Rep. Frances Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 465 waives the renewal fee for North Carolina drivers licenses that display an "active duty military designation" or "veteran military designation." It directly affects military service members (currently serving) and veterans who have these designations on their licenses. The bill amends state law to remove the standard $5.50 annual renewal fee for these specific license holders when renewing their licenses. The fee waiver takes effect July 1, 2025, for licenses renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 21 creates a voluntary designation on North Carolina driver's licenses for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined by state law. People with a medical diagnosis of ASD can request this designation by providing acceptable documentation, such as a healthcare professional's certification, to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The designation appears only in the license record and is accessible solely to law enforcement during interactions to promote safety - no other use is permitted. Individuals may add or remove the designation at any time without affecting their license eligibility or rights.

Maddy summaryHB 37 standardizes monthly pension benefits for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers under the state pension fund. It sets a uniform $175 monthly pension for members with 20+ years of service who reach age 55, replaces the previous $180 amount, and maintains $175 for disability benefits and line-of-duty death benefits. The bill also allows members affected by city annexations or department closures to continue contributing $15 monthly until they reach 20 years of service for pension eligibility. These changes apply to current and future members of the pension fund who meet the service requirements. The bill does not alter contribution rates or eligibility for most members but adjusts benefit amounts and extends certain provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 428 directs North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to study how increased parent involvement might reduce repeated student discipline issues. The study will examine specific approaches, such as requiring parents to attend meetings or counseling with their child after discipline incidents, and assess impacts of remote learning alternatives. It explicitly excludes students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans and must be completed by April 2026. The $25,000 allocated for the study will result in a report with recommendations for potential policy changes, but the bill itself does not change current discipline practices.

Maddy summaryHB 35 designates November of each year as Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina. The bill creates a symbolic recognition within state law, honoring military service members and veterans during this month. It does not establish new programs, funding, or requirements - it simply formally names November for this purpose. The bill affects the state government's official calendar and public recognition efforts, with no direct impact on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 409 appropriates $1.7 million in one-time state funds to Caswell County for the replacement of the Caswell Volunteer Fire Department's facility. The bill directly affects Caswell County's volunteer fire department by providing dedicated funding to replace their physical building. Key provisions include a specific grant allocation from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the funds to be directed to the county for this purpose. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not establish new policies or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 418 mandates that all North Carolina public schools provide required arts education for K-5 students beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. It requires at least one 30-minute session per week in music, dance, or theatre arts (taught by a licensed instructor) and one session per week in visual arts (also taught by a licensed instructor), with classes kept at appropriate sizes. The bill directly affects every K-5 public school student and their educators across North Carolina, ensuring consistent arts instruction aligned with state curriculum standards. It does not alter funding or create new programs but sets specific instructional requirements for elementary schools.

Maddy summaryHB 416 appropriates $30,000 from the state General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to provide a directed grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties. The funds will support a six-part youth development program focusing on teen recruitment, emotional safety, leadership, trauma-informed practices, cultural inclusion, and college/career readiness for area youth. This bill directly affects the Boys & Girls Clubs in those counties and the young people they serve, becoming effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 413 would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older in North Carolina, allowing possession of up to 2 ounces, 15 grams of concentrate, or products with 2,000mg THC. It establishes new regulations for cannabis businesses (like retail stores and cultivation facilities), requires lab testing and responsible packaging, and mandates that businesses prioritize diversity and community investment. Crucially, it creates two funds to reinvest tax revenue: the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund for historically impacted communities, and the Cannabis Enterprise Opportunity Fund to support minority-owned businesses. The bill directly affects consumers aged 21+, cannabis businesses, and communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 417 appropriates $50,000 from the state General Fund to Hoke County for park upgrades at Rockfish Park in Raeford, North Carolina. The funds are designated for nonrecurring improvements to the park and become available on July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects Hoke County residents who use Rockfish Park by providing state funding for facility upgrades. It does not create new laws or regulations but allocates specific funding for a local park project.