Rep. Deb Butler

Maddy summaryHB 686, the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits the sale or distribution of cosmetic products in North Carolina containing specific restricted substances - such as PFAS, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and asbestos - as intentionally added chemicals, nonfunctional by-products, or nonfunctional contaminants above measurable limits. The bill defines "practical quantification limit" as the lowest reliably measurable concentration and requires manufacturers to provide a compliance certificate if the Board of Agriculture suspects violations. It directly affects cosmetic manufacturers and retailers selling products in North Carolina, mandating adherence to these chemical restrictions starting January 1, 2026. The law aims to reduce consumer exposure to chemicals linked to health concerns by banning them in cosmetics above specified thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 684 establishes North Carolina's first formal environmental justice framework to address disproportionate health and environmental risks faced by BIPOC, low-income, and marginalized communities. The bill defines key terms like "communities of color" (40%+ nonwhite residents or 10% higher than county/state) and "disproportionate impact" to guide state agencies. It requires all state agencies to identify and reduce environmental health disparities by considering environmental justice in decision-making, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits like clean air, green spaces, and renewable energy. The law aims to create consistent standards for addressing pollution burdens and health inequities across North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 738 restores specific definitions for wetland protections in North Carolina by repealing prior legislative changes and reinstating the 2010 North Carolina Wetland Assessment Manual definitions. It explicitly defines "isolated wetlands" to include those confirmed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before June 2020 and wetlands classified as basins or bogs under the state's 2010 manual (excluding man-made stormwater features). The bill also clarifies that "wetlands" include waters meeting federal definitions (33 C.F.R. § 328.3 and 40 C.F.R. § 230.3) and the reinstated isolated wetland category. This directly affects developers, landowners, and local governments by determining which projects require wetland permits under state law. The policy change reinstates pre-2020 regulatory boundaries without creating new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 749 appropriates $9,818,000 in one-time state funds to the City of Greensboro for public safety projects. The bill directs $9 million to construct a new fire station serving the north side of Piedmont Triad International Airport and $818,000 to relocate, enhance, and operate the Greensboro Police Department's Real Time Intelligence Center. These funds are allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and become effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Greensboro's fire and police services by funding specific infrastructure and technology upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 745, the Fair Competition Study Act, requires North Carolina's Public Utilities Commission to study ways to improve competition in the state's energy market. The study will assess current electricity provider structures, evaluate regional market options like energy imbalance markets or transmission organizations, and analyze impacts on customer costs, environmental goals, and vulnerable communities. The Commission must complete the study within one year and report findings to lawmakers, with the goal of informing potential future policy changes. This bill does not change current energy laws but directs a review to guide future decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 742, the "North Carolina Healthy Schools Act of 2025," requires all public schools to adopt green cleaning policies using environmentally sensitive cleaning products when cost-effective. Public school units (including charter, regional, and local districts) must follow guidelines established by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which will create annual standards for eco-friendly products and distribute them to schools. Schools unable to adopt the policy due to increased costs must provide annual written notifications to DPI instead. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year, with nonpublic schools having 50+ students encouraged - but not required - to follow similar practices.

Maddy summaryHB 735 amends North Carolina's transportation funding rules to clarify state support for rail projects. It sets a 10% cap on state funds for commuter and light rail projects - limiting spending to either 10% of a regional funding allocation or 10% of the project's estimated cost. The bill also creates a new eligibility category for public transit services spanning four or more counties and serving over three municipalities. Additionally, it specifies that the state will not cover costs exceeding these funding limits, requiring project agreements to include these restrictions. The changes apply directly to regional transit authorities and developers seeking state funding for rail infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 722 requires North Carolina courts to first assess a defendant's ability to pay before imposing criminal court costs and fees. It modifies rules for collecting specific costs like failure-to-appear fees ($200), crime lab services ($600 max), and digital forensics fees, requiring judges to determine affordability before assessment. The bill also mandates that courts provide 15 days' notice to government entities (like crime labs or prosecutors) before waiving or reducing fees, ensuring affected parties can object. This directly affects defendants convicted in criminal cases and government entities that collect or rely on these fees.

Maddy summaryHB 141, the Joe John Remembrance Act, removes an additional fee for special license plates designated for fire department and rescue squad members in North Carolina. The bill amends state law to formally eliminate the "additional fee" listed for these plates (which was already set to $0 in the current fee schedule), meaning eligible firefighters and rescue personnel will pay only the standard registration fee when obtaining or renewing these special plates. This change applies to plates issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new benefits but codifies an existing fee structure for these specific special plates.

Maddy summaryHB 752 establishes two new funds to support transportation infrastructure: a $50 million Rail Fund for railroad upgrades, connections, and equipment, and an Airport Fund for airport capital improvements and flight incentives. The Rail Fund prioritizes projects that boost economic growth, with 60% of annual allocations reserved for matching federal grants and 30% for planning. The Airport Fund limits 80% of funds to capital projects (like runway upgrades), 17% to attract strategic flights, and up to 20% to safety improvements. Both funds require competitive allocation based on projected job creation and economic impact, with annual reports to lawmakers. This bill directly affects rail operators, airports, and industries relying on transportation networks across North Carolina.