Rep. Neal Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 318 requires North Carolina county jails and detention facilities to check the immigration status of individuals charged with specific offenses (including certain felonies, misdemeanors, and impaired driving) and to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if a detainer is issued. If ICE issues a detainer, facilities must hold the person for up to 48 hours (or until ICE takes custody) and notify ICE 2 hours before the person would otherwise be released. For pretrial defendants facing similar charges, the bill mandates a two-hour hold to allow ICE to issue a detainer; if none is received, the defendant must be released. The law also shields state officials from liability when following these procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 805 requires North Carolina state agencies and local governments to use biological sex definitions (based on reproductive anatomy at birth) in all policies, replacing gender identity as a legal equivalent. It directly affects state programs, including healthcare, education, and civil rights enforcement, by mandating that "female," "male," and related terms refer solely to biological sex as defined in the bill. The bill also creates a new "Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Women and Minors Act" with definitions for consent and intimate visual depictions, while including provisions on birth certificates, school accommodations for religious objections, and parental access to library materials. These changes take effect January 1, 2026, and are intended to align state law with federal directives referenced in the bill's preamble.

Maddy summaryHB 762 modernizes North Carolina's mortgage licensing rules under the S.A.F.E. Act and adjusts fee limits for second or junior lien loans. It directly affects mortgage lenders offering these second mortgages by requiring their fees to align with federal qualified mortgage standards. The bill modifies maximum permissible fees to better match federal requirements, aiming to reduce consumer costs and improve compliance. This change applies specifically to loans secured by a second or junior lien on residential properties. The bill focuses on policy adjustments without altering licensing processes or consumer protections beyond fee structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact in North Carolina, allowing physicians who meet specific qualifications to obtain medical licenses in multiple participating states through a streamlined process. The law creates an Interstate Commission to oversee the compact and sets clear standards for physician eligibility, including requirements for medical school graduation, passing licensing exams, specialty certification, and a clean disciplinary record. While the compact simplifies licensing for qualified doctors, it maintains that each state retains authority to regulate medical practice within its borders and can take disciplinary action against physicians licensed through the compact. The bill does not alter existing state medical practice laws but adds an additional pathway for physicians to practice across state lines.

Maddy summaryHB 975 allows North Carolina emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to carry pepper spray openly or concealed while on duty, subject to mandatory training (up to law enforcement standards), provider approval, and a ban on use during patient transport in ambulances. It also exempts EMS personnel from needing a veterinary license to provide emergency medical care to injured police K-9 units or certified search and rescue dogs at emergency scenes. The bill grants limited immunity for EMS personnel acting in good faith during such care, but not for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These provisions take effect on July 1, 2025, for pepper spray use and 30 days after enactment for animal care exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 309 creates a separate Transylvania Rural Development Authority with nine appointed members (residents of Transylvania County) to operate independently from the county government. It establishes governance rules, including member appointment terms, conflict-of-interest restrictions, and requirements for public meetings. The bill also updates the charter of the Town of Boiling Springs to revise its incorporation language. These changes apply only to Transylvania County and the Town of Boiling Springs, with no new funding or policy changes beyond structural reorganization.

Maddy summaryHB 612, the "Fostering Care in NC Act," updates North Carolina's laws governing child abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. It expands the definition of "abused juveniles" to include specific offenses like sexual crimes, human trafficking, and certain violent acts, affecting how cases are classified. The bill requires county social services directors to use either a family-centered assessment or a formal investigation when reviewing reports, and to collect military affiliation details of the juvenile's caregiver. It also clarifies that court jurisdiction over juveniles continues until age 18, emancipation, or death. These changes standardize responses to child welfare reports and improve information gathering for safety decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 91 amends North Carolina statutes to include the U.S. Space Force in the definition of "Armed Forces" for state benefits, ensuring Space Force members and their families qualify for military-related tax exemptions, tuition assistance, and residency rules. The bill also changes the name of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty to align with the U.S. Department of Defense's renaming of the base. These updates reflect the federal establishment of the Space Force and ensure state law matches current military structure and base designations.

Maddy summaryHB 480 creates a new pathway for doctors, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants to obtain North Carolina medical licenses by transferring licenses from other states ("licensure by endorsement"). To qualify, applicants must have held an active license in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least five years (with two years of practice post-residency for doctors), have a verified full-time job offer in North Carolina, maintain good standing with no recent disciplinary actions, and meet practice hour requirements. The bill increases application fees for endorsement (e.g., $825 for physicians vs. $400 for standard licensure) and requires additional documentation within 180 days to keep the license active. This directly affects out-of-state medical professionals seeking to practice in North Carolina without retaking exams.

Maddy summaryHB 808, the NC Infrastructure Protection Act, prohibits North Carolina government entities from contracting with companies owned by citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or countries later designated as threats. It specifically blocks foreign-owned companies from gaining access to critical infrastructure like electric grids, water treatment facilities, and cybersecurity systems. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for all individuals granted access to these systems, applying to government contracts and public utility operations. These requirements will take effect for new contracts after the bill’s passage, with background check rules for utilities needing to be implemented by October 2026.