Rep. Julie von Haefen

Maddy summaryHB 177 requires North Carolina's State Human Resources Commission (SHRC) to review job requirements across state agencies and identify positions where a four-year college degree is unnecessary. The bill directs the SHRC to replace degree requirements with alternative qualifications like military service, apprenticeships, or trade school training where appropriate, and to remove unnecessary degree language from job postings. This policy change directly affects state job applicants who may qualify through non-degree pathways. The SHRC must report annually starting October 2025 on progress toward reducing these barriers.

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 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 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 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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 166 creates a legal process for courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms when they pose a danger of harming themselves or others. The bill allows family members, law enforcement, or healthcare providers to petition a court for an ERPO, requiring the court to order the seizure of firearms if the respondent fails to surrender them. It specifically defines "firearm" and outlines procedures for filing petitions, service, and court hearings, with no court costs for petitioners. The law aims to prevent gun-related harm through court-supervised temporary firearm removal, while including safeguards like mandatory mental health evaluations and annual reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 31 would amend North Carolina's State Human Resources Act to make every statewide general election day a paid holiday for state employees. This change would add election days to the current list of paid holidays (which includes Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday and Veterans Day), while maintaining the limit of 13 paid holidays per year. The bill directly affects state workers, ensuring they receive paid time off on election days without reducing the total number of paid holidays. It does not change election dates or voting procedures, only the employment benefits for state employees on those days. The legislation is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 151 permits Wake County Schools to align their academic calendar with the schedule of local community colleges, removing the standard requirement that schools open no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and close no later than the Friday closest to June 11. This specifically applies only to Wake County Schools and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill modifies existing law to allow this calendar alignment without needing a "good cause" waiver for weather-related closures. It directly affects Wake County students, staff, and community colleges by creating a coordinated academic schedule.