Rep. Rodney Pierce

Maddy summaryHB 120 appropriates $1,040,514 annually for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to expand North Carolina's Project C.A.R.E. program. The bill directly funds support services for family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. It provides recurring state funding to the Division of Aging and Adult Services to enhance existing caregiver assistance programs. The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2025, without altering eligibility or service requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 176 allows Kannapolis City Schools to start the school year as early as August 19 (instead of the standard August 26) if they demonstrate "good cause" - specifically, if the district has experienced at least eight emergency closures (due to weather, power outages, etc.) in any four of the past ten years. This exception applies only to Kannapolis for the 2025-2026 school year and does not change state requirements for other North Carolina school districts. The bill requires schools to still meet minimum instructional day requirements, and the change only affects Kannapolis’ calendar, not broader state education rules.

Maddy summaryHB 179 would allow North Carolina taxpayers to deduct labor union membership dues from their state income tax starting in 2026. The bill creates a new tax deduction for dues, fees, assessments, or other payments required to maintain membership in a labor organization, as defined by state law. This applies specifically to individuals who pay such costs as a condition of union participation. The policy change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 181 reinstates North Carolina's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families with children, providing a state tax credit equal to 5% of the federal EITC amount. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive cash payments even if they owe no state tax, directly benefiting low-to-moderate income households struggling with housing, childcare, and basic living costs. It applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and aligns with federal EITC eligibility criteria. The bill reenacts the credit after its prior expiration, creating a concrete policy change to supplement family income.

Maddy summaryHB 119 allows Pitt County schools to open as early as August 10 (instead of the standard August 26) for the 2025-2026 school year, provided they meet "good cause" requirements. "Good cause" means the county experienced eight weather-related or emergency school closures over four of the last ten years. The bill applies exclusively to Pitt County schools and does not change closing dates or instructional day requirements. It modifies existing state law to provide targeted calendar flexibility for this specific district.

Maddy summaryHB 111 grants Chatham County Schools flexibility to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19) and adjust assessment timing. It allows the district to open before the standard August 26 date if they demonstrate "good cause" (eight or more emergency closures in four of the last ten years due to weather or other emergencies). The bill also permits administering annual assessments earlier if the fall semester ends before December 31. These changes apply only to Chatham County Schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill modifies existing education statutes to create this specific exception for the county.

Maddy summaryHB 158 allows Warren County Schools, Weldon City Schools, Halifax County Schools, and Roanoke Rapids Graded School District to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19) for the 2025-2026 school year, instead of the standard August 26 date. This flexibility applies only if the district demonstrates "good cause" by showing at least eight school closure days per year over the last decade due to weather, power failures, or emergencies. The bill amends state law to waive the standard opening date requirement for these specific districts while maintaining minimum instructional day requirements. It does not change closing dates or apply to other school districts in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 172 allows Camden County Schools to begin the academic year as early as the Monday closest to August 19 (instead of August 26) if the district demonstrates "good cause" through documented school closures (eight days per year over four of the last ten years) due to weather, power failures, or other emergencies. The bill amends state law to permit this calendar adjustment while ensuring schools still meet required instructional days. It applies exclusively to Camden County Schools and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The change does not affect other schools with existing modified calendars.

Maddy summaryHB 168, the North Carolina CROWN Act, prohibits employment discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles like braids, locks, or twists. It explicitly adds these characteristics to the definition of "race" under North Carolina's anti-discrimination law, covering all employers and job applicants. The bill also strengthens protections by banning retaliation against employees who report such discrimination. It applies to all public and private employers statewide upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 167 (North Carolina) prohibits leaving a firearm in an unattended vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is secured with a trigger lock or stored in a locked container. This law directly affects vehicle owners who store firearms in their cars, making it illegal to leave them unsecured in an unattended vehicle. Violations carry a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty. The bill becomes effective December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.