Rep. Tim Longest

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 summaryHB 657, the "Duke's Rescue Act," sets minimum care standards for domestic dogs and cats in North Carolina, directly affecting pet owners and caretakers. The bill requires owners to provide adequate food, water, shelter, space, exercise, and veterinary treatment, with detailed definitions (e.g., shelter must protect from extreme weather like temperatures above 85°F or below 32°F). Exceptions are included for activities like hunting, herding livestock, and agricultural work, where certain standards do not apply. This law establishes concrete, measurable requirements for animal welfare without specifying enforcement mechanisms.

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 establishes an Interstate Compact for School Psychologists in North Carolina, allowing licensed professionals to practice in other participating states without facing repetitive licensing requirements. The legislation creates a commission to oversee the agreement and defines specific rules for mobility, including provisions for military families and standards for professional conduct. Additionally, the bill allocates funds to support a virtual training program for school psychologists. By streamlining the licensure process, the measure aims to increase the availability of qualified mental health services in schools across member states.

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 summaryHouse Bill 433 allows licensed registered nurses (RNs) to serve as school nurses in North Carolina public schools. The bill prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring a four-year degree for school nurse employment. It specifies that RNs with at least two years of experience in a hospital or health clinic can work as school nurses without needing additional certifications or licenses. These qualified registered nurses will be paid under the certified school nurse pay scale.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 390, titled "Alleviate the Dangers of Surgical Smoke," establishes new standards for surgical smoke evacuation in North Carolina. This bill requires all licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to adopt and implement policies mandating the use of a smoke evacuation/filtering system during surgical procedures likely to generate surgical smoke. A smoke evacuation/filtering system is defined as equipment that captures, filters, and eliminates surgical smoke at its origin. The Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to take adverse action against facilities that violate these new requirements. This act is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Home Equity Investment Loan Act, brings home equity investment loans in North Carolina under the same regulations as traditional residential mortgages. It directly affects homeowners who use these financial products and the companies that offer them by requiring lenders to be properly licensed and authorized by the state. Key provisions mandate clear disclosures about potential foreclosure risks, payment formulas, and total costs, while also banning mandatory arbitration clauses that would prevent homeowners from suing in court. Additionally, the law ensures that homeowners retain the right to assert defenses against their lenders and requires companies to cover specific closing costs and attorney fees.