certain conditions. Furthermore, it aims to protect the property rights of individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders by enabling them to store or sell their firearms through qualified licensed dealers. Finally, the bill authorizes the storage and use of defensive devices in biometric safes for schools.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 841 requires the North Carolina Collaboratory to conduct a comprehensive statewide study on shellfish aquaculture leasing regulations. This study will evaluate existing rules, current bans (moratoriums) on new leases, and best practices from other states. It aims to balance economic development, environmental protection, and public access to coastal waters, considering impacts on fishing, boating, property values, and the environment. The Collaboratory must consult with various stakeholders, including shellfish growers, fishermen, and property owners, and will submit an interim report by December 2025 and a final report with recommendations by May 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 953 establishes a Study Committee to examine the pay rates of assistant district attorneys, assistant public defenders, and private assigned counsel in North Carolina. This 12-member committee, comprising legislators, judicial representatives, and legal professionals, will research current pay structures, compare them to other states, and analyze factors affecting attorney recruitment and retention, including cost-of-living. The committee is tasked with studying various pay models and will report its findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly by March 2026 and March 2027.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 746 provides limited immunity from medical malpractice lawsuits for registered nurses in North Carolina. It clarifies that nurses acting under the direction of a supervising health care provider do not owe a separate duty of care to the patient. This means a nurse cannot be held liable for malpractice solely based on a separate duty of care when following a supervisor's orders. However, this protection does not apply if a nurse acts independently, departs from supervision, fails to exhibit professional conduct, or engages in gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.

Maddy summaryHB 483 proposes several changes to juvenile justice procedures. The bill extends the maximum terms of probation and post-release supervision for youth adjudicated of certain violent offenses (Class A, B1, or B2 felonies) to up to three years. It clarifies a victim's right to be notified and heard regarding the termination of a juvenile's probation or post-release supervision. Additionally, the bill modifies criteria for secure custody, allowing a superior court judge to issue such an order after a case is moved to juvenile court and authorizing it for juveniles who violate domestic violence protective orders.

Maddy summaryHB 789 creates a new mitigating factor for individuals charged with impaired driving offenses in North Carolina. This factor applies if the defendant voluntarily equips their vehicle with an approved ignition interlock system within 45 days of being charged and uses it for at least six months prior to trial, without violations. The bill aims to incentivize early intervention and responsible behavior by offering a potential reduction in sentencing for eligible defendants who meet specific criteria. It also allows individuals who voluntarily install the system and meet certain requirements to apply for a waiver of a portion of the costs if they cannot afford it.

Maddy summaryHB 575, known as "The Hunter Robinson Act," revises North Carolina's laws governing post-release supervision for criminal offenders. The bill modifies how the "maximum imposed term" is calculated for prisoners serving consecutive sentences by adjusting the months deducted based on felony class. It also changes when prisoners become eligible for post-release supervision and extends the required length of the supervision period for most felony categories. These changes generally result in longer post-release supervision terms for affected offenders. The act applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.