Rep. Marcia Morey

Maddy summaryHB 133, the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act, bans U.S.-designated adversarial foreign governments from buying, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land or land within 75 miles of major military installations like Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. It directly affects foreign governments identified by the U.S. State Department as adversaries under arms regulations, preventing them from acquiring land critical to food production or near military sites. The law excludes agricultural research leases under 250 acres and makes any violating land transfer legally void. This focuses on restricting foreign control of strategic land without altering existing domestic land transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee voters in North Carolina the right to early voting for all primary and general elections. If approved by voters in a 2026 referendum, the amendment would require county election boards to designate a minimum of 14 days for early voting, with sites open at least 8:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on weekdays and same-day voter registration available at these sites. The legislation also mandates that early voting locations and staffing levels be adjusted to meet voter demand, ensuring consistent operating hours across the state. This change would be implemented only if a majority of voters cast ballots in favor of the amendment at the upcoming general election.

Maddy summaryHB 258, the Utility Worker Protection Act, increases penalties for assaulting utility and communications workers by designating such assaults as Class A1 misdemeanors - the highest misdemeanor level - when the worker is visibly identifiable (e.g., wearing company-logoed uniforms) and performing duties. It directly affects workers providing electricity, gas, telecommunications, or internet services, including those employed by public, private, or cooperative entities. The bill adds specific language to North Carolina’s assault statute, requiring prosecutors to apply this enhanced penalty for assaults meeting these criteria, without needing other legal provisions. The law takes effect December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects, such as dormitory renovations and new construction, using non-state funds like gifts, grants, and hospital receipts. It allows the university to issue special obligation bonds to cover these costs and includes a mechanism for the Director of the Budget to adjust project funding if necessary. Additionally, the legislation standardizes the residency determination process for admission to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and revises tuition grant rules for graduates of that school and the UNC School of the Arts. These changes aim to support university infrastructure development and ensure equitable access to specialized science and arts programs for North Carolina residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates complaints against judges and justices. The new commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the Chief Justice, the State Bar officers, the Governor, and the General Assembly, replacing the current system with a more balanced composition. It also mandates that all disciplinary hearings and resulting sanctions be made public to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill requires voters to approve it in a referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to North Carolina that would require Supreme Court justices to step aside from cases where they have a financial stake or a close personal relationship with the parties involved. It also mandates that justices publicly disclose significant financial transactions, such as buying or selling assets worth at least $10,000, along with any outside income and who funded their travel. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill does not take effect immediately but is instead scheduled for a public vote by voters in November 2026. The amendment would only become law if a majority of voters approve it during that election.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 proposes two constitutional amendments to limit the General Assembly's power and increase legislative transparency. The first amendment would restrict the legislature from passing laws that interfere with the Governor's ability to direct state agencies and manage executive departments, while also placing stricter limits on how administrative powers can be transferred between elected officials. The second amendment would require every bill to address only one specific subject and mandate that bill texts be published to the public and legislators at least 48 hours before a final vote, with exceptions for emergency situations. These changes are not yet in effect; instead, the bill sets up a process to put these amendments on the ballot for North Carolina voters to decide on November 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes the North Carolina State Board of Elections as an independent state agency, shifting its budgeting authority from the State Auditor back to the Board itself. The legislation changes how board members are selected by requiring the Governor to appoint five registered voters from lists of nominees provided by the two major political parties, with a limit of no more than three members from the same party. Additionally, the bill adjusts the appointment process for county election boards, ensuring they include representatives from the two largest political parties and designating a chair appointed by the Governor. These structural changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, following the expiration of current board terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Mike Clampitt 1st Responder Tax Fairness Act, aims to expand tax exemptions for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in North Carolina. Specifically, it allows these independent groups, which have two or fewer paid employees and are already exempt from state income tax, to avoid paying a highway use tax on specific emergency vehicles like fire trucks, forest firefighting units, and other emergency service vehicles. The change applies to vehicles when a certificate of title is issued on or after July 1, 2026, ensuring these organizations can acquire necessary equipment without incurring this particular tax. By broadening the existing exemption, the legislation directly benefits volunteer responders who operate outside of local government units.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allocate $2,178,000 in state funds to hire at least 25 additional Adult Protective Services workers across North Carolina counties starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The money is intended specifically to cover salaries and benefits for new staff who will investigate reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with distribution based on factors like case volume and the number of seniors in each area. The legislation explicitly prohibits using these funds to replace existing staff or for any purpose other than paying the new workers. Although the bill was withdrawn from committee in May 2026, its primary function is to increase state funding for local social services agencies to address a growing demand for elder abuse investigations.