Rep. Dean Arp

Maddy summaryHB 170 restores local government authority to initiate down-zoning in Union County and its municipalities without requiring written consent from all affected property owners. The bill specifically targets zoning changes that reduce development density or limit permitted land uses (e.g., making areas less dense or restricting building types). It applies only to Union County and its municipalities, with retroactive effect to December 11, 2024, meaning existing down-zoning actions since that date are treated as if they followed the pre-2024-57 rules. This changes the current requirement (from S.L. 2024-57) that mandated owner consent for all down-zoning amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 61 increases penalties for assaulting certain emergency personnel with a firearm in North Carolina. It reclassifies assaults against law enforcement officers, probation/parole officers, National Guard members, detention facility staff, emergency medical technicians, medical responders, firefighters, and law enforcement telecommunicators as a Class B1 felony (instead of Class D) when committed during their duties. The bill specifically targets firearm assaults, making them punishable by more severe prison sentences. This law takes effect December 1, 2025, for offenses occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former North Carolina House Representative Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., who served District 40 from 2017-2025 and died January 20, 2025. The resolution expresses the House's appreciation for his public service, extends sympathy to his family, and formally recognizes his contributions to North Carolina's judiciary, criminal justice, and community. It has no policy impact or new legal provisions - its purpose is solely to memorialize his career and legacy. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House on January 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally honors the life and public service of Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., a former North Carolina state representative who served from 2009 to 2024. The resolution recognizes his extensive community work, including his leadership roles in the NAACP and various local commissions, as well as his legislative focus on issues like criminal justice reform and healthcare access. It expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his contributions to the state and offers condolences to his family following his death in September 2024. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family and takes effect upon ratification.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 10 allocates $278,994 annually from the state's General Fund to hire two full-time jail inspectors for the 2023-2025 fiscal period. The funds are directed to the Department of Health and Human Services to support the Division of Health Services Regulation in its construction section. These positions become effective on July 1, 2023, and the amendment also updates the bill's title to reflect the addition of these inspector roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Carolina's existing rules for issuing titles to off-road and low-speed vehicles. It requires the title document to include specific details such as the vehicle's make and model, the owner's name, and a complete list of any liens with their holder information. The amendment also clarifies that standard rules for perfecting security interests do not apply to these specific vehicle titles. By updating the required information on the title, the bill ensures that ownership and financial claims on these vehicles are clearly documented.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits any North Carolina state agency or court from accepting payments made with central bank digital currency issued by the Federal Reserve. It also bars these government entities from participating in any testing programs for such digital currencies run by the Federal Reserve. The bill defines central bank digital currency as a digital form of money directly issued or validated by the Federal Reserve System or a federal agency. Although the Governor vetoed the measure, it became law over his objections and applies immediately to all state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 250 modifies North Carolina's rules for obtaining a limited driving privilege for individuals required to use an ignition interlock device. Specifically, it mandates that if a person commits an interlock violation within the 90 days before their initial compliance period ends, their required compliance time must be extended. The change directly affects drivers subject to these safety requirements by ensuring that violations immediately preceding a license restoration attempt result in a longer waiting period. Additionally, the amendment removes the previous text that established the criteria for obtaining a limited driving privilege under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires lodging establishments, vacation rental property managers, and their contractors to complete human trafficking awareness training and display public awareness signs. The Department of Labor will create or select this training in consultation with state agencies and industry groups, ensuring it is free and accessible to staff performing housekeeping, food service, or check-in duties. Employers must keep records of completed training for three years and report suspected trafficking to law enforcement or a national hotline. Violations of these new requirements can result in administrative penalties ranging from $500 for a first offense to $2,000 for subsequent offenses. The legislation also modifies existing laws related to human trafficking and adjusts the definition of a victim under the state's crime victim compensation act.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to eliminate the literacy test requirement for voting. By removing this specific provision, the legislation ensures that all eligible citizens can vote regardless of their reading or writing abilities. The change directly affects voters who previously might have been disenfranchised by this barrier. It does not alter other voting qualifications or the overall structure of the election process.