Rep. Mary Belk

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team for winning the 2026 Stanley Cup and recognizes their contributions to the state of North Carolina. The bill formally acknowledges the team's historic season, including their record-breaking regular performance and playoff victory, while also praising the owner, management, and coaching staff for their leadership. It directs the Principal Clerk to send a certified copy of the resolution to the team, its owner Tom Dundon, and head coach Rod Brind'Amour. This measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects, such as dormitory renovations and new construction, using non-state funds like gifts, grants, and hospital receipts. It allows the university to issue special obligation bonds to cover these costs and includes a mechanism for the Director of the Budget to adjust project funding if necessary. Additionally, the legislation standardizes the residency determination process for admission to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and revises tuition grant rules for graduates of that school and the UNC School of the Arts. These changes aim to support university infrastructure development and ensure equitable access to specialized science and arts programs for North Carolina residents.

Maddy summaryHB 369, the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act, restricts local governments from mandating minimum parking space sizes (beyond 9x20 feet) or numbers for new developments, effective July 2025. It also bans the future purchase or import of pavement sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), effective January 2026. The bill clarifies stormwater rules for redevelopment sites, stating that existing stormwater controls cannot be retroactively required for redeveloped properties unless new impervious area is created, and allows local governments to offer incentives for stormwater capture. These provisions directly affect developers, property owners, and local governments managing zoning, parking, and stormwater regulations in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates complaints against judges and justices. The new commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the Chief Justice, the State Bar officers, the Governor, and the General Assembly, replacing the current system with a more balanced composition. It also mandates that all disciplinary hearings and resulting sanctions be made public to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill requires voters to approve it in a referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to North Carolina that would require Supreme Court justices to step aside from cases where they have a financial stake or a close personal relationship with the parties involved. It also mandates that justices publicly disclose significant financial transactions, such as buying or selling assets worth at least $10,000, along with any outside income and who funded their travel. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill does not take effect immediately but is instead scheduled for a public vote by voters in November 2026. The amendment would only become law if a majority of voters approve it during that election.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 proposes two constitutional amendments to limit the General Assembly's power and increase legislative transparency. The first amendment would restrict the legislature from passing laws that interfere with the Governor's ability to direct state agencies and manage executive departments, while also placing stricter limits on how administrative powers can be transferred between elected officials. The second amendment would require every bill to address only one specific subject and mandate that bill texts be published to the public and legislators at least 48 hours before a final vote, with exceptions for emergency situations. These changes are not yet in effect; instead, the bill sets up a process to put these amendments on the ballot for North Carolina voters to decide on November 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes the North Carolina State Board of Elections as an independent state agency, shifting its budgeting authority from the State Auditor back to the Board itself. The legislation changes how board members are selected by requiring the Governor to appoint five registered voters from lists of nominees provided by the two major political parties, with a limit of no more than three members from the same party. Additionally, the bill adjusts the appointment process for county election boards, ensuring they include representatives from the two largest political parties and designating a chair appointed by the Governor. These structural changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, following the expiration of current board terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for homeowners in North Carolina to file complaints about disputes with their homeowners associations, managed by the Department of Justice. Homeowners can submit complaints online, by phone, or mail, providing details about the dispute, the association, and any management companies involved. The Department will collect this information, notify the association to respond, and publish a searchable summary of complaints on its website while redacting personal data. The bill also requires the Department to submit annual reports to state committees detailing the number and nature of complaints, but explicitly prohibits the Department from creating new rules or acting as a judge in these disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 451 requires North Carolina public schools to provide parents and legal guardians with an annual information packet about type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the start of each school year. The packet must include descriptions of diabetes types, risk factors, warning signs, screening processes, and recommendations to consult healthcare providers for diagnosis or treatment planning. Schools must also ensure staff are trained to support students with diabetes through individualized care plans. The law, effective July 1, 2025, includes $10,000 in state funds to help schools develop implementation guidance. It directly affects all parents/guardians of students in North Carolina public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Mike Clampitt 1st Responder Tax Fairness Act, aims to expand tax exemptions for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in North Carolina. Specifically, it allows these independent groups, which have two or fewer paid employees and are already exempt from state income tax, to avoid paying a highway use tax on specific emergency vehicles like fire trucks, forest firefighting units, and other emergency service vehicles. The change applies to vehicles when a certificate of title is issued on or after July 1, 2026, ensuring these organizations can acquire necessary equipment without incurring this particular tax. By broadening the existing exemption, the legislation directly benefits volunteer responders who operate outside of local government units.