Rep. Mary Belk

Maddy summaryHB 33 allows Yadkin County Schools and Davie County Schools to align their academic calendars with Surry County Community College or Davidson-Davie Community College. This bill amends state law to explicitly permit these two school districts to match community college schedules, overriding standard state-mandated opening (no earlier than August 26) and closing (no later than June 11) dates. The change applies only to these specific school systems and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill does not alter general calendar requirements for other North Carolina school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 158 allows Warren County Schools, Weldon City Schools, Halifax County Schools, and Roanoke Rapids Graded School District to set an earlier school start date (as early as August 19) for the 2025-2026 school year, instead of the standard August 26 date. This flexibility applies only if the district demonstrates "good cause" by showing at least eight school closure days per year over the last decade due to weather, power failures, or emergencies. The bill amends state law to waive the standard opening date requirement for these specific districts while maintaining minimum instructional day requirements. It does not change closing dates or apply to other school districts in North Carolina.

Maddy summaryHB 170 restores local government authority to initiate down-zoning in Union County and its municipalities without requiring written consent from all affected property owners. The bill specifically targets zoning changes that reduce development density or limit permitted land uses (e.g., making areas less dense or restricting building types). It applies only to Union County and its municipalities, with retroactive effect to December 11, 2024, meaning existing down-zoning actions since that date are treated as if they followed the pre-2024-57 rules. This changes the current requirement (from S.L. 2024-57) that mandated owner consent for all down-zoning amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 172 allows Camden County Schools to begin the academic year as early as the Monday closest to August 19 (instead of August 26) if the district demonstrates "good cause" through documented school closures (eight days per year over four of the last ten years) due to weather, power failures, or other emergencies. The bill amends state law to permit this calendar adjustment while ensuring schools still meet required instructional days. It applies exclusively to Camden County Schools and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The change does not affect other schools with existing modified calendars.

Maddy summaryHB 161 restores local government authority to initiate down-zoning in Randolph County and its municipalities without requiring written consent from all affected property owners. The bill amends state law to allow counties or towns to change zoning to reduce development density, limit permitted land uses, or address nonconforming properties - without needing individual property owner approval. This directly affects property owners whose land might be subject to down-zoning changes under Randolph County or municipal zoning rules. The law applies retroactively to December 11, 2024, and takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 168, the North Carolina CROWN Act, prohibits employment discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles like braids, locks, or twists. It explicitly adds these characteristics to the definition of "race" under North Carolina's anti-discrimination law, covering all employers and job applicants. The bill also strengthens protections by banning retaliation against employees who report such discrimination. It applies to all public and private employers statewide upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 159 establishes a $75 million grant program within North Carolina's Department of Transportation to improve subdivision streets that don't meet state highway standards and aren't maintained by local governments. It directly affects counties and municipalities with these "orphan roads," providing funds for repairs up to $250,000 per subdivision, requiring a 25% local match (25 cents for every dollar awarded). Once roads meet standards, ownership transfers to the state or local government for ongoing maintenance. The program runs from July 2025 through June 2030, with unspent funds rolling over to the Highway Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 167 (North Carolina) prohibits leaving a firearm in an unattended vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is secured with a trigger lock or stored in a locked container. This law directly affects vehicle owners who store firearms in their cars, making it illegal to leave them unsecured in an unattended vehicle. Violations carry a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty. The bill becomes effective December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 166 creates a legal process for courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms when they pose a danger of harming themselves or others. The bill allows family members, law enforcement, or healthcare providers to petition a court for an ERPO, requiring the court to order the seizure of firearms if the respondent fails to surrender them. It specifically defines "firearm" and outlines procedures for filing petitions, service, and court hearings, with no court costs for petitioners. The law aims to prevent gun-related harm through court-supervised temporary firearm removal, while including safeguards like mandatory mental health evaluations and annual reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 104 allows Buncombe County Schools to adopt an earlier school start date (no earlier than August 19, instead of the standard August 26) if the district meets "good cause" criteria - specifically, if they've had eight or more school closure days annually due to weather or emergencies during four of the last ten years. The bill amends a state law to grant this specific waiver for Buncombe County only, without changing statewide calendar requirements. It applies only to Buncombe County Schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and does not alter closing dates or instructional day minimums. This is a targeted local flexibility measure, not a statewide policy change.