Rep. Mike Colvin

Maddy summaryHB 257 allocates $185.2 million in one-time state funds for specific infrastructure and facility projects in Scotland and Hoke counties, along with the cities of Laurinburg, Gibson, and Wagram, and St. Andrews University. The bill directs funding for water and sewer systems, courthouse construction, law enforcement facilities, workforce training centers, social services buildings, fire department improvements, and road repairs. It specifically targets nonrecurring 2025-2026 fiscal year funds for projects like a new sheriff's office in Hoke County, a courthouse/jail in Scotland County, and water system upgrades in Laurinburg. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not create new policy but provides state funding for pre-planned local projects.

Maddy summaryHB 259 establishes a $127,500 pilot grant program for North Carolina public schools to support participation in Science Olympiad competitions during the 2025-2026 school year. The program provides funding to cover registration fees, materials, travel, and teacher stipends for schools that did not have a Science Olympiad team in the previous year, prioritizing these applicants. Public school units must apply by August 31, 2025, and funds must supplement - not replace - existing school budgets. The Department of Public Instruction will report participation data and unfunded applications to the legislature by May 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 103 exempts members of North Carolina-recognized tribes from needing hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses when hunting or fishing on tribal land (requiring ID verification) or off tribal land (requiring ID plus compliance with reporting, hunter education, and federal stamp rules). It directly affects tribal members recognized under Chapter 71A of North Carolina law, both on tribal property and in state waters/lands outside tribal areas. The bill amends licensing rules to remove fee requirements while maintaining other regulatory obligations like wildlife reporting and federal stamp purchases. It becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 245 modifies North Carolina's low-income housing tax credit program to prioritize affordable housing development in rural communities and counties with higher poverty rates. It requires the state housing committee to adopt allocation rules that favor projects within 10 miles of amenities (like grocery stores) in towns under 10,000 people, measure distances by straight-line radius (not driving routes), and use poverty levels as a tiebreaker when projects score equally. The bill directs the committee to publish proposed rules for public comment and hold hearings before finalizing annual allocation plans. This policy change redirects existing housing tax credits toward qualifying rural and high-poverty areas without creating new funding. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, for future allocation plans.

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 summaryHJR 157 is a procedural resolution inviting Governor Josh Stein to address a joint session of the North Carolina General Assembly on March 12, 2025. It directs a committee of five House members and five Senate members to extend the invitation and specifies that the governor's cabinet, Council of State members, and state judges may attend. This resolution does not create new policy or affect any laws; it solely schedules a ceremonial address. The invitation is effective upon ratification, as noted in the resolution's text.

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 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.