Rep. Bill Ward

Maddy summaryHB 836, the "North Carolina Sound Money Act," designates certain investment coins and metal bullion as legal tender within the state. Specifically, refined gold or silver investment coins and bullion, marked with their weight and purity, would be recognized as legal tender. The bill also clarifies that no person is required to accept these items for payment of debts or deposits, unless specified by contract. Additionally, North Carolina taxpayers would be able to deduct any gain or loss from the sale of these investment coins and bullion from their state taxable income.

Maddy summaryHB 806, titled "Public School Operational Relief," proposes changes to North Carolina's public school regulations concerning class sizes and teacher licensure. The bill removes state-mandated class size requirements for kindergarten through third grade, making them recommendations, and eliminates penalties for exceeding these former maximums. It also introduces a new provision requiring that at least 50% of teachers in a public school hold a teaching license. Unlicensed teachers hired under this provision would need to complete preservice training in areas such as educating children with disabilities and managing student behavior. These changes would apply to public schools and local school administrative units beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 956 aims to enhance financial protections for disabled adults and North Carolina residents aged 65 or older. It requires financial institutions and electronic fund transfer entities to report to county social services if they observe a pattern of financially harmful behavior or a six-month cessation of communication from these adults. During the period from when such issues are first noted (or a cognitive impairment diagnosis is made) until the report is submitted, these entities are prohibited from charging late fees, other penalties, or interest on loans to the affected adult. This bill amends existing law to ensure late payment charges are subject to these new protections, becoming effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 703 allows State veterans cemeteries to sell monuments and memorials directly to honor individuals interred within them. This bill permits the sale of items such as memorial trees, granite or marble markers, and benches, though not headstones. State veterans cemeteries can establish stylistic guidelines for these items and must not charge more than the market rate. The funds generated from these sales will be retained by the selling cemetery and dedicated solely to its maintenance, improvement, and care. This act becomes effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 767 establishes the Joint Legislative Study Commission on Market Rate Compensation for Teachers. This commission will study public school teacher pay and benefits in North Carolina, comparing them to other states and professions, and analyze teacher attrition rates. Composed of legislators, gubernatorial appointees, and the State Superintendent, the commission will hold public meetings across the state. Its purpose is to gather data and provide legislative recommendations on teacher compensation to the General Assembly by the end of 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 855 expands the types of schools that can request a Residency License (RL) for teachers in North Carolina. Currently, only public school units can request these one-year, renewable licenses. This bill allows certain nonpublic schools to also request Residency Licenses for their teachers. Specifically, it includes nonpublic schools meeting state requirements or those approved by the Department of Public Instruction for students with extraordinary costs. Teachers for whom an RL is requested must still meet existing qualifications, such as holding a bachelor's degree and being enrolled in an educator preparation program.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution elects six individuals - Wendy Floyd Murphy, Kellie Hunt Blue, John A. Fraley, Carolyn Coward, Reginald Ronald Holley, and Dr. M. Lee Barnes - to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina. Their terms on the board will commence on July 1, 2025, and end on June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 135 establishes labeling requirements for "manufactured-protein food products," which include items made from cell cultures, insects, or plants that resemble traditional meat or poultry. The bill mandates that if these products use identifying meat or poultry terms, their labels must also prominently display a "qualifying term" like "cell-cultured" or "plant-based" in a specific font size and location to prevent misbranding. Additionally, the bill aims to prohibit public educational institutions from purchasing certain food products and proposes an environmental investment assessment on specific animal-derived and analogous food products.

Maddy summaryHB 329 encourages nonpublic schools in North Carolina, including private church schools and other qualified nonpublic schools, to adopt policies that prohibit the use of tobacco and hemp products on their school grounds. The bill amends existing state statutes to add this encouragement. It suggests that these schools use the current requirements for public schools as guidance when developing their own policies. This legislation aims to promote smoke-free and hemp-free environments within nonpublic educational settings.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 244, titled "Depoliticize Government Property Act," restricts the types of flags that can be flown or displayed on property owned or leased by the State of North Carolina or its local government entities. The bill specifies a limited list of permissible flags, including the U.S. flag, the North Carolina flag, flags of local government agencies, military branch flags, the POW/MIA flag, the Honor and Remember flag, and flags of recognized nations during official visits. It also clarifies that local governments cannot prohibit the display of official governmental flags on private or public property with consent. Any violation of the display restrictions on government property would be classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor.