Rep. Shelly Willingham

Maddy summaryHB 598, titled "Live Event Ticketing Protections and Reforms," aims to create consumer protections for individuals purchasing tickets for live entertainment events, particularly in the secondary market. The bill requires ticket issuers, resellers, and secondary ticket exchanges to clearly display the total ticket price, including all mandatory fees, from the initial listing and prohibits price increases during a single ticketing session. It prevents primary ticket issuers from restricting a purchaser's ability to resell tickets on their chosen platform or from setting minimum/maximum resale prices. Additionally, secondary ticket exchanges would be prohibited from using website addresses that are similar to the name of an event, performer, or venue.

Maddy summaryHB 765, titled "Save the American Dream Act," introduces new requirements for fiscal notes concerning housing affordability at both state and local levels. The bill mandates that the state's Fiscal Research Division prepare a five-year fiscal note for any proposed state legislation that could impact the cost of constructing, purchasing, owning, or selling a single-family residence. Similarly, it requires county and city governments to prepare a fiscal note for local ordinances that could affect these same costs. These local notes must be made public at least five days before the ordinance is introduced.

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 97 adds stomach cancer (gastric cancer) to the list of occupationally related cancers that qualify firefighters for "killed in the line of duty" benefits under North Carolina's Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act. This means firefighters who die from stomach cancer directly linked to their firefighting duties will automatically be eligible for death benefits, easing the process for families seeking compensation. The bill appropriates $500,000 annually from 2025-2027 to cover these benefits. It takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to qualifying deaths occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 139, titled "Baby Boxes/Newborn Safety Device," allows for the safe surrender of infants up to 30 days old using a specialized newborn safety device. This bill permits parents to place an infant in these devices, which must have a dual alarm system connected to the facility and be tested monthly. These devices can only be installed at continuously staffed emergency departments, emergency facilities, or social services offices, where qualified healthcare providers, first responders, or social services workers will take temporary custody of the infant. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

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 797, titled "Residential Property Wholesaling Protection," clarifies that residential property wholesaling and related transactions are considered real estate brokerage activity, requiring those involved to be licensed. The bill grants homeowners a non-waivable right to cancel purchase contracts related to residential property wholesaling until midnight of the 30th day after execution or until deed conveyance. It also mandates that these contracts include specific disclosures about this cancellation right, printed in at least 14-point font. Failure to provide this right to cancel is deemed an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Maddy summaryHB 439 modifies North Carolina law concerning the concealed carry of bladed weapons, directly affecting individuals who wish to carry certain knives. The bill redefines an "ordinary pocket knife" as a folding knife with a blade up to 6 inches, which remains exempt from concealed carry restrictions. It also establishes new conditions allowing the concealed carry of other bladed weapons, such as bowie knives or daggers. To do so, an individual must be at least 18 years old, carry valid identification, have no felony convictions, and not carry the knife in locations where concealed handguns are prohibited.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 605 amends North Carolina law by establishing new definitions related to advanced recycling processes. It defines "mass balance attribution" as an auditable accounting method, requiring a third-party certification system, to track feedstocks used in recycled products. The bill also defines "recycled products" as those made from recyclable materials through chemical recycling processes using this attribution method. This legislation clarifies terminology for manufacturers and entities involved in advanced recycling, while noting that such products remain subject to existing environmental regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 156 sets minimum standards for stop loss, catastrophic, and reinsurance coverage provided to small employers in North Carolina. It directly affects small employers (defined as those with fewer than 12 eligible employees) and insurers selling these specific insurance products. The bill requires insurers to maintain a minimum annual attachment point of $20,000 per individual (adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index) and a minimum aggregate attachment point of either 120% of expected claims or $20,000 per year. These standards apply to all new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts issued on or after October 1, 2025.