Rep. Bill Ward

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 773 proposes changes to how North Carolina public schools (K-12) are graded on their performance. The bill modifies the calculation of school achievement scores by altering the specific student proficiency measures used across different grade levels and shifts from a composite weighting to giving equal weight to each achievement element. It also revises the calculation of school growth scores, specifying which achievement measures contribute to growth for each grade band and adding metrics for students in the lowest 25% for English Language Arts and mathematics. These adjustments directly impact how the State Board of Education assigns overall performance scores and grades to schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies North Carolina's civil commitment hearing procedures by giving judges discretion to dismiss criminal charges when a defendant lacks the capacity to proceed. Currently, judges are required to dismiss charges under certain conditions, but this change would allow them to decide whether dismissal is appropriate in each case. The law applies to offenses committed on or after the bill becomes effective. It affects criminal defendants who have mental health or cognitive issues that prevent them from participating in their own defense.

Maddy summaryHB 406, titled "Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws," revises regulations affecting motor vehicle manufacturers and dealerships. The bill makes it unlawful for manufacturers to unreasonably prevent the transfer or sale of a dealership, or to condition such approvals on requirements like facility construction or granting a right of first refusal. It also prohibits manufacturers from considering an applicant's past legal actions against other manufacturers or prior denials by other manufacturers when evaluating a dealership transfer. Additionally, the bill stipulates that manufacturers cannot terminate or cancel a dealer's franchise without demonstrating good cause and good faith, with the franchise remaining in effect during the Commissioner's review process.

Maddy summaryHB 139, titled "Baby Boxes/Newborn Safety Device," allows for the safe surrender of infants up to 30 days old using a specialized newborn safety device. This bill permits parents to place an infant in these devices, which must have a dual alarm system connected to the facility and be tested monthly. These devices can only be installed at continuously staffed emergency departments, emergency facilities, or social services offices, where qualified healthcare providers, first responders, or social services workers will take temporary custody of the infant. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 875 directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish a comprehensive system of mathematics support for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This system requires DPI to provide approved lists of high-quality supplemental math systems for screening and progress monitoring, as well as instructional materials for intervention and core curriculum. These materials must utilize structured problem-based learning, explicit instruction, and provide responsive feedback to students. The bill also mandates DPI to offer approved professional development programs for K-8 teachers to implement these new instructional approaches effectively. Parents will be notified of any identified mathematical deficiencies, including characteristics of dyscalculia, and receive information on interventions and home strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 789 creates a new mitigating factor for individuals charged with impaired driving offenses in North Carolina. This factor applies if the defendant voluntarily equips their vehicle with an approved ignition interlock system within 45 days of being charged and uses it for at least six months prior to trial, without violations. The bill aims to incentivize early intervention and responsible behavior by offering a potential reduction in sentencing for eligible defendants who meet specific criteria. It also allows individuals who voluntarily install the system and meet certain requirements to apply for a waiver of a portion of the costs if they cannot afford it.

Maddy summaryHB 92, titled the "NC Digital Assets Investments Act," authorizes the North Carolina State Treasurer to invest various state funds in qualifying digital assets. This includes funds from the General Fund, Highway Fund, and numerous retirement and special funds. The bill specifies that eligible digital assets must be exchange-traded products with an average market capitalization of at least $750 billion over the preceding 12 months. Additionally, investments in digital assets cannot exceed 10% of a fund's balance, and the State Treasurer must use a defined "secure custody solution" if managing these assets internally.

Maddy summaryHB 797, titled "Residential Property Wholesaling Protection," clarifies that residential property wholesaling and related transactions are considered real estate brokerage activity, requiring those involved to be licensed. The bill grants homeowners a non-waivable right to cancel purchase contracts related to residential property wholesaling until midnight of the 30th day after execution or until deed conveyance. It also mandates that these contracts include specific disclosures about this cancellation right, printed in at least 14-point font. Failure to provide this right to cancel is deemed an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Maddy summaryHB 614, titled "The Michael Mitchke F.I.N.E. Law," mandates that an autopsy be performed in any case where human remains are discovered following a fire incident. This bill modifies current law by adding a new requirement for the Chief Medical Examiner or designated pathologists to conduct an autopsy in these specific circumstances. The change aims to ensure a thorough examination of remains found in fire-related incidents. This law directly affects the duties of medical examiners and applies to cases arising on or after October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 261 establishes new sentence enhancements for individuals convicted of certain crimes. It increases the severity of a felony sentence (excluding Class A) if the person was unlawfully in the United States and had prior immigration issues, raising the felony by one or two classes. The bill also enhances sentences for felonies (excluding Class A) and misdemeanors committed while conspiring with others to benefit or promote criminal activity. For these offenses, the sentence is increased by one class, or a Class A1 misdemeanor becomes a Class I felony. These enhancements apply if the specific conditions are proven beyond a reasonable doubt during trial.