Sen. Jim Burgin

Maddy summarySB 517 requires hospitals and clinics participating in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program (which provides discounted drugs to safety-net providers) to charge patients no more than the actual cost they paid for those drugs. It also mandates annual public reporting by these "covered entities" starting in 2026, including details on 340B drug costs, payments received from insurers/patients, charity care expenses, and contracts with pharmacies. The bill specifies that covered entities must disclose how many prescriptions used 340B drugs, whether they passed discounts to low-income patients, and financial details about pharmacy partnerships. All submitted reports will be posted online by the state health department for public access. This law directly affects North Carolina hospitals and clinics enrolled in the federal 340B Program.

Maddy summarySB 531 requires North Carolina's mental health agencies (LME/LME/MCO) to reimburse private treatment facilities for inpatient care provided to patients under court-ordered mental health treatment when care extends beyond 30 days. This directly affects private facilities that provide extended mental health care for individuals committed by court order. The bill mandates that state agencies cover these costs, shifting financial responsibility from private providers to the state. It applies to treatments beginning on or after the law's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 564, the "Public Safety Through Food Access Act," allows North Carolina to opt out of a federal ban that denies food assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to people convicted of drug-related felony offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of Class H or I drug felonies who meet specific conditions: they must complete six months without new offenses and successfully finish or actively participate in a substance abuse treatment program approved by mental health authorities. The bill requires county social services to link food and TANF benefits to this treatment requirement, as permitted by federal law. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 581 revises North Carolina's definition of a "neglected juvenile" to clarify that parents or guardians cannot be deemed neglectful for allowing certain independent activities if a reasonable parent would consider them safe based on the child's age, maturity, and abilities. It specifically exempts activities like walking or biking to school, visiting nearby recreational areas, staying home briefly, or playing outdoors. This change prevents child welfare authorities from classifying such routine, age-appropriate activities as neglect. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and child welfare systems by narrowing the circumstances under which independent activities trigger neglect investigations.

Maddy summarySB 533 raises North Carolina's minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including smart vapes and other vapor products, from 18 to 21 years old. It requires retailers to display clear age restriction signs, verify customer age through ID for in-person sales, and use third-party age verification for online orders. The bill also prohibits tobacco sales via vending machines except in 21+ establishments and mandates employee training on age restrictions. Additionally, it directs lottery gaming revenues to fund gambling addiction education and treatment programs. The bill directly affects retailers, vendors, and anyone under 21 seeking these products.

Maddy summarySB 478 allows banks in North Carolina to deduct income tax on interest, fees, and penalties from loans secured by agricultural land, as defined by state law. This tax deduction applies to loans specifically backed by farmland, directly benefiting banks that provide such financing. The policy change takes effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The bill does not directly affect farmers or landowners but alters tax treatment for financial institutions offering agricultural loans.

Maddy summaryThe Hands Free NC Act makes it illegal to hold or use wireless devices (like cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches) while driving on public roads in North Carolina, with exceptions for emergencies (e.g., calling 911) or certain professionals (like police or paramedics) performing official duties. It specifically prohibits texting, watching videos, or manually entering text, and imposes fines starting at $100 for first offenses (increasing to $200 for third offenses within 36 months), with insurance points added for repeat violations. Drivers under 18 are banned from using devices while driving (except for pre-entered navigation), and school bus drivers face misdemeanor charges for violations. The law also updates driver education programs to emphasize safe device use as a way to reduce accidents.

Maddy summarySB 617, the Accessing Certified Professional Midwives Act, establishes a licensing requirement for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in North Carolina who must hold national certification from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The bill creates the North Carolina Council of Certified Professional Midwives, composed of seven members (four CPMs, one physician, and two community consumers), to administer licensing, set practice rules, and review standards. It directly affects CPMs seeking to legally practice midwifery, requiring them to obtain a state license while exempting existing nurse midwives, physicians, and emergency childbirth assistance. The law defines key terms like antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal care to clarify scope of practice under the new licensing framework.

Maddy summarySB 616 creates two pilot programs to provide alternatives to state psychiatric hospitals for individuals needing capacity restoration. The Community-Based Capacity Restoration Program (CBCRP) contracts with local community or regional programs, while the Detention Center Capacity Restoration Program (DCCRP) partners with county detention centers (with sheriff consent). Courts can order patients to participate in these programs instead of state hospitals, aligning with nearby psychiatric facilities. The bill directly affects patients, courts, and local health providers by expanding community-based care options. It does not change existing laws but establishes new contracting mechanisms for mental health services.

Maddy summarySB 532, the "Preserving Competition in Healthcare Act," requires hospitals in North Carolina to notify state auditors, the attorney general, and the state treasurer before selling or merging more than half their assets (valued at $5 million or more). This applies to hospital entities and their potential buyers, such as larger healthcare systems, aiming to prevent anti-competitive consolidation. The state agencies must review these transactions within 60 days (extendable by 30 days) to decide whether to approve them or object. Routine transactions not affecting competition can be exempted through a written waiver from the three state officials.