Rep. Brian Biggs

Maddy summaryHB 60 increases Medicaid dental reimbursement rates from 35% to 46% of average dentist charges (2023 rates) to align with neighboring states. The bill allocates $52 million annually from North Carolina's General Fund, matched by $95 million in federal funds, to cover this rate increase starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects dentists who accept Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care, aiming to boost provider participation and prevent costly emergency treatments. The change addresses years of stagnant rates that reduced dental provider enrollment in Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHB 66 would shorten North Carolina's early voting period by changing the start date from the third Thursday before an election to the second Monday before the election. It specifies that voters may only cast early ballots between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the last Saturday before an election. This bill directly affects voters in North Carolina elections by reducing the window for early in-person voting. The change applies to all elections held on or after the law's effective date. The bill modifies existing voting procedures without altering election administration rules beyond the early voting timeframe.

Maddy summaryHB 39 excludes motor vehicles owned by veterans with a 100% disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from North Carolina property tax. It amends state tax law to add these vehicles as a designated exempt class under G.S. 105-275. The exclusion applies to vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects eligible disabled veterans who own motor vehicles, reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or tax rates for other vehicle classes.

Maddy summaryHB 55 appropriates $250,000 annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Autism Society of North Carolina's IGNITE Program. The funds will support activities and education groups designed to help young adults with autism develop independence and social skills during their transition to adulthood. This recurring funding applies to the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Autism Society of North Carolina and the young adults with autism it serves through the IGNITE Program.

Maddy summaryHB 36 requires North Carolina's Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to improve maintenance at all four state veterans cemeteries, directly affecting veterans' families and cemetery operations. The bill mandates addressing specific issues like headstone installation delays, equipment damage to graves, drainage problems, debris, and poor grounds appearance, while allowing military groups to volunteer for upkeep. It also directs the department to review and adjust funeral service policies, including chapel-only options, service duration, attendee limits, and grave visitation rules during services. The department must submit a report on these changes to legislative committees by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 12 would require North Carolina and all its local governments to observe Eastern Standard Time year-round, eliminating the biannual clock changes for daylight saving time. This bill directly affects state agencies, local municipalities, and residents by keeping the state on standard time permanently, as permitted under federal law (the Uniform Time Act of 1966). The key provision amends state law to mandate year-round standard time, aligning with a federal provision that allows states to forgo daylight saving time. The bill would take effect on March 8, 2026, if enacted. This is a procedural change to time observance, not a new policy affecting services or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 10 establishes a bipartisan committee to study modernizing North Carolina's travel allowances for state employees, teachers, and officials like legislators. The seven-member committee - appointed by legislative leaders and the governor - will examine federal reimbursement rates, consult with hospitality and HR experts, and review historical travel policies. It must submit recommendations to lawmakers by March 15, 2026, but does not change current allowance amounts. This is a procedural study bill, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill updates the House's committee structure by adding "Appropriations, Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources" to the list of standing committees. It directly affects House members who serve on these committees and the administrative organization of legislative work. The change is purely organizational, with no policy or funding implications. The bill was adopted on January 29, 2025, and modifies Rule 27 of the House's Temporary Rules.

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 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.