Rep. Charlie Miller

Maddy summaryHB 505, "Kayla's Act: Protecting Domestic Violence Victims," allows domestic violence victim witnesses in North Carolina criminal cases to testify remotely (via video or similar technology) instead of in person during trials. This directly affects victims, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts in domestic violence cases involving crimes like assault or stalking under Chapter 14 of state law. The bill requires prosecutors to notify defendants 15 business days in advance of remote testimony, with defendants having 5 days to object in writing; if no objection is filed, remote testimony is permitted. If a defendant objects, a judge may still allow remote testimony only if the victim would suffer serious emotional distress from testifying in the defendant's presence or if their ability to communicate with the court would be impaired, with strict court oversight to ensure fair cross-examination.

Maddy summaryHB 511 establishes new salary levels for full-time magistrates in North Carolina, directly affecting these court officers who handle minor cases like traffic violations and small claims. The bill appropriates $11.5 million annually from the General Fund for 2025-2027 to fund these increases, with specific salary steps outlined in the law. Magistrates will receive raises every two years for the first three experience levels and every four years for higher levels, starting at $47,228 for new hires and reaching $90,498 for the highest step. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to magistrates working at least 40 hours weekly.

Maddy summaryHB 466 creates a special license plate for North Carolina vehicle owners commemorating the 1776 Halifax Resolves, the first official colonial resolution supporting independence. The plate features a blue background with a feather pen logo and "Birthplace of American Independence" text, with a $30 annual fee added to registration. Proceeds are split: $10 goes to the Special Registration Plate Account and $20 to the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account, with the latter's funds for this plate specifically directed to Halifax County for 250th-anniversary events. This is a commemorative plate option, not a policy change affecting laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 47, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, allocates $524 million from the Helene Fund to support recovery efforts in North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The bill directs funds to specific programs including home reconstruction ($120 million), agricultural crop loss assistance ($200 million), road and bridge repairs ($100 million), small business infrastructure grants ($55 million), debris removal ($20 million), fire department equipment ($10 million), and tourism promotion ($4 million). These resources directly assist residents, farmers, local governments, and businesses in designated hurricane-affected counties by addressing immediate rebuilding needs and supporting economic recovery. The bill requires programs to align with federal disaster recovery guidelines to maximize potential federal reimbursement, with reporting requirements for certain initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 186, the "Stars and Stripes Commitment Act," requires all North Carolina public schools (including charter, regional, and laboratory schools) to schedule the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance within one hour of the start of the instructional day. It also mandates that schools display U.S. and North Carolina flags in classrooms when available and provide age-appropriate instruction about the flag and pledge’s meaning. The bill applies to all school governing bodies and state education board meetings, requiring the pledge to open each meeting. Crucially, it explicitly states the policy does not compel anyone to stand, salute, or recite the pledge. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 449 increases penalties for computer solicitation of minors, making second offenses or those involving actual meetings Class D felonies (up from Class H). It requires sex offender registration petitions to be filed with courts and placed on criminal dockets for timely review. The bill also creates new offenses: "habitual indecent exposure" (Class F felony for two prior convictions) and "aggravated habitual indecent exposure" (Class E felony), both mandating sex offender registration. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of repeated indecent exposure or online solicitation of minors in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 450, the Private Property Rights Act, requires private detectives and wildlife protectors to obtain a search warrant or judicial order before installing electronic tracking devices or inspecting certain private property. The bill directly affects private investigators, wildlife protectors, and property owners by mandating judicial authorization for these specific activities. Key provisions amend state laws to clarify that wildlife protectors need warrants for inspections on private land (excluding wildlife refuges or public areas), and private investigators must secure warrants for electronic tracking. It does not change existing constitutional protections against unreasonable searches but adds procedural requirements for these two groups. The law takes effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 28, the "Gun Violence Prevention Act," creates a new criminal offense for individuals convicted of a felony who possess a firearm or "weapon of mass death and destruction" (as defined in state law) during the commission or attempt of another felony. It imposes stricter penalties: a Class C felony if the weapon is discharged, Class D for brandishing (displaying the weapon), and Class F for other violations. This law applies specifically to convicted felons who already face restrictions on firearm possession, treating this additional offense as separate from the underlying felony. The bill takes effect December 1, 2025, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 37 standardizes monthly pension benefits for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers under the state pension fund. It sets a uniform $175 monthly pension for members with 20+ years of service who reach age 55, replaces the previous $180 amount, and maintains $175 for disability benefits and line-of-duty death benefits. The bill also allows members affected by city annexations or department closures to continue contributing $15 monthly until they reach 20 years of service for pension eligibility. These changes apply to current and future members of the pension fund who meet the service requirements. The bill does not alter contribution rates or eligibility for most members but adjusts benefit amounts and extends certain provisions.

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.