Rep. Pricey Harrison

Maddy summaryHB 292 allows Gaston County Schools to set an earlier student school start date (as early as August 19, instead of the standard August 26) if they demonstrate "good cause," defined as experiencing eight days of school closures per year on average over four of the last ten years due to weather, power failures, or emergencies. The bill modifies the state's standard school calendar requirements specifically for Gaston County, exempting it from the usual opening and closing date rules. It also confirms that schools already operating under a modified calendar (like those designated in 2003-2004) remain exempt. This change applies only to Gaston County Schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 290 appropriates $545,588 in state funds to the Town of Pineville for a pedestrian hybrid beacon and crosswalk at Hwy 51 and Main St. near Town Hall. The bill directly affects Pineville residents and pedestrians by funding a safety infrastructure project to improve crossing conditions at this specific location. Key provisions include allocating nonrecurring state funds for construction, with the project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and walkability in the town. The bill requires no new policy changes but provides targeted financial support for a local infrastructure improvement. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, pending legislative approval.

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 293, the Marine Life Stewardship Act, prohibits the farming (aquaculture) of octopus for human consumption in North Carolina. It specifically bans businesses from raising, selling, possessing, or transporting farmed octopus, while excluding wild-caught octopus and octopus used solely for non-commercial research. Violations carry daily civil penalties up to $1,000. The law directly affects aquaculture businesses and retailers handling farmed octopus products within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 286 allows Vance County Schools to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19, instead of the standard August 26) if the district has experienced eight emergency closures per year over four of the last ten years due to weather, power failures, or other emergencies. This waiver requires the school board to demonstrate "good cause" based on historical closure data, ensuring the calendar still meets minimum instructional day requirements. The bill applies exclusively to Vance County Schools and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 273 creates the Brushy Mountains State Natural Area (BMSNA) in Alexander, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties, adding it to North Carolina's state parks system. The bill appropriates $500,000 total ($250,000 one-time and $250,000 annual) from the General Fund for initial land acquisition, site development, and operating costs at BMSNA, using existing funding sources like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This directly affects residents and visitors in those three counties by establishing a new protected natural area. The funding becomes effective July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 277 grants Johnston County Schools flexibility to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19, instead of the standard August 26) if they demonstrate "good cause" through documented emergency closures (8+ days in 4 of the last 10 years). It also allows the district to administer standardized assessments earlier if they conclude the fall semester before December 31, while maintaining required assessment timing windows for other courses. The bill specifically applies only to Johnston County Schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a targeted procedural adjustment for one school district, not a statewide policy change.

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 269, the "Workforce Freedom and Protection Act," bans non-compete agreements for most North Carolina workers earning under $75,000 annually, prohibiting employers from restricting job mobility after termination or requiring such agreements as a condition of employment. It also directs the Legislative Research Commission to study occupational licensing requirements in key industries like construction, cosmetology, and healthcare to identify unnecessary barriers that may raise costs for consumers or limit job access. The study will evaluate licensing rules based on public safety justification, economic impact, and comparison to national standards, with recommendations for potential reforms. The bill does not immediately change existing licensing but sets a process for reviewing requirements that may disproportionately affect low- and moderate-income workers. The non-compete ban takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 282 amends North Carolina law to clarify that Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) funds can be used for independent bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects, such as bike lanes and sidewalks. It removes previous restrictions that prevented the Department of Transportation from funding such projects, except for specific cases like municipal matching funds for federal projects or projects already scheduled for construction by 2015. The bill directly affects local governments and municipalities seeking to use STI funds for non-vehicle transportation improvements. Key provisions rewrite two statutes to explicitly allow these projects, streamlining funding access for community-led bike and pedestrian initiatives. This change makes it easier for local entities to secure state transportation funds for walking and cycling infrastructure.