Rep. Keith Kidwell

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.

Maddy summaryThe Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 establishes two separate state funds to manage financial relief for damage caused by Hurricane Helene and Potential Tropical Cyclone #8. The first fund, for Hurricane Helene, is restricted to counties declared major disasters by the federal government plus Nash County, while the second fund is dedicated exclusively to Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. Both funds are administered by the Office of State Budget and Management and require state agencies to justify expenses based on demonstrated needs. Additionally, the bill extends the statewide state of emergency declaration until March 1, 2025, to support ongoing recovery efforts. Any unspent money in these funds must be returned to the state treasury by June 30, 2030, unless the General Assembly decides otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits any North Carolina state agency or court from accepting payments made with central bank digital currency issued by the Federal Reserve. It also bars these government entities from participating in any testing programs for such digital currencies run by the Federal Reserve. The bill defines central bank digital currency as a digital form of money directly issued or validated by the Federal Reserve System or a federal agency. Although the Governor vetoed the measure, it became law over his objections and applies immediately to all state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions in North Carolina to access custom-made investigational drugs, biological products, or devices that are not yet approved by the federal government. To qualify, a patient must have a doctor confirm that standard FDA-approved treatments are unlikely to help and must provide written informed consent acknowledging the risks and potential costs. The law requires that the patient or their guardian understands they are personally responsible for any expenses related to the treatment unless a separate contract states otherwise. Additionally, the bill clarifies that using these individualized treatments may temporarily remove a patient's eligibility for hospice care, though that eligibility can be restored if the treatment stops.

Maddy summaryThis amendment to House Bill 250 modifies North Carolina's rules for obtaining a limited driving privilege for individuals required to use an ignition interlock device. Specifically, it mandates that if a person commits an interlock violation within the 90 days before their initial compliance period ends, their required compliance time must be extended. The change directly affects drivers subject to these safety requirements by ensuring that violations immediately preceding a license restoration attempt result in a longer waiting period. Additionally, the amendment removes the previous text that established the criteria for obtaining a limited driving privilege under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural amendment to House Bill 228, which deals with technical and administrative changes to North Carolina's revenue laws. It specifically modifies the effective date section of the larger act to state that the legislation will take effect immediately upon becoming law, unless other specific provisions indicate a different timeline. This change ensures clarity on when the various technical adjustments within the revenue laws will be implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 984 creates a new legal process in North Carolina that allows property owners to request law enforcement agencies to quickly remove people who are occupying their private residential homes without permission. To use this process, an owner must file a sworn complaint stating that the occupants are not tenants, have no legal right to the property, and have been told to leave, while also confirming there is no ongoing lawsuit between the parties. If a police department or sheriff's office verifies the complaint, they are required to remove the unauthorized individuals within 48 hours and may arrest them for trespassing or other offenses. The bill also establishes that property owners must pay for police time if they request officers to stay on site to help change locks or secure the property, and it provides a way for removed individuals to sue for damages if the removal was done incorrectly.

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 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how North Carolina fills vacancies for seven specific state offices, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. If passed by voters, the new rule would require the Governor to appoint a replacement from a list of three candidates recommended by the political party of the original officeholder, provided the party submits the list within 30 days of the vacancy. The amendment also clarifies that if an office term ends on January 1 following the next legislative election, the Governor must appoint someone to finish the term. The measure is scheduled for a vote by the public at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election.