Rep. Frances Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 687 clarifies North Carolina's public swimming pool regulations by exempting safety-certified floatation or sensory deprivation systems from standard pool requirements. Specifically, it excludes systems certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to meet NSF Standard 50, directly affecting operators of such facilities (e.g., floatation tanks in wellness centers). The bill does not create new safety rules but explicitly states these certified systems are not subject to the state's public pool regulations. This change aligns with existing exemptions for therapeutic pools and private family pools under defined conditions. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 731 appropriates $150,000 in one-time state funds for the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice in Durham. The bill directs this grant specifically to develop the "Pauli Murray Center Green," which will improve physical access to the center and install drainage systems to manage stormwater. This funding, effective July 1, 2025, supports the center's infrastructure without altering broader policies or affecting residents or businesses directly.

Maddy summaryHB 705 directs North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to study whether Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school teachers could qualify through alternative paths, such as industry credentials instead of traditional teaching licenses. The study must examine required credentials, experience levels, and competency measures by March 2026, with recommendations for potential licensure modifications. This bill does not change current rules but sets the stage for future policy decisions affecting CTE educators and skilled professionals seeking teaching roles.

Maddy summaryHB 689 allows North Carolina high school graduates who attended NC public or nonpublic schools for four consecutive years before graduation to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities, provided they hold a NC driver's license, have a Social Security number, and enroll immediately after high school. It directly affects qualifying NC high school graduates who would otherwise pay out-of-state tuition rates. Key provisions include requiring proof of NC residency through driver's license and school attendance records each semester, with all application information kept confidential. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year and does not change residency status for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 733, the "Everybody Eats Act," would allow North Carolina to bypass federal rules that block food assistance benefits for people convicted of certain drug-related felony offenses (Class H or I). It requires individuals to complete substance abuse treatment or avoid new drug offenses for six months after release or conviction to qualify for benefits, and extends the period for renewing eligibility from less than a year to 12 months. The bill directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals with specific drug felony convictions who meet treatment or offense-free conditions. It makes no changes to federal law but adjusts North Carolina's program implementation for food assistance and temporary aid.

Maddy summaryHB 688 creates a dedicated annual appropriation of $100,000 from the state General Fund to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund specifically for inclusive playground projects. It directly affects local governments, public schools, and public authorities (as defined in state law) seeking to build or adapt playgrounds to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The bill provides grants of up to $5,000 per project, requiring recipients to match each $5 in state funds with $1 in local funds. This funding operates separately from other Trust Fund allocations, ensuring dedicated resources for accessibility improvements without reducing existing funding for state parks or coastal access. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 713 mandates that all North Carolina public schools provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, eliminating meal fees for all. This affects every student enrolled in public schools, including those in charter schools and regional school units, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill appropriates $144 million from the state General Fund to cover costs, with funds allocated based on school size, student eligibility for free/reduced meals, and nutritional quality standards. Schools must comply with federal nutrition guidelines while using state funds to supplement, not replace, existing meal program funding.

Maddy summaryHB 714 creates a state-run universal healthcare benefit plan administered by North Carolina's Commissioner of Insurance. It requires the plan to offer sliding-scale premiums based on household income, covering residents whose incomes exceed Medicaid eligibility but who cannot afford private insurance. The bill mandates the Commissioner to develop the plan by January 1, 2026, with a report to the legislature detailing implementation steps. It also appropriates $100,000 for initial planning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year and ensures coverage meets or exceeds federal Affordable Care Act standards.

Maddy summaryHB 725, the "MOMnibus 3.0," establishes a state grant program to address preventable maternal health disparities affecting Black birthing people in North Carolina. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants ($10,000-$50,000 per recipient) to community-based organizations focused on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. Key provisions require grantees to address social barriers (like housing, transportation, and nutrition), provide culturally respectful care training for health workers, and offer services including mental health support, doula care, and evidence-based education. The program specifically prioritizes Black-led organizations serving communities with high maternal health disparities, aiming to reduce preventable deaths and complications through targeted community support.

Maddy summaryHB 732 requires permits and a 72-hour waiting period for purchasing assault weapons or long guns, prohibits sales to those under 21 for semi-automatic firearms, and bans bump stocks, ghost guns, and certain high-capacity magazines. It mandates safe firearm storage, repeals "stand your ground" laws, and requires firearm liability insurance for owners. The bill also prohibits leaving firearms unattended in vehicles, mandates reporting lost/stolen guns, and directs the state pension fund to divest from gun manufacturers. These provisions directly affect all firearm purchasers and owners in North Carolina.