Maddy summaryHB 706 changes how North Carolina allocates public school capital funds by eliminating the use of the Department of Commerce's economic development tier designations. Instead, it requires funding to be based on either a county's adjusted property value (with specific matching percentages) or HUD-designated poverty areas. The bill affects all public K-12 schools, community colleges, and UNC institutions receiving state education funds, prohibiting agencies from using Commerce's economic tiers for allocation starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It also repeals prior sections allowing tier-based funding and mandates equal per-school allocations for certain cooperative high schools. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, for new grant applications.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 686, the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits the sale or distribution of cosmetic products in North Carolina containing specific restricted substances - such as PFAS, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and asbestos - as intentionally added chemicals, nonfunctional by-products, or nonfunctional contaminants above measurable limits. The bill defines "practical quantification limit" as the lowest reliably measurable concentration and requires manufacturers to provide a compliance certificate if the Board of Agriculture suspects violations. It directly affects cosmetic manufacturers and retailers selling products in North Carolina, mandating adherence to these chemical restrictions starting January 1, 2026. The law aims to reduce consumer exposure to chemicals linked to health concerns by banning them in cosmetics above specified thresholds.
Maddy summaryHB 736 allows North Carolina pharmacists to perform simple tests (like for flu, COVID-19, or strep throat) and provide treatment for those conditions using approved medications, within specific guidelines. It requires health insurance plans to cover these pharmacist-provided services if they would cover the same service from a doctor or nurse, and ensures pharmacists aren't excluded from provider networks solely because they are pharmacists. Pharmacists cannot treat conditions with controlled substances (Schedules I-IV) and must follow statewide protocols for patient referrals. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, expanding pharmacist roles to improve access to basic care.
Maddy summaryHB 723 establishes the North Carolina Technology Coalitions Strategic Support Fund, allocating $10.5 million to support regional technology coalitions focused on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The fund provides grants to eligible organizations (including nonprofits, local governments, and academic institutions) operating within North Carolina to strengthen regional economic growth through coalition collaboration. Key provisions include funding for workforce training, market analysis, and matching funds to leverage private or federal investment, while requiring grantees to maintain operations in-state and avoid duplicate funding. The fund becomes effective July 1, 2025, with administration managed by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Maddy summaryHB 710 establishes a three-year pilot program to fund mental health crisis units in North Carolina public schools. It allocates $2 million total (up to $250,000 annually per district) to select up to eight school districts starting in 2025-2026, prioritizing those with high student mental health needs or trauma history. Each participating district must staff units with at least a school nurse, social worker, and licensed counselor to provide crisis intervention during school hours and rotate across schools. The program requires annual reports on participating districts and student mental health impacts, ending June 30, 2028.
Maddy summaryHB 722 requires North Carolina courts to first assess a defendant's ability to pay before imposing criminal court costs and fees. It modifies rules for collecting specific costs like failure-to-appear fees ($200), crime lab services ($600 max), and digital forensics fees, requiring judges to determine affordability before assessment. The bill also mandates that courts provide 15 days' notice to government entities (like crime labs or prosecutors) before waiving or reducing fees, ensuring affected parties can object. This directly affects defendants convicted in criminal cases and government entities that collect or rely on these fees.
Maddy summaryHB 141, the Joe John Remembrance Act, removes an additional fee for special license plates designated for fire department and rescue squad members in North Carolina. The bill amends state law to formally eliminate the "additional fee" listed for these plates (which was already set to $0 in the current fee schedule), meaning eligible firefighters and rescue personnel will pay only the standard registration fee when obtaining or renewing these special plates. This change applies to plates issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new benefits but codifies an existing fee structure for these specific special plates.
Maddy summaryThe Transportation for the Future Act reorganizes North Carolina's transportation funding to prioritize sustainable projects like public transit (including bus rapid transit and commuter rail), bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways. It requires at least 20% of transportation funds to be allocated to non-highway projects and caps state funding for commuter rail and light rail at 10% of project costs. The bill establishes three funding categories with project selection criteria emphasizing safety, congestion reduction, economic growth, and multimodal transportation. This change affects statewide transportation planning and funding decisions to modernize the system for future sustainability.
Maddy summaryHB 300 establishes a program to reimburse owners of retired first responder dogs for veterinary care. It directly affects owners of canines that served with law enforcement, fire departments, or correctional agencies in roles like narcotics detection or search and rescue, after retiring on or after July 1, 2024. The bill requires registration of the dog and owner with the Department of Public Safety, then allows reimbursement of up to $1,500 annually for covered care - including routine check-ups, vaccinations, emergencies, surgeries, and euthanasia. Owners must submit itemized vet bills within 90 days of service.
Maddy summaryHB 426 establishes the Workforce Diploma Program to help North Carolina adults aged 21+ without high school diplomas earn diplomas while gaining job skills. The program requires approved providers to offer courses combining diploma requirements with career training, including employability certifications and industry credentials. Participants receive milestone-based funding up to $7,500 per person, with payments tied to completing half-credits, certifications, or diplomas. The program mandates annual reports tracking participant outcomes like diplomas earned, credits, and workforce credentials. It appropriates $5 million for implementation starting July 2025.