Rep. Cody Huneycutt

Maddy summaryThis bill's title ("Ensuring Patient Safety with Mail Order Medications") does not match its actual content. The bill, formally titled "AN ACT REVISING ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG LAWS," restricts the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs in North Carolina. It prohibits mailing such drugs to pregnant women unless a qualified physician provides in-person counseling 72 hours prior, all other informed consent requirements are met, and the drugs are FDA-approved. Violations carry $5,000 fines per offense or Class H felony charges, and the bill creates civil remedies allowing women, parents, or the Attorney General to sue for damages or injunctions. The bill is currently pending in committee (referred March 31, 2025) and would take effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 330 updates North Carolina's Controlled Substances Act by adding specific synthetic drugs and chemical structures to Schedule I, making them illegal without exception. It directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals using these substances, as it automatically controls new variants of fentanyl derivatives (like 4-fluorofentanyl), nitazenes, synthetic cannabinoids (including indole carboxamides), and other novel psychoactive substances based on their chemical structure - not just named compounds. Key mechanisms include defining "structurally derived" compounds (e.g., fentanyl modifications) and listing specific examples to close loopholes where manufacturers alter molecules slightly to evade existing laws. This policy change aims to address emerging drug threats by expanding the legal definition of controlled substances.

Maddy summaryHB 16 requires the North Carolina General Assembly to display the national motto "In God We Trust" directly above and behind the dais for the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, aligning with the U.S. House of Representatives' display. The bill mandates the Legislative Services Officer to implement this, first using private gifts or donations for costs, and if none are provided within 90 days, using state funds. It becomes effective July 1, 2025. This is a procedural bill affecting legislative chamber decor, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 514 defines the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in North Carolina, including nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). The bill explicitly outlines the specific responsibilities for each role - such as CNMs managing reproductive health care, NPs diagnosing and treating illnesses, and CRNAs administering anesthesia - removing ambiguity in current law. It directly affects over 20,000 APRNs in North Carolina who currently face restrictions due to undefined practice parameters. The legislation aims to align North Carolina with 36 other states that have clarified APRN authority without compromising patient safety, as supported by research cited in the bill. This statutory definition is intended to improve healthcare access and reduce costs by enabling APRNs to practice to the full extent of their training.

Maddy summaryHB 511 establishes new salary levels for full-time magistrates in North Carolina, directly affecting these court officers who handle minor cases like traffic violations and small claims. The bill appropriates $11.5 million annually from the General Fund for 2025-2027 to fund these increases, with specific salary steps outlined in the law. Magistrates will receive raises every two years for the first three experience levels and every four years for higher levels, starting at $47,228 for new hires and reaching $90,498 for the highest step. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to magistrates working at least 40 hours weekly.

Maddy summaryHB 470, "The Second Amendment Protection Act," prohibits North Carolina state officials and employees from enforcing federal firearms laws within the state. It specifically bans state law enforcement, government employees, and political subdivisions from assisting in the enforcement of any federal rules, regulations, or statutes related to firearms, accessories, or ammunition. The bill states that such federal laws exceed constitutional authority under the Tenth Amendment and that North Carolina retains full power to regulate firearms under its own laws. It does not change North Carolina's existing firearm regulations but blocks state resources from being used to implement federal gun control measures. The act applies directly to all state and local government employees who might otherwise assist in federal gun law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 47, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, allocates $524 million from the Helene Fund to support recovery efforts in North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The bill directs funds to specific programs including home reconstruction ($120 million), agricultural crop loss assistance ($200 million), road and bridge repairs ($100 million), small business infrastructure grants ($55 million), debris removal ($20 million), fire department equipment ($10 million), and tourism promotion ($4 million). These resources directly assist residents, farmers, local governments, and businesses in designated hurricane-affected counties by addressing immediate rebuilding needs and supporting economic recovery. The bill requires programs to align with federal disaster recovery guidelines to maximize potential federal reimbursement, with reporting requirements for certain initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 449 increases penalties for computer solicitation of minors, making second offenses or those involving actual meetings Class D felonies (up from Class H). It requires sex offender registration petitions to be filed with courts and placed on criminal dockets for timely review. The bill also creates new offenses: "habitual indecent exposure" (Class F felony for two prior convictions) and "aggravated habitual indecent exposure" (Class E felony), both mandating sex offender registration. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of repeated indecent exposure or online solicitation of minors in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 450, the Private Property Rights Act, requires private detectives and wildlife protectors to obtain a search warrant or judicial order before installing electronic tracking devices or inspecting certain private property. The bill directly affects private investigators, wildlife protectors, and property owners by mandating judicial authorization for these specific activities. Key provisions amend state laws to clarify that wildlife protectors need warrants for inspections on private land (excluding wildlife refuges or public areas), and private investigators must secure warrants for electronic tracking. It does not change existing constitutional protections against unreasonable searches but adds procedural requirements for these two groups. The law takes effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 37 standardizes monthly pension benefits for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers under the state pension fund. It sets a uniform $175 monthly pension for members with 20+ years of service who reach age 55, replaces the previous $180 amount, and maintains $175 for disability benefits and line-of-duty death benefits. The bill also allows members affected by city annexations or department closures to continue contributing $15 monthly until they reach 20 years of service for pension eligibility. These changes apply to current and future members of the pension fund who meet the service requirements. The bill does not alter contribution rates or eligibility for most members but adjusts benefit amounts and extends certain provisions.