Rep. Kanika Brown

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 900 modifies regulations regarding the sale of tobacco products in North Carolina. It requires retailers to have 30 days after a manufacturer is removed from the state directory to either sell remaining inventory or return the products for a refund. This change directly affects tobacco retailers and distributors by providing a specific timeframe to manage stock when a brand is no longer authorized for sale.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects using non-state funds, such as gifts, grants, and hospital receipts, rather than taxpayer money from the General Fund. The legislation allows the universities to issue revenue bonds or special obligation bonds to cover the costs of renovations at East Carolina University, dormitory upgrades at Fayetteville State University, and new infrastructure and research buildings at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Wilmington. A key provision permits the Director of the Budget to adjust project costs or funding methods if deemed necessary in the state's best interest. Ultimately, the bill enables these institutions to proceed with construction and renovation plans without requiring additional appropriations from the state legislature.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the drug tianeptine to North Carolina's list of Schedule II controlled substances, meaning it will be regulated similarly to other opioids. By making this change, the law aims to increase oversight of the drug, which is already associated with potential for abuse and severe dependence. The new rules will apply to anyone who commits offenses involving tianeptine on or after September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for companies in North Carolina that boot or tow vehicles from private property without the owner's consent. It requires these businesses to obtain an annual permit and maintain a public database that logs details about each tow, including the reason for removal and the fees charged. Private property owners must display specific signs at parking lot entrances listing the towing company's contact information and fees before any vehicle can be removed. The legislation also sets limits on how far a towed vehicle can be transported and prohibits booting cars that are currently occupied. Additionally, it clarifies that residential properties with four or fewer units are exempt from the mandatory signage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact in North Carolina to make it easier for licensed PAs to practice across different states. Under the new rules, a PA holding a valid license in one participating state can obtain a temporary privilege to work in another participating state without applying for a full new license. The system requires PAs to follow the laws of the state where the patient is located and allows state boards to discipline practitioners who move between states. Additionally, the compact includes specific provisions to help active-duty military personnel and their spouses obtain practice privileges quickly when relocating.

Maddy summaryHB 1042 establishes a reimbursement program in North Carolina to help cover veterinary expenses for retired law enforcement and correctional dogs. To qualify, the dogs must have served in official capacities such as detection, apprehension, or search and rescue and hold certification from a national organization. Owners can apply for up to $1,500 annually for essential care like check-ups, vaccinations, emergency surgeries, and euthanasia, but not for elective procedures. The Department of Public Safety will manage a dedicated fund, initially seeded with $300,000, to process these claims and maintain records. The law applies to dogs retiring on or after July 1, 2024, and allows owners to participate voluntarily without affecting any other existing benefits.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill requires health insurance plans sold in the state to cover transcranial magnetic stimulation services without denying, reducing, or limiting reimbursement for properly submitted claims. It specifically protects licensed healthcare providers from being penalized based on their medical specialty when submitting these claims. To support this change, the state will allocate one million dollars to the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees to ensure compliance. The law takes effect on October 1, 2024, for new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory to conduct a study on how proposed changes to the county tier designation system would affect the state's 100 counties. The study will examine potential adjustments to the criteria for ranking counties, the method used to assign tiers, and the timeline for these rankings. It will also assess how these changes impact state programs, business operations, and the accuracy of identifying distressed areas using current data. Funded with $100,000, the Collaboratory must submit a preliminary report by December 31, 2024, and a final report by December 1, 2025, to legislative oversight committees.

Maddy summaryHB 935 reorganizes the Advisory Council on Rare Diseases in North Carolina by moving it from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill establishes a 19-member council composed of physicians, researchers, patient advocates, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to advise state leaders on rare disease research, diagnosis, treatment, and education. Key provisions include setting specific term lengths for members, providing administrative support and funding for the council's operations, and requiring annual reports on council activities and recommendations.