Rep. Garland Pierce

Maddy summaryHB 311 appropriates $231,000 from the North Carolina General Fund to the Town of Gibson for specific infrastructure projects during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funds will directly support the town by covering costs for a main lift station generator ($55,000), portable generator ($18,000), lift station rehabilitation ($30,000), new water meters ($18,000), ditch work ($45,000), and town vehicles ($65,000). The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and provides one-time funding for these public works improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 285 appropriates $52.5 million from North Carolina's Highway Fund to the Southeast Regional Airport Authority for Laurinburg-Maxton Airport improvements. The funds are allocated specifically: $28 million for a runway extension, $15 million for general airport capital projects, and $9.5 million for water and sewer infrastructure. The bill requires quarterly spending reports to legislative committees and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 299 increases the property tax exemption for disabled veterans in North Carolina from $45,000 to $54,000 of a home's appraised value. It directly affects qualifying disabled veterans who own and occupy their primary residence, allowing them to exclude a larger portion of their home's value from property taxes. The bill amends Section 105-277.1C of state law to reflect this higher exclusion limit, while maintaining that recipients cannot claim other property tax relief. This change takes effect for property taxes due on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 280 allocates $30,000 in one-time state funds to support the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature, a program for older residents to engage with state policy. The funding, from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, covers operational costs for this existing program established under state law. It directly affects the Senior Tar Heel Legislature by providing financial resources for its activities. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not create new policy but enables the program's continued operation.

Maddy summaryHB 267 automatically expunges court records for certain eviction cases in North Carolina, directly affecting tenants (defendants) in summary ejectment proceedings. It requires clerks to automatically delete records 30 days after cases are voluntarily dismissed before a possession order is issued. For cases where defendants win on the merits or lose but wait three years, they may petition for expungement after proving housing stability (e.g., consistent rent payments and no new eviction filings). The bill takes effect October 2025, with required court forms to be developed by September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 278, "Protect Military Votes," removes a photo ID requirement for military personnel and their families voting by mail from overseas. It directly affects North Carolina voters serving in the military abroad who cast ballots using the military-overseas ballot process. The bill amends election law to permanently codify that these voters no longer need to submit a photo ID copy or affidavit when mailing their ballots, which was previously allowed under a temporary rule. This change ensures military voters face no additional documentation barriers when voting by mail.

Maddy summaryHB 262 designates a specific overpass on Interstate 74 crossing South Main Street in Laurinburg, Scotland County, as the "Chief Robert Lee Malloy Overpass." The bill requires the North Carolina Department of Transportation to formally name the structure in honor of Chief Malloy, a local law enforcement officer. This is a ceremonial naming resolution with no policy changes or financial impact, directly affecting the public infrastructure location. The bill is procedural and non-substantive, focusing solely on commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 260 allows the City of Raeford to redirect $3 million in existing sewer infrastructure funds to extend sewer lines to the Cameron Heights community or other water/wastewater projects. It amends a previous law (S.L. 2023-134) to expand the eligible uses of these allocated funds. The bill directly affects Raeford’s infrastructure planning and the Cameron Heights neighborhood by providing flexibility for sewer system improvements. This is a concrete policy change that modifies how specific state funds may be spent, without creating new funding.

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.