Rep. Deb Butler

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires North Carolina property assessors to send clear, plain-language notifications to property owners during revaluations. It mandates that these notices include: (1) a simple explanation of why the revaluation is happening, (2) the projected percentage change in the property's appraised value compared to the previous year, (3) the projected percentage change in the property's tax bill, and (4) a website link, QR code, or phone number for additional information or appeals. This applies to all property owners receiving revaluation notices under state law, including those in municipalities spanning multiple counties. The bill takes effect for notices issued on or after its effective date, aiming to improve transparency in property tax assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 101 requires county and municipal property tax boards to notify property owners in simple language about their right to appeal appraisals that increase by 30% or more compared to prior years. It mandates boards to automatically review such properties and provide written notices within a timeframe allowing owners to act on their appeal rights. The bill directly affects property owners with significant appraisal increases, ensuring they receive clear information about the appeals process. It applies to both county boards of equalization and municipal tax review bodies, aiming to make the system more transparent without changing tax rates or assessment standards.

Maddy summaryHB 84 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (honeybee-killing chemicals like imidacloprid) in North Carolina. It bans retail sales to the general public, allowing only licensed pesticide applicators or farmers using them for crop production to purchase these chemicals. The law also requires the state pesticide board to monitor federal EPA assessments of these pesticides and study whether to regulate seeds treated with systemic insecticides. These changes take effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 78 prohibits North Carolina law enforcement agencies and officers from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement activities - such as arrests or warrant service - in places of religious worship (churches, synagogues, etc.), elementary/secondary schools, and hospitals. The bill makes any agreements with ICE that violate this prohibition void and could lead to suspension or loss of law enforcement certification for officers who ignore the ban. It explicitly states that state law enforcement may still enforce North Carolina’s laws as usual, but not for immigration enforcement in these protected locations. The bill applies to all current and future law enforcement agreements involving ICE.

Maddy summaryHB 77 requires North Carolina state agencies to evaluate the cumulative environmental impact of proposed permits on minority and low-income communities before approving them. It directly affects developers seeking permits for mining, solid waste facilities, hazardous waste sites, and other projects, as well as the communities near these sites. Key provisions mandate that agencies deny permits if proposed actions would disproportionately harm these communities when considering existing pollution sources in the area, and require detailed impact analyses in all relevant reports and plans. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to pending permit applications on that date.

Maddy summaryHB 80 prohibits North Carolina law enforcement agencies and officers from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement at farms or construction sites. The bill specifically bans police and sheriffs from helping ICE arrest individuals or serve removal warrants on agricultural land (including farming, livestock processing) or on permitted construction sites with valid permits. It also voids any existing agreements between local law enforcement and ICE that would violate this rule, and officers who violate it risk losing their certification. The law does not prevent local police from enforcing state laws but explicitly separates immigration enforcement from agricultural and construction site operations.

Maddy summaryHB 90 provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement allowances for retirees in North Carolina's Teachers', State Employees', Judicial, Legislative, and Local Governmental Retirement Systems. The increase applies to retirees who retired on or before specific dates (ranging from July 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025), with those who retired later receiving a proportional increase based on months served during 2024-2025. The bill appropriates $250 million from the General Fund to fund this adjustment, effective July 1, 2025. It directly affects current retirees in these five systems by increasing their monthly payments.

Maddy summaryHB 60 increases Medicaid dental reimbursement rates from 35% to 46% of average dentist charges (2023 rates) to align with neighboring states. The bill allocates $52 million annually from North Carolina's General Fund, matched by $95 million in federal funds, to cover this rate increase starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects dentists who accept Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care, aiming to boost provider participation and prevent costly emergency treatments. The change addresses years of stagnant rates that reduced dental provider enrollment in Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHB 39 excludes motor vehicles owned by veterans with a 100% disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from North Carolina property tax. It amends state tax law to add these vehicles as a designated exempt class under G.S. 105-275. The exclusion applies to vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects eligible disabled veterans who own motor vehicles, reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or tax rates for other vehicle classes.

Maddy summaryHB 55 appropriates $250,000 annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Autism Society of North Carolina's IGNITE Program. The funds will support activities and education groups designed to help young adults with autism develop independence and social skills during their transition to adulthood. This recurring funding applies to the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Autism Society of North Carolina and the young adults with autism it serves through the IGNITE Program.