Maddy summarySB 505 clarifies definitions and creates procedures for addressing abandoned or derelict vessels in North Carolina waters and on public/private land. It defines "abandoned vessels" as those left unattended for 30+ days without permission or intent to reclaim, and "derelict vessels" as those in disrepair posing safety or environmental risks. The bill gives the Commission authority to remove such vessels after posting notices, with owners having 10 days to respond before removal. It also sets time limits (30 days on land, 10 days in water) for vessel anchoring without permission and exempts historic shipwrecks under state custody. This directly affects boat owners, property owners, and state agencies responsible for waterway safety.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 361, the "Protecting First Responders Act," increases criminal penalties for assaulting or exposing emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and other first responders to fentanyl or harmful substances. It criminalizes intentionally exposing these responders to fentanyl (a Class H felony) or causing serious injury through such exposure (Class G felony), and imposes a Class I felony for failing to warn responders about fentanyl at a scene. The bill appropriates $10.35 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to provide bulletproof vests ($8.1 million) and bulletproof backpack plates ($2.25 million) to paramedics and EMTs through grants. These provisions apply to first responders registered with North Carolina’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, with funding effective July 1, 2025, and criminal provisions effective December 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 359 reorganizes and standardizes death benefit rules across North Carolina's retirement systems for teachers, state employees, local government workers, judicial staff, and legislators. It updates the structure of survivor benefits, including the "survivor's alternate benefit," and ensures funding for line-of-duty death benefits (deaths occurring during official duties). The bill primarily affects beneficiaries - like spouses or dependents - of deceased members in these retirement systems by clarifying how death benefits are calculated and paid. It makes technical adjustments to existing laws without creating new benefits or changing eligibility rules.
Maddy summarySB 97 adds stomach cancer (gastric cancer) to the list of cancers presumed to be work-related for firefighters under North Carolina's Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act. This means firefighters who die from stomach cancer will automatically qualify for line-of-duty death benefits without needing to prove occupational connection. The bill appropriates $500,000 annually from 2025-2027 to cover these new benefits. It takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to qualifying deaths occurring on or after that date.
Maddy summarySB 38 appropriates $51 million from the North Carolina General Fund to Hertford County for economic development, directly affecting the county and its Rural Development Authority (RDA). The bill allocates $40 million for constructing a public industrial dock and barge at the Flowers site in Hertford County, and $11 million for road construction at that same location. Funds remain available until June 30, 2027, rather than reverting at year-end, and must be used solely for these specified projects. The bill, titled "Hertford County Economic Development," requires no further legislative action to take effect as a funding measure.
Maddy summarySB 363 makes two key changes to North Carolina retirement systems. First, it extends the temporary entry period for charter schools seeking to join the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, allowing up to two additional years beyond the initial one-year provisional period, and requires financial reviews before full participation. Second, it shifts authority from the State Treasurer to the Board of Trustees to decide whether to restore benefits forfeited due to criminal convictions, requiring individuals to repay contributions with 6.5% annual interest in a lump sum upon reversal. These changes apply to charter schools and retirement system members affected by forfeiture rules under multiple retirement systems. The bill focuses on administrative clarity and procedural updates without altering benefit eligibility or funding.
Maddy summarySB 514, the "Social Media Algorithmic Control in Information Technology Act," requires social media platforms with over 1 million monthly U.S. users to obtain clear, separate consent from North Carolina minors (under 18) before using their personal data for advertising or algorithmic recommendations. The bill mandates accessible opt-in mechanisms - replacing default settings - to let users control how their data is processed, while banning the use of minors' data for targeted ads or content algorithms. It defines prohibited data uses broadly to include browsing history, location, and biometric information, and designates violations as unfair business practices under North Carolina law. The law directly affects major social media platforms operating in North Carolina, imposing new data privacy obligations without specifying enforcement details.
Maddy summarySB 552 authorizes $309.5 million from the State Capital Fund to build a new automated warehouse for North Carolina's Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Commission, requiring repayment of at least $20.67 million annually starting in 2025. It establishes new "service business permits" for establishments selling alcohol on-site, restricting what beverages they can serve based on local permit availability (e.g., malt beverages only in areas without wine permits). The bill mandates a $50 application fee for these permits and requires all permit holders (including restaurants and mobile bars) to submit recycling plans for beverage containers or apply for a one-year waiver through the Environmental Quality Division. Annual registration fees of $400 (for most permits) or $50 (for service permits) are also added, with failure to pay resulting in permit revocation.
Maddy summarySB 568 establishes the North Carolina Mental Health and Psychedelic Medicine Task Force to study the potential use of psychedelic medicine for treating mental health conditions. The task force, composed of 12 state agency representatives, mental health advocates, medical experts, and legislative appointees, will assess barriers to access, recommend licensing and insurance requirements, and explore legal pathways - should federal regulations change. It must submit a final report with recommendations to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026. The bill does not legalize psychedelic medicine but prepares for potential future policy changes based on the task force’s findings.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.25 million in one-time funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $1 million annually from 2025-2027 to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. The funds will directly support three coastal programs: a $1 million education center on Bogue Sound (matching private funds), a $5 million Living Shoreline Protection Program, and a $250,000 oyster shell recycling initiative. An additional $1 million yearly will fund a permanent program to remove abandoned vessels. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with all funding directed to the Coastal Federation for specific environmental and community projects.