Rep. Heather Rhyne

Maddy summaryHB 37 standardizes monthly pension benefits for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers under the state pension fund. It sets a uniform $175 monthly pension for members with 20+ years of service who reach age 55, replaces the previous $180 amount, and maintains $175 for disability benefits and line-of-duty death benefits. The bill also allows members affected by city annexations or department closures to continue contributing $15 monthly until they reach 20 years of service for pension eligibility. These changes apply to current and future members of the pension fund who meet the service requirements. The bill does not alter contribution rates or eligibility for most members but adjusts benefit amounts and extends certain provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 35 designates November of each year as Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina. The bill creates a symbolic recognition within state law, honoring military service members and veterans during this month. It does not establish new programs, funding, or requirements - it simply formally names November for this purpose. The bill affects the state government's official calendar and public recognition efforts, with no direct impact on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 62, the Farmers Protection Act, prohibits banks from denying or canceling financial services to farmers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer use, or machinery type. It creates a rebuttable presumption that banks violating this rule are acting on ESG (environmental, social, governance) commitments, requiring banks to prove decisions were financially motivated. Banks must annually attest to compliance under penalty of perjury, and violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident. The law directly affects farmers, banks, credit unions, and state financial associations by restricting discriminatory lending practices tied to environmental factors.

Maddy summaryHB 380 would allow North Carolina students to opt out of school vaccination requirements by submitting a written statement citing personal beliefs (a "conscientious objection"), rather than requiring proof of religious affiliation. It amends immunization reporting rules to include "conscientious objection" as a formal exemption category alongside medical and religious exemptions for public schools and colleges. Parents or guardians would need to provide this written statement instead of religious documentation to exempt their child from vaccination mandates. The policy change applies to public schools and colleges starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 137, the "Gabe Torres Act," expands death benefits under North Carolina's Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act to include public safety workers (like police, fire, and emergency personnel) who are killed while traveling to or from work. The bill amends the law to define "official duties" to explicitly cover commuting between home and work, as well as travel for training or responding to emergencies. It also appropriates $300,000 in recurring funds for these expanded benefits, effective July 1, 2025. This change directly affects eligible families of covered public safety employees who die during work-related travel, ensuring they qualify for death benefits previously limited to on-duty incidents.

Maddy summaryHB 276 expands the definition of "killed in the line of duty" for firefighters to include deaths caused by specific cancers that previously qualified them for benefits under North Carolina's Firefighters' Cancer Insurance Program. The bill adds seven specific cancers (like mesothelioma and testicular cancer) to the list and includes any cancer diagnosis that already provided benefits under the existing program. It also formally links the Firefighters' Health Benefits Pilot Program to the Cancer Insurance Program, ensuring consistent coverage, and appropriates $2 million annually for related death benefits starting July 1, 2025. This change directly affects firefighters diagnosed with covered cancers and their families, who will now qualify for death benefits under the Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act.

Maddy summaryHB 11 would allow North Carolina taxpayers to deduct overtime pay, up to $2,500 in bonus pay (defined as cash awards for workplace dedication), and reported tips from their taxable income. It applies to individuals and married couples filing jointly, with each spouse eligible for separate deductions. The bill specifically defines "bonus pay" to exclude tips and requires taxpayers to provide documentation to claim the deduction. This policy change would take effect for tax returns filed in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 351 establishes North Carolina's Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program, which helps employers support employees in addiction recovery. Employers (both public and private) can become "participants" or earn "certified" status by completing training, adopting inclusive policies (like flexible leave and confidential treatment access), and implementing evidence-based practices. The program, funded with $300,000 from the Opioid Settlement Fund, provides employers with advisors, model policies, and annual reviews to maintain certification. It directly affects all North Carolina employers covered by workers' compensation and their employees seeking recovery support. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2 requires North Carolina public high schools to accept cash for admission to interscholastic athletic events and provide free entry to seniors with a Tar Heel Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services). It directly affects students, families, and seniors attending high school sports events by changing payment rules for admission fees. The bill mandates that schools must accept cash at the gate and honor Tar Heel Cards for free admission upon presentation. These requirements apply starting the 2025-2026 school year. The law amends state education rules governing athletic activity fees.

Maddy summaryHB 296 establishes a $89.5 million program to provide financial assistance to North Carolina corn farmers who suffered crop losses due to 2024 disasters like drought and hurricanes in USDA-designated disaster counties. Farmers must verify losses using USDA forms or equivalent documentation within 45 days, with payments calculated using county yield averages and state price data. Funds can only be used for agricultural recovery expenses like replanting or equipment repair, and recipients must provide proof of eligible spending. The program builds on existing state disaster funds and requires strict documentation to prevent misuse, with potential audits and repayment for inaccurate claims.