Sen. Jim Burgin

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "NC Farm Act of 2025" but actually addressing vehicle dealer regulations, extends the grace period for dealer license renewals from 30 to 60 days after expiration while an application is pending. It also aligns dealer registration plate renewals with license renewals, requiring plates to expire at the same time as the license and mandating replacement every three to four years. The changes directly affect vehicle dealers in North Carolina who must renew licenses and plates, ensuring their business operations remain valid during review and simplifying renewal scheduling. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, for licenses and plates issued on or after that date. (Note: The title "Farm Act" is misleading, as the bill contains no agricultural provisions.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires counties in North Carolina that completed a property reappraisal effective January 1, 2026, to temporarily pause using those new values for tax calculations. Instead, these counties must use the property values from their previous reappraisal for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and continue using the 2026 reappraisal values for all future years until a new general reappraisal is conducted. The legislation also clarifies the timeline for scheduling the next reappraisal and allows taxpayers to appeal property listings related to the 2026 reappraisal during the 2027 calendar year. Additionally, the bill updates qualifications and requirements for county assessors, mandating a $20 examination fee for certain candidates and requiring all assessors to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 24 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce redundant inspections for adult care homes in North Carolina by allowing one recent, passed inspection to count for multiple similar checks within a three-month window. It directly affects adult care facilities, state health regulators, and local agencies that currently conduct overlapping safety and facility reviews. Under the new rules, if a home has already passed an inspection by the state's Adult Care Licensure Section, other state or local inspectors must accept those results instead of performing their own separate evaluations. The legislation also allocates $100,000 in state funds to support this streamlined process, with the changes taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new review process in North Carolina to oversee major transactions involving hospitals, aiming to preserve competition in healthcare services. It requires hospital entities and acquiring parties to notify the State Auditor, Attorney General, and State Treasurer before selling or transferring control of at least 50% of a hospital's assets, provided the deal involves $5 million or more. These officials must jointly review the proposed transaction within a set timeframe and can object if they determine it would harm competition, though they may also choose to take no action. The law applies to licensed hospitals and their affiliated organizations, including holding companies and subsidiaries, but excludes routine business activities unless specifically waived by the reviewing officials. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect healthcare workers as whistleblowers and limits CEO compensation for non-profit hospitals that receive state funds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution initiates the confirmation process for Daniel Johnson to serve as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The bill directs the Senate to review and vote on the Governor's nomination, following the state constitution's requirement for senatorial advice and consent. Once adopted, the resolution formally begins the legislative steps needed to officially appoint Johnson to the leadership role.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 394, titled the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act, seeks to prevent specific foreign entities from acquiring certain lands in North Carolina. The bill prohibits citizens, residents, and entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land or land within a 25-mile radius of a military installation. It also includes provisions for the divestment of such lands if acquired in violation and requires documentation of land ownership by these entities. Exemptions apply for de minimis interests in publicly traded companies and for entities cleared by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires political groups in North Carolina to reveal the true origin of their campaign money, rather than just listing the immediate donor. Specifically, any organization receiving more than $6,800 from a single source must report the identity of the original individual or entity who provided the funds, along with any middlemen who transferred the money. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone making a donation must tell the recipient exactly who the original source of those funds is. These rules apply to all election-related donations made on or after the law takes effect, aiming to increase transparency in campaign financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the early voting period for all elections in North Carolina to a maximum of 10 consecutive days, ending the current practice of allowing voting to begin several weeks before an election. It directly affects all registered voters by limiting their ability to cast ballots in person prior to election day, with specific provisions for special elections and municipal votes. The legislation also adjusts nomination procedures for congressional vacancies and requires local governments to approve early voting schedules at least 60 days before an election. By codifying a fixed timeframe for early voting, the bill standardizes the process across different election types while removing the option for extended early voting periods.

Maddy summarySB 1080 proposes a constitutional amendment to cap North Carolina's state income tax rate at a maximum of 3.5%. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, this change would prevent the legislature from raising the income tax rate higher than that threshold in the future. The bill applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and requires a majority vote in favor to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the North Carolina Constitution to establish a "right to work" for all residents. The key provision states that a person's right to work cannot be denied based on whether they are a member of a labor union or pay union dues. If approved by voters in a 2026 referendum, the amendment would legally protect employees from being forced to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also authorizes the state legislature to pass additional laws to define and implement these protections.