Rep. Harry Warren

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 593 (HB 593) modifies how units of local government and public authorities select accountants for their annual financial audits. It requires governing boards to solicit sealed bids for audits at least every five years, selecting an auditor based on cost and expertise without initially knowing the bidder's identity. Auditors must be certified by the State Auditor, who is also appropriated funds to assist local governments with financial record-keeping. Additionally, the bill allows the Local Government Commission to mandate that a local government, following an investigative audit, select an auditor from a list provided by the Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 833, "The FRESH Act," directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to expand its existing Home Processor Program. This expansion will allow individuals participating in the program to produce and sell refrigerated or frozen food items, as well as bakery products containing cream or cream cheese fillings, including cheesecakes. The Department is authorized to adopt temporary rules to implement these changes. All activities under the expanded program will remain subject to applicable food safety laws and inspections.

Maddy summaryHB 113 creates a joint legislative committee to study potential changes to North Carolina's Medicaid program if federal funding decreases. The 12-member committee (six senators appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore, six representatives appointed by the House Speaker) will examine cost-saving options like reducing optional services, adjusting provider payments, or improving managed care efficiency. It must submit a final report with recommendations to the General Assembly by April 30, 2026, but the bill itself does not make any direct policy changes to Medicaid. This is a procedural measure establishing a study body, not a policy enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 931 limits towing fees to reasonable and clearly disclosed amounts, prohibits charging storage fees when towing companies are closed, and bans towing to locations without 24-hour vehicle recovery access. It requires towing companies to accept debit/credit/cash payments without processing fees exceeding 2% of the total. The Utilities Commission enforces these rules, imposing up to $5,000 penalties per violation for noncompliance. This bill directly affects towing companies and vehicle owners in North Carolina by regulating fee practices and payment options.

Maddy summaryHB 999 establishes a regulatory framework for video gaming terminals in North Carolina, authorizing their operation under the State Lottery Commission. It directly affects licensed businesses (video gaming merchants) holding on- or off-premises ABC permits (e.g., bars, restaurants), requiring them to partner with licensed operators to place terminals. Key provisions include restricting terminals to locations over 1,000 feet from schools/churches, limiting operators to three terminals per location (with potential increases based on revenue), mandating real-time central monitoring, and requiring terminals to be in plain view with surveillance. Revenue from terminals (net machine revenue) allocates 32% to the Commission, with all terminals needing valid permits and compliance with security standards.

Maddy summaryHB 53 would increase property damage thresholds for classifying at-fault car accidents under North Carolina's Safe Driver Incentive Plan. It raises the "major" accident threshold from $3,850 to $5,975, the "intermediate" range from $2,300-$3,850 to $3,570-$5,975, and sets a new "minor" threshold at $3,570 or less. This change would reduce surcharges for drivers involved in property damage accidents below these higher thresholds. The bill would take effect October 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 848 establishes a pilot program for Cleveland County Schools (2025-2026 through 2030-2031) that allows flexibility in staffing to improve student outcomes. It permits up to 50% of teachers per school and 25% district-wide to be unlicensed, provided they complete specific training on disability education, behavior management, and safety protocols. The program requires annual reporting on staffing, class sizes, fund usage, and student success metrics to oversight committees. It directly affects Cleveland County Schools' hiring practices, teacher qualifications, and resource allocation for K-3 classrooms and NC Pre-K programs. The pilot ends December 2031 unless extended.

Maddy summaryHB 761 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit North Carolina's regular legislative sessions to 90 days in odd-numbered years and 45 days in even-numbered years. This would apply only to regular sessions (not reconvened or special sessions) and directly affect the North Carolina General Assembly. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the session length limits. If approved, it would take effect for regular sessions starting after certification. The bill does not change current session lengths, as it is pending voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 664 removes positron emission tomography (PET) scanners from North Carolina's Certificate of Need (CON) review process. This means healthcare facilities seeking to purchase PET scanners will no longer need state approval through the CON program. The bill specifically repeals a section of state law (G.S. 131E-176(16)f1.8) that previously required this review. The change directly affects hospitals and medical centers planning to acquire PET scanning equipment. This is a procedural adjustment to reduce regulatory requirements for a specific medical technology.

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.