Rep. Tim Longest

Maddy summaryHB 65 authorizes North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a special license plate for members of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. The plate would display the sorority's symbol, name, and motto "Greater Service, Greater Progress" on vehicles owned by registered members. This bill adds the Sigma Gamma Rho plate to the existing list of special registration plates under state law. It does not change vehicle fees or impose new requirements, simply expanding plate options available to eligible sorority members.

Maddy summaryHB 39 excludes motor vehicles owned by veterans with a 100% disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from North Carolina property tax. It amends state tax law to add these vehicles as a designated exempt class under G.S. 105-275. The exclusion applies to vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects eligible disabled veterans who own motor vehicles, reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or tax rates for other vehicle classes.

Maddy summaryHB 36 requires North Carolina's Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to improve maintenance at all four state veterans cemeteries, directly affecting veterans' families and cemetery operations. The bill mandates addressing specific issues like headstone installation delays, equipment damage to graves, drainage problems, debris, and poor grounds appearance, while allowing military groups to volunteer for upkeep. It also directs the department to review and adjust funeral service policies, including chapel-only options, service duration, attendee limits, and grave visitation rules during services. The department must submit a report on these changes to legislative committees by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 20, the "Fair Maps Act," proposes amending the North Carolina Constitution to establish an independent redistricting process. It would create a Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw congressional and state legislative districts after each federal census, removing the General Assembly and Governor from the process. The bill requires districts to be contiguous, avoid splitting counties, and ensure equal population representation, with changes taking effect only after voter approval in 2026. This directly affects all North Carolina voters by changing how electoral districts are drawn for state and federal offices. The amendment must be ratified by voters in November 2026 before it becomes effective.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former North Carolina House Representative Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., who served District 40 from 2017-2025 and died January 20, 2025. The resolution expresses the House's appreciation for his public service, extends sympathy to his family, and formally recognizes his contributions to North Carolina's judiciary, criminal justice, and community. It has no policy impact or new legal provisions - its purpose is solely to memorialize his career and legacy. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House on January 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally honors the life and public service of Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., a former North Carolina state representative who served from 2009 to 2024. The resolution recognizes his extensive community work, including his leadership roles in the NAACP and various local commissions, as well as his legislative focus on issues like criminal justice reform and healthcare access. It expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his contributions to the state and offers condolences to his family following his death in September 2024. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family and takes effect upon ratification.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 900 modifies regulations regarding the sale of tobacco products in North Carolina. It requires retailers to have 30 days after a manufacturer is removed from the state directory to either sell remaining inventory or return the products for a refund. This change directly affects tobacco retailers and distributors by providing a specific timeframe to manage stock when a brand is no longer authorized for sale.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects using non-state funds, such as gifts, grants, and hospital receipts, rather than taxpayer money from the General Fund. The legislation allows the universities to issue revenue bonds or special obligation bonds to cover the costs of renovations at East Carolina University, dormitory upgrades at Fayetteville State University, and new infrastructure and research buildings at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Wilmington. A key provision permits the Director of the Budget to adjust project costs or funding methods if deemed necessary in the state's best interest. Ultimately, the bill enables these institutions to proceed with construction and renovation plans without requiring additional appropriations from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the appointment of A. Todd Brown as a special superior court judge in North Carolina. The legislation formally approves the Governor's selection to fill a vacancy that arose on December 30, 2021. Once ratified, the resolution grants Brown an eight-year term starting from the date of his official appointment. This process is a standard procedure required by state law for confirming judicial nominees to vacant positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to eliminate the literacy test requirement for voting. By removing this specific provision, the legislation ensures that all eligible citizens can vote regardless of their reading or writing abilities. The change directly affects voters who previously might have been disenfranchised by this barrier. It does not alter other voting qualifications or the overall structure of the election process.