Rep. Vernetta Alston

Maddy summaryHB 241 allocates $15.8 million in one-time state funds for specific projects in Person County and nearby areas. It provides $10 million for Roxboro’s wastewater plant repairs, $800,000 for Person County’s splash pad construction, and $5 million for Piedmont Community College’s health/trades center equipment. The funds are directed to these specific entities via grants from the Office of State Budget and Management for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with no policy changes beyond the funding allocations.

Maddy summaryHB 256 repeals North Carolina's current ban on public employee collective bargaining, allowing state and local government workers (like teachers, police, and administrative staff) to negotiate wages and working conditions with their employers. The bill removes existing legal restrictions (Article 12 of Chapter 95) and explicitly states that public employees' bargaining rights apply to all state and local government employers. It does not create new benefits or funding but aligns public sector bargaining rights with those already available to private sector employees. The bill’s key provision is the repeal of the prohibition, enabling public employees to collectively bargain under existing state law.

Maddy summaryHB 209 authorizes Durham Public Schools and Durham County to create affordable rental housing for teachers, police officers, first responders, and other Durham County employees. The bill allows these entities to partner using their existing land to build housing, with at least 75% of units reserved specifically for Durham Public Schools teachers. Rent will be set at reasonable, below-market rates, and all housing must comply with standard building and safety codes. The bill is currently pending in committee and does not change existing zoning or safety regulations for the housing units.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands privacy protections for minors participating in certain local government or Partnership for Children-funded programs by restricting public access to their personal details. It prevents disclosure of identifying information like names, addresses, birth dates, parent/guardian details, and email addresses in public records, though county/town of residence remains public (with other details redacted). The law applies specifically to programs in Chatham County, Durham County, and several towns including Apex, Cary, Raleigh, and others. Scholarship names are explicitly excluded from these protections, and the bill clarifies the information is not confidential but simply not subject to public disclosure under this rule.

Maddy summaryHB 191 grants Durham County and Person County Schools flexibility in setting their 2025-2026 school calendar start date, allowing them to open as early as August 19 (instead of the usual August 26) if they have documented emergency closures (8+ days per year for 4 of the last 10 years). It also permits these districts to administer standardized assessments earlier if their fall semester ends before December 31. The bill modifies existing state requirements for school opening/closing dates and assessment timing specifically for these two counties. The changes apply only to the 2025-2026 school year and require documented emergency closure history to qualify for the earlier start date.

Maddy summaryHB 196 appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Inc., for a new biotechnology exhibit and laboratory. The funds will showcase North Carolina's biotech achievements and promote STEM career interest, directly benefiting the museum and students in the state. The bill creates a specific funding mechanism for this educational project, effective July 1, 2025. As a funding allocation, it does not alter laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 175 proposes amending North Carolina's constitution to remove the current provision stating "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this change would allow the state to recognize all marriages equally, directly affecting all North Carolinians seeking marriage licenses or legal recognition. The bill requires voter approval via a yes/no ballot question in November 2026, with the amendment taking effect January 1, 2027, if passed. This is a constitutional referendum, not an immediate law, and would replace the existing constitutional language without altering current marriage laws.

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 159 establishes a $75 million grant program within North Carolina's Department of Transportation to improve subdivision streets that don't meet state highway standards and aren't maintained by local governments. It directly affects counties and municipalities with these "orphan roads," providing funds for repairs up to $250,000 per subdivision, requiring a 25% local match (25 cents for every dollar awarded). Once roads meet standards, ownership transfers to the state or local government for ongoing maintenance. The program runs from July 2025 through June 2030, with unspent funds rolling over to the Highway Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes repealing a literacy test requirement from the North Carolina Constitution, which would affect all voters by removing a historical barrier to voting. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election, with the ballot explicitly stating: "Constitutional amendment to remove the literacy test requirement... The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits implementation of this requirement." If approved, the change takes effect upon certification by the State Board of Elections. The bill does not alter current voting procedures, as the literacy test has been prohibited by federal law since 1965.