Rep. Carson Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how North Carolina fills vacancies for seven specific state offices, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. If passed by voters, the new rule would require the Governor to appoint a replacement from a list of three candidates recommended by the political party of the original officeholder, provided the party submits the list within 30 days of the vacancy. The amendment also clarifies that if an office term ends on January 1 following the next legislative election, the Governor must appoint someone to finish the term. The measure is scheduled for a vote by the public at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies North Carolina's mask exemption laws by clarifying that wearing a mask for personal health or safety is allowed, but individuals must remove it upon request by law enforcement during a traffic stop or when asked to identify themselves on private property. It also increases criminal penalties for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony if they were wearing a mask or other item that concealed their identity at the time of the offense. Additionally, the legislation creates civil liability for demonstration organizers who obstruct emergency vehicles and updates campaign finance rules regarding federal political committees.

Maddy summaryHB 988 makes technical corrections and clarifying changes to North Carolina's laws governing several state retirement systems for teachers, state employees, local government employees, and judicial and legislative staff. The bill primarily updates the official title of the Executive Director of the Retirement Systems Division and refines administrative procedures related to disability benefits. Key provisions include adjusting timelines for medical reexaminations and income reporting requirements for disability retirees, as well as modifying how long the Retirement Systems Division must retain investigative reports and work papers. These changes aim to correct errors in existing statutes and improve the clarity of rules regarding retirement administration and compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1020, the Retirement Administrative Changes Act of 2024, modifies rules for several North Carolina retirement systems to clarify how benefits are handled when retirees return to work or receive severance pay. The bill suspends retirement allowances for individuals who re-employ themselves in positions offering optional retirement plans and reinstates those payments once they stop contributing to the new plan. Additionally, it prevents members from receiving retirement benefits during any month they are paid severance, including lump sums calculated over a specific time period. The legislation also updates employer reporting requirements by introducing a penalty system for late contribution payments and outlining procedures for withholding state funds from employers in default. These changes apply to the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, and related judicial and legislative retirement systems.

Maddy summaryHB 989 reorganizes and clarifies the laws governing how state and local employees in North Carolina can purchase additional retirement service credits. The bill moves existing rules into a new, unified section to make the regulations easier to understand and apply consistently across different retirement systems. It specifies that members with at least five years of service can buy up to five years of additional credit by paying a lump sum, which is calculated based on the system's financial liabilities plus an administrative fee. Employers may also contribute to these purchases, with costs split between the employer's pension fund and the member's savings account depending on who pays. Ultimately, this legislation updates the legal code without changing the fundamental ability of workers to buy extra retirement time.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for companies in North Carolina that boot or tow vehicles from private property without the owner's consent. It requires these businesses to obtain an annual permit and maintain a public database that logs details about each tow, including the reason for removal and the fees charged. Private property owners must display specific signs at parking lot entrances listing the towing company's contact information and fees before any vehicle can be removed. The legislation also sets limits on how far a towed vehicle can be transported and prohibits booting cars that are currently occupied. Additionally, it clarifies that residential properties with four or fewer units are exempt from the mandatory signage requirements.