Rep. Bill Ward

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies North Carolina's mask exemption laws by clarifying that wearing a mask for personal health or safety is allowed, but individuals must remove it upon request by law enforcement during a traffic stop or when asked to identify themselves on private property. It also increases criminal penalties for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony if they were wearing a mask or other item that concealed their identity at the time of the offense. Additionally, the legislation creates civil liability for demonstration organizers who obstruct emergency vehicles and updates campaign finance rules regarding federal political committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head as a unique coastal geological area of environmental concern. It establishes specific rules for development within the site, requiring permits for sand removal projects that exceed ten cubic yards per year. Any sand removed under these permits must be returned to designated areas within the Jockey's Ridge State Park. Additionally, the legislation prohibits development activities that would significantly block the natural movement of sand, with limited exceptions for essential infrastructure and maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program in Vance and Granville Counties to help religious institutions better support people with mental health or substance use needs. The program creates a tiered designation system where churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples can earn Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced status by completing specific training, hosting support groups, and providing mental health resources. To receive these designations, participating institutions must update their websites to show their status and ensure their staff and members complete required mental health training. The state agency responsible for mental health services will manage the application process and submit an annual report on the program's progress to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis document is an amendment to House Bill 385 rather than a standalone legislative bill, so it does not establish new laws or affect specific groups directly. The proposed change expands the definition of "property or equipment" to include hardware, software, and digital infrastructure needed for public water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and manufacturing facilities. This update ensures that these digital assets are protected under the same legal provisions as physical equipment within the bill's existing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows sellers of manufactured signs to repossess those signs if buyers fail to make agreed-upon payments. The law specifically permits this action even when the sign has been permanently attached to real property, provided the seller does not breach the peace during the process. By amending existing state statutes, the legislation clarifies that sellers retain the right to pursue this remedy alongside any other lawful options available to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the 2023 budget law to the "Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2024" and updates funding levels for the state's education system. It directly affects various institutions, including public universities, community colleges, and the University of North Carolina system, by specifying the exact amounts of state money they will receive for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The legislation details how much money each entity gets after accounting for their own income, ensuring the state allocates its resources according to the approved budget plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the composition of North Carolina's Medical Cannabis Production Commission to ensure a more diverse range of oversight. It establishes a 13-member body that includes representatives from law enforcement, agriculture, pharmacy, and medicine, alongside industry experts and patient advocates. A specific provision requires industry representatives to recuse themselves from license selection decisions if they have a personal or business connection to an applicant. The amendment also sets new term lengths and expiration dates for these commissioners to structure their service periods.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 207 requires school principals or their designated representatives to accept detailed eyewitness accounts of incidents that could lead to student suspensions. The bill mandates that these accounts be submitted by the end of the school day following the incident, though they can still be accepted after that deadline. Eyewitness testimony can be provided in writing or orally, with the requirement that any oral statements be transcribed into writing by the school official. This change directly affects school administrators and students by formalizing the process for collecting immediate witness statements during disciplinary investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits payment card networks from using special codes to track purchases of firearms or ammunition at merchants in North Carolina. It also bans these networks from maintaining records that identify individuals who own firearms within the state. The law applies to entities that process electronic payments, such as credit card companies, but excludes federally insured banks and credit unions. If a payment network violates these rules, the Attorney General can impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and affected merchants or customers can sue for similar damages plus legal fees. The legislation aims to prevent the surveillance of lawful gun purchases and ensure that firearms merchants are not discriminated against based on their business type.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to the 2024 Appropriations Act reallocates $500,000 within the state education budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The funds are moved from the SME Prime program to STEM West, Inc. to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education opportunities for students at all levels. This change directs the money toward fostering partnerships between students and industries while reducing the specific allocation previously designated for SME Prime.