Rep. Garland Pierce

Maddy summaryThis bill would regulate hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, vapes, and beverages) by requiring retailers to obtain permits, limiting THC content to 0.3%, and mandating age verification for all sales. It directly affects vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online sellers currently selling these products to minors. The law creates new enforcement rules for the Commission, requiring proof of age (e.g., driver's license) and banning sales to anyone under 21.

Maddy summaryHB 728, the "Shared Investment in Our Heroes Act," increases North Carolina's property tax exemption for disabled veterans' homes from $45,000 to $75,000 starting in 2025, directly benefiting veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses. It allows veterans to prequalify for the exemption before purchasing a home and excludes their primary vehicle from property taxes. Local governments will be reimbursed up to 50% of revenue loss from these changes to offset financial impacts. The bill aims to provide immediate tax relief for disabled veterans while ensuring local fiscal stability through shared state-local funding.

Maddy summaryHB 709 establishes a pilot program to fund additional teacher assistants in North Carolina public schools for kindergarten through third grade. It provides $14.8 million annually (2025-2027) to cover the cost of teacher assistants based on specific ratios: one assistant per K-2 class and one per three third-grade classes. The program will select 16 schools (eight districts, one district school and one charter school per district) to participate, with funds distributed based on average class size and salary costs. The bill aims to directly support early-grade classrooms by increasing adult-to-student ratios, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 692 requires all North Carolina public schools to install at least two automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) per school building - one in a state-identified location and one in athletic facilities - and provide annual training for school staff in AED use and CPR. The bill directly affects public school personnel, students, and school districts by mandating specific installation, maintenance, and training protocols through new rules from the State Board of Education. Key provisions include requiring schools to coordinate with emergency medical systems, maintain AEDs properly, and develop policies aligned with state guidelines. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, using existing school funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 724 establishes the NC-Federal Alignment for Critical Technologies Task Force (NC-FACT) within North Carolina's Department of Commerce. The task force, composed of state agency staff and potentially partners from UNC institutions or the private sector, must study ways to improve collaboration between state, federal, and private entities in science and technology. It is required to develop economic strategies focused on attracting out-of-state investment and streamline resources for tech industries, then submit annual reports with actionable recommendations to the legislature by April 1 each year. The bill creates a study group with specific research duties and reporting requirements but does not enact direct funding or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryHB 704 establishes the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Commission within North Carolina’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The commission, composed of nine members appointed by the Governor and General Assembly, advises on preserving, promoting, and interpreting AAPI history, arts, and culture through programs, school education, and statewide collaboration. It receives $250,000 annually from 2025-2027 to fund operations, including a director and associate director. The bill directly affects the department and AAPI communities by creating a formal structure to advance cultural preservation and awareness. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 684 establishes North Carolina's first formal environmental justice framework to address disproportionate health and environmental risks faced by BIPOC, low-income, and marginalized communities. The bill defines key terms like "communities of color" (40%+ nonwhite residents or 10% higher than county/state) and "disproportionate impact" to guide state agencies. It requires all state agencies to identify and reduce environmental health disparities by considering environmental justice in decision-making, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits like clean air, green spaces, and renewable energy. The law aims to create consistent standards for addressing pollution burdens and health inequities across North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 355 directs North Carolina's Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to study challenges facing rural fire departments, focusing on volunteer recruitment, funding, equipment needs, interdepartmental cooperation, firefighter well-being, and public education. The LRC must examine specific issues like financial incentives for volunteers, equitable resource distribution, mutual aid agreements, and community fire safety programs. It requires regional public hearings and a 90-day comment period before submitting interim and final reports to the 2025 and 2027 General Assemblies. This bill does not change current law but sets up a review process to inform future legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 723 establishes the North Carolina Technology Coalitions Strategic Support Fund, allocating $10.5 million to support regional technology coalitions focused on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The fund provides grants to eligible organizations (including nonprofits, local governments, and academic institutions) operating within North Carolina to strengthen regional economic growth through coalition collaboration. Key provisions include funding for workforce training, market analysis, and matching funds to leverage private or federal investment, while requiring grantees to maintain operations in-state and avoid duplicate funding. The fund becomes effective July 1, 2025, with administration managed by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Maddy summaryHB 710 establishes a three-year pilot program to fund mental health crisis units in North Carolina public schools. It allocates $2 million total (up to $250,000 annually per district) to select up to eight school districts starting in 2025-2026, prioritizing those with high student mental health needs or trauma history. Each participating district must staff units with at least a school nurse, social worker, and licensed counselor to provide crisis intervention during school hours and rotate across schools. The program requires annual reports on participating districts and student mental health impacts, ending June 30, 2028.