Rep. Kanika Brown

Maddy summaryHB 28, the "Gun Violence Prevention Act," creates a new criminal offense for individuals convicted of a felony who possess a firearm or "weapon of mass death and destruction" (as defined in state law) during the commission or attempt of another felony. It imposes stricter penalties: a Class C felony if the weapon is discharged, Class D for brandishing (displaying the weapon), and Class F for other violations. This law applies specifically to convicted felons who already face restrictions on firearm possession, treating this additional offense as separate from the underlying felony. The bill takes effect December 1, 2025, for offenses committed on or after that date.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 35 designates November of each year as Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina. The bill creates a symbolic recognition within state law, honoring military service members and veterans during this month. It does not establish new programs, funding, or requirements - it simply formally names November for this purpose. The bill affects the state government's official calendar and public recognition efforts, with no direct impact on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 393 appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to The Arts Council, Inc. for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support Winston-Salem's annual 1Love Festival. The festival, a three-day event celebrating diversity through music, arts, and entertainment, will receive this directed grant for operations. The funding is nonrecurring and becomes effective July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects The Arts Council, Inc. and the community hosting the festival.

Maddy summaryHB 392 appropriates $250,000 in one-time state funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to The United Way of Forsyth County, Inc., to fund summer learning programs for students in Forsyth County who would otherwise not have access to such programs through their local school system. The United Way will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract with community agencies offering these programs, either extending existing services or partnering with vetted new organizations. This bill directly affects eligible Forsyth County students and community agencies providing summer learning support, with funds becoming available July 1, 2025. The legislation focuses on creating a structured grant process to expand educational opportunities during summer months.

Maddy summaryHB 391 appropriates $2.178 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $4.542 million for 2026-2027 to hire 50 additional Adult Protective Services (APS) workers statewide. The funds, distributed based on need factors like case volume and senior population, directly support county social services departments overwhelmed by rising elder abuse reports. Counties must use the funds solely for APS worker salaries and benefits, not to replace existing funding. This addresses a critical staffing gap identified by counties, where federal funds are depleted early and reports of elder abuse have increased significantly.

Maddy summaryHB 396 establishes a Nursing Fellows Program at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) to provide forgivable loans to nursing students. The program targets WSSU students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing Education degrees who commit to working as nurses or nursing instructors in North Carolina after graduation. Eligible students receive up to $5,000 per semester (or $2,500 per summer) to cover tuition, fees, and books, with loans forgiven upon meeting service requirements. Funds are managed through a dedicated Trust Fund, with specific allocations for administrative costs, mentoring, and program activities. This directly affects WSSU nursing students planning to work in North Carolina healthcare settings.

Maddy summaryHB 398, the "KinCare Act," allows North Carolina employees to use accrued sick leave to care for family members, directly affecting employers and workers in the state. The bill expands existing sick leave provisions to permit up to five consecutive days per year for caring for defined family members - including children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, or others with close family-like relationships - without requiring the employee’s own illness. Employers must permit this use under the same conditions applied to personal sick leave, while clarifying it does not alter federal Family and Medical Leave Act coverage or apply to certain benefits like workers’ compensation. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 137, the "Gabe Torres Act," expands death benefits under North Carolina's Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act to include public safety workers (like police, fire, and emergency personnel) who are killed while traveling to or from work. The bill amends the law to define "official duties" to explicitly cover commuting between home and work, as well as travel for training or responding to emergencies. It also appropriates $300,000 in recurring funds for these expanded benefits, effective July 1, 2025. This change directly affects eligible families of covered public safety employees who die during work-related travel, ensuring they qualify for death benefits previously limited to on-duty incidents.

Maddy summaryHB 43 designates the Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville as North Carolina's official state balloon rally. The bill amends state law to formally recognize this annual October event, which has been held since 1974 and features hot air balloon activities, entertainment, and community fundraising. This designation is ceremonial and does not create new regulations or funding, simply granting the festival official status under state statute.