Rep. David Willis

Maddy summaryHB 794 mandates the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to study and develop recommendations on four specific areas: overall and regional staffing needs, and overall and rank-specific salary scales. The study requires the Patrol to assess staffing requirements based on state and regional needs, along with salary structures for all ranks. The Patrol must submit findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by March 1, 2026. This bill is procedural and does not enact new policies or funding; it solely requires a study to inform future legislative decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 812 appropriates $10 million from North Carolina's General Fund to fund a presidential library honoring Donald Trump at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). The bill directs UNCP to use these nonrecurring funds for constructing the library, with optional partnership coordination with the federal National Archives. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing state policies or require further legislative action beyond the funding allocation. This is a procedural funding measure focused solely on capital construction for the library.

Maddy summaryHB 785 requires North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to study how local school districts can better use existing education funding by combining or transferring budget categories (like classroom materials or staff costs). The study will identify where more flexibility could help schools meet student and staff needs, with a report due to lawmakers by April 2026. The state will provide $50,000 in one-time funding for this research during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This bill does not change current funding rules but sets up a review process to potentially recommend future adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 753 allows eligible North Carolina law enforcement officers aged 59.5 or older to continue receiving retirement benefits while remaining actively employed. Retired officers who separated from service for at least six months may return to duty and retain their retirement benefits. The bill requires employers to cover both employee and employer retirement contributions during this period and clarifies that beneficiaries remain eligible for death benefits under specific conditions. It directly affects current and retired state/local law enforcement officers meeting age and service criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 776, the North Carolina Religious Freedom Restoration Act, requires state and local governments to apply strict scrutiny before restricting religious practices. It protects religious gatherings in places of worship, homes, and neighborhoods from neutral laws or regulations that incidentally burden faith, such as housing rules or emergency orders. The law defines a "burden" as any government action limiting religious exercise (including withholding benefits or imposing penalties) and mandates that such restrictions must serve a compelling government interest through the least restrictive means. It explicitly does not affect constitutional protections against government establishment of religion or alter existing housing nondiscrimination laws.

Maddy summaryHB 780 appropriates $2 million to expand the All Pro Dad program in North Carolina through Family First, Inc., funding school-based chapters, father-child engagement events, and parenting resources. It also creates the "Responsible Fatherhood NC" program under the Department of Health and Human Services, requiring a nonprofit manager to run a statewide media campaign, provide father-focused resources, and promote existing fatherhood initiatives. The bill directs grants to community organizations addressing fathers' needs - such as employment, child support, and parenting skills - with priority given to areas facing high unemployment, incarceration, or single-parent households. The program directly supports North Carolina fathers and their children, aiming to improve family well-being through increased paternal involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 761 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit North Carolina's regular legislative sessions to 90 days in odd-numbered years and 45 days in even-numbered years. This would apply only to regular sessions (not reconvened or special sessions) and directly affect the North Carolina General Assembly. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the session length limits. If approved, it would take effect for regular sessions starting after certification. The bill does not change current session lengths, as it is pending voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 705 directs North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to study whether Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school teachers could qualify through alternative paths, such as industry credentials instead of traditional teaching licenses. The study must examine required credentials, experience levels, and competency measures by March 2026, with recommendations for potential licensure modifications. This bill does not change current rules but sets the stage for future policy decisions affecting CTE educators and skilled professionals seeking teaching roles.

Maddy summaryHB 708 establishes a $2.5 million annual grant program to fund after-school robotics education for North Carolina high school students. It provides grants to public schools or community organizations partnering with approved robotics organizations (like nonprofits or universities) to cover robotics kits, coach stipends, competition fees, and program coordination. The bill also requires schools to grant excused absences for students participating in robotics competitions, aligning with existing policies for academic events. This directly supports high school students in STEM fields through structured, competitive robotics programs while mandating annual reporting on grant usage and student outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 7, the NC REACH Act, requires all students graduating with a baccalaureate degree from a UNC system university or an associate degree from a North Carolina community college to complete at least three credit hours of coursework in American history or government. This coursework must include reading key documents like the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, plus a final exam worth 20% of the grade. Students may qualify for exemptions through AP/IB/Cambridge scores, dual enrollment, or prior equivalent coursework. The bill ensures these requirements do not increase total graduation credit hours or conflict with accreditation standards, with annual compliance reports due to the legislature starting in 2026.