Rep. Pricey Harrison

Maddy summaryHB 569 requires PFAS manufacturers (those who produce PFAS compounds like GenX) to pay public water systems for cleaning up PFAS contamination in drinking water when levels exceed EPA safety limits. It allows the Environmental Quality Secretary to order polluters to cover actual cleanup costs, including technology to reduce PFAS levels, and applies retroactively to expenses since 2017. The bill appropriates $300,000 for implementation and mandates annual reports on fund use, with water systems refunding ratepayers when manufacturers cover costs. This directly affects water systems burdened by PFAS cleanup, PFAS manufacturers deemed responsible, and ratepayers who may see reduced future water rates.

Maddy summaryHB 485 requires North Carolina's Medicaid agency to request federal approval to extend Medicaid coverage for personal care services to adults living in licensed adult care homes who earn more than the current State-County Special Assistance income limit but stay below 180-200% of the federal poverty level. The bill specifically targets individuals who would qualify for lower-income Medicaid assistance if not for their higher earnings. Before implementing this coverage, the agency must submit a CMS request meeting three conditions: covering the specified income group, ensuring cost savings offset new expenses, and complying with legal requirements. This bill does not immediately change coverage - it only authorizes a federal request, pending CMS approval.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 754 aims to protect disabled and older adults from financial exploitation. It empowers financial institutions to take action when they reasonably suspect such exploitation by updating relevant laws. Financial institutions are required to report suspected cases to law enforcement and social services, and they can contact designated "trusted contacts." The bill also allows these institutions to temporarily delay or refuse suspicious transactions for up to 30 days and grants them immunity from liability for these good-faith actions.

Maddy summaryHB 886 requires all public schools in North Carolina to install Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and train school personnel on their use and on CPR. The State Board of Education must develop rules for AED placement, maintenance, and coordination with emergency services, with at least one AED per school, ideally in an athletic area. Local school boards, charter schools, and regional schools are then required to create policies aligning with these state rules. The bill appropriates $4.1 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to help public school units purchase AEDs and train staff.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 597 designates the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) as the official state raptor of North Carolina. This bill amends Chapter 145 of the General Statutes to formally adopt the osprey as a state symbol.

Maddy summaryThe Coach Safely Act (HB 602) establishes an annual training requirement for individuals serving as athletics personnel or coaches for youth sports organizations using state or local government properties. These organizations must provide a free, Department of Health and Human Services-approved youth sports injury education course. The course must cover topics such as concussions, emergency preparedness, CPR, and heat-related injuries. This bill aims to enhance safety for youth athletes aged 18 and younger by ensuring their coaches are trained in injury prevention and response, and provides a defense against liability claims for trained personnel who follow course guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 17th of each year as "Lafayette Day" in the State of North Carolina. It amends the General Statutes to officially recognize this day in honor of Marquis de Lafayette's contributions to American independence and his visit to North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 841 requires the North Carolina Collaboratory to conduct a comprehensive statewide study on shellfish aquaculture leasing regulations. This study will evaluate existing rules, current bans (moratoriums) on new leases, and best practices from other states. It aims to balance economic development, environmental protection, and public access to coastal waters, considering impacts on fishing, boating, property values, and the environment. The Collaboratory must consult with various stakeholders, including shellfish growers, fishermen, and property owners, and will submit an interim report by December 2025 and a final report with recommendations by May 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled Reagan's Law, aims to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic devices for North Carolinians with limb loss or limb difference by requiring most health benefit plans to cover these devices and related care. Key provisions mandate that plans cover all materials, instruction, and repairs for prosthetics and orthotics, allow for multiple devices based on medical needs, and prohibit denying claims for these devices that would otherwise be covered for non-disabled individuals seeking similar medical treatment. The legislation also requires insurers to provide coverage for device replacements when medically necessary due to changes in the insured's condition or device damage, without limiting coverage based on the device's age or useful lifetime. Additionally, the bill repeals state requirements for health plans to cover emergency care that duplicates federal law, aligning state regulations with federal standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 489 establishes a minimum reimbursement rate for emergency ambulance transportation services provided by out-of-network providers under health benefit plans. It mandates that insurers pay these out-of-network ambulance providers directly and sets a cap on the cost-sharing amounts that insured individuals must pay for these services. The minimum reimbursement rate is determined by local government rates, or if none, by comparing 400% of the Medicare rate to the provider's billed charges. This bill affects individuals needing emergency ambulance services, health insurers, and ambulance service providers, with an effective date of October 1, 2025, for new or renewed insurance contracts.