Rep. Frances Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 953 establishes a Study Committee to examine the pay rates of assistant district attorneys, assistant public defenders, and private assigned counsel in North Carolina. This 12-member committee, comprising legislators, judicial representatives, and legal professionals, will research current pay structures, compare them to other states, and analyze factors affecting attorney recruitment and retention, including cost-of-living. The committee is tasked with studying various pay models and will report its findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly by March 2026 and March 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 94 allows disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses to prequalify for the disabled veteran property tax homestead exclusion. This means individuals can apply to determine their eligibility for the tax benefit before they purchase a permanent residence. Applicants submit a prequalification form with their disability certification, and the county assessor must notify them of their eligibility within 30 days. The bill aims to help taxpayers and lenders account for this tax relief when making home purchase decisions. After prequalification, a separate application for the exclusion is still required once a permanent residence is acquired.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 795 expands eligibility for guardianship assistance programs for youth in foster care. It allows the Division of Social Services to provide financial support to children who are at least 10 years old when they exit foster care into relative or legal guardianship, provided they meet other criteria like a strong attachment to their guardian. The bill also permits younger siblings of eligible children to receive assistance. Additionally, it allows individuals to continue receiving support until age 21 if they were 16 or older when the agreement began and are pursuing education or employment.

Maddy summaryHB 567, titled "Ensure Access to Biomarker Testing," mandates that North Carolina health benefit plans provide coverage for biomarker testing for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various diseases or conditions. This coverage is required when the testing is supported by medical and scientific evidence, such as FDA approval or nationally recognized clinical guidelines. The bill also prohibits insurers from denying coverage, raising premiums, or charging higher rates based on an individual's biomarker information. Additionally, it establishes a 24-hour timeline for insurers to complete utilization reviews for urgent healthcare services, aiming to improve access to diagnostic testing and care for North Carolinians.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new State Infrastructure Bank Board in North Carolina to manage federal, state, and private funding for transportation, water, and sewer infrastructure projects. The Board will be composed of six state officials including the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, and Environmental Quality, along with the State Treasurer, Auditor, and Budget Officer, and will operate independently within the Department of Commerce. It authorizes the Board to provide loans and financial assistance to local governments and toll authorities for infrastructure development, requiring repayment with interest and security based on project revenues or other assets. The legislation also establishes specific accounting procedures for the bank's funds, outlines rules for loan approval, and transfers existing infrastructure bank funds to this new Board, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 297, titled "Breast Cancer Prevention Imaging Parity," aims to ensure equal health insurance coverage for different types of breast cancer imaging. The bill mandates that health benefit plans apply the same cost-sharing requirements (like deductibles and copayments) for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations, such as MRIs and ultrasounds, as they do for routine screening mammograms. This ensures individuals needing these additional medically necessary tests do not face higher out-of-pocket costs compared to standard screenings. It also maintains existing coverage for cervical cancer screenings and includes provisions for high-deductible health plans.

Maddy summaryHB 681 directs the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services to update state rules for outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs). The bill aims to align these rules more closely with federal regulations governing medications for opioid use disorder, affecting patients receiving treatment and the OTPs providing care. Key changes include removing home environment stability as a criterion for take-home medication and prohibiting administrative discharge due to continued substance use or missed doses. It also reduces the frequency of required drug tests, removes observed testing, and allows OTPs to administer methadone to non-enrolled patients. The Commission must engage with clients and providers for input and publish the proposed amended rules by July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 627 requires local governments to allow the construction of at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for each single-family home in residential zones, aiming to increase affordable housing options. The bill prohibits local governments from imposing certain restrictions, such as minimum parking requirements, banning long-term rentals of both units, or setting maximum ADU sizes under 800 square feet. However, local governments may still regulate aspects like setbacks or require ADUs to be smaller than the primary dwelling. Local governments must adopt regulations by January 1, 2027, or ADUs will be permitted without any local limitations.

Maddy summaryHB 444, the Homeowners Association Reform Bill, proposes changes to laws governing both homeowners and unit owner associations, directly affecting these organizations and their members. It stipulates that association declaration amendments only apply to owners whose properties are conveyed after the amendment takes effect. The bill also regulates managing agent contracts, limits an association's ability to enforce parking restrictions on public streets, and caps fees for lender-requested documents during property sales. Additionally, it mandates prelitigation mediation for disputes and requires the Department of Justice to collect and report on related complaints.

Maddy summaryHB 306 authorizes the Towns of Blowing Rock and Boone, Watauga County, and the Watauga County Board of Education to construct and provide affordable housing for their employees, including public school teachers. These local government units can build housing on their own property, partner with other entities, or contract with businesses for development. They are permitted to rent or sell these units exclusively to their employees, offering below-market rates, financing, and placing resale restrictions. All housing constructed under this act must comply with applicable building codes and zoning ordinances.