Rep. Matthew Winslow

Maddy summaryHB 838 creates a new satellite broadband grant program for the Department of Information Technology, prioritizing eligible entities (like state/local governments, nonprofits, and ISPs) in the 39 counties affected by Hurricane Helene to purchase satellite internet installation materials and service for their own use. It also repurposes up to $50 million from existing broadband funds to reimburse communications providers for repairing Hurricane Helene-damaged broadband infrastructure, with priority given to restoring service and limits on reimbursement. The bill updates the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to clarify reimbursement rules (50% of eligible costs, capped at $10,000 per pole), requires pole owners to provide timely cost estimates for infrastructure work, and mandates public reporting of program data. These changes aim to accelerate broadband deployment and recovery in underserved areas impacted by the hurricane.

Maddy summaryHB 471, the Food Labeling Transparency Act, requires manufacturers of cell-cultured and insect-based food products to clearly label items that use meat or poultry terms (like "beef," "chicken," or "burger") with qualifying terms such as "cell-cultured," "insect-based," or "lab-grown" in prominent, close proximity to the product name. This applies to products that mimic traditional meat or poultry but are made without animal slaughter, directly affecting manufacturers of these alternative protein products. The law mandates this labeling to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring the product’s origin is transparent, with enforcement starting October 1, 2025. It does not restrict the sale of these products but requires specific labeling to distinguish them from conventional meat.

Maddy summaryHB 295 requires the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) to install permanent property corner markers after acquiring land for transportation projects. It directly affects property owners whose land is used for DOT projects, ensuring clear boundary identification. The bill mandates DOT to survey and place durable markers (like metal stakes) along acquired property lines after project completion, using coordinates tied to North Carolina's State Plane Coordinate system. This ensures accurate, long-term documentation of property boundaries for future reference.

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 751 requires large electric utilities (serving at least 150,000 North Carolina customers by 2025) that already offer seasonal or intermittent energy rates in part of their service area to file a rate case by September 2025. This would extend those same seasonal rates to all eligible customers statewide, rather than offering different rates in different regions. The bill applies specifically to utilities with existing seasonal rate schedules, mandating a uniform statewide approach for those services. It does not change the rates themselves, only requires the utility to expand an existing rate structure to all customers it serves.

Maddy summaryHB 141, the Joe John Remembrance Act, removes an additional fee for special license plates designated for fire department and rescue squad members in North Carolina. The bill amends state law to formally eliminate the "additional fee" listed for these plates (which was already set to $0 in the current fee schedule), meaning eligible firefighters and rescue personnel will pay only the standard registration fee when obtaining or renewing these special plates. This change applies to plates issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new benefits but codifies an existing fee structure for these specific special plates.

Maddy summaryHB 647 expands North Carolina’s agricultural tax program to include land owned by qualified conservation organizations. It allows conservation holders (nonprofits dedicated to preserving farmland/forestland) to have land taxed at its current agricultural or forest use value, rather than its full market value, when they acquire it. To qualify, land must be appraised at present-use value upon transfer to the conservation holder, and the holder must continue using it for conservation purposes while assuming tax liability for any deferred taxes. This bill directly affects conservation groups and landowners transferring property to them, aiming to support long-term land preservation through tax incentives. The law takes effect for taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 426 establishes the Workforce Diploma Program to help North Carolina adults aged 21+ without high school diplomas earn diplomas while gaining job skills. The program requires approved providers to offer courses combining diploma requirements with career training, including employability certifications and industry credentials. Participants receive milestone-based funding up to $7,500 per person, with payments tied to completing half-credits, certifications, or diplomas. The program mandates annual reports tracking participant outcomes like diplomas earned, credits, and workforce credentials. It appropriates $5 million for implementation starting July 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 571 appropriates $500,000 from the state General Fund to the Department of Public Safety for a grant program treating police officers diagnosed with PTSD. It directly affects North Carolina police officers who have received a clinical PTSD diagnosis. The key provision establishes a state-funded grant program to cover treatment costs, with funds allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, and focuses solely on providing financial support for treatment, not on expanding eligibility or altering diagnosis standards.

Maddy summaryHR 563 adopts the permanent rules for the North Carolina House of Representatives during the 2025 Regular Session. These rules establish procedural guidelines including session hours (e.g., no Friday sessions in January and February, adjournment by 10:00 PM on Mondays and 9:00 PM on other days), quorum requirements, and the order of business for legislative proceedings.