Sen. Jim Burgin

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill requires businesses and individuals to obtain state licenses or permits to install, repair, or service specific fire safety equipment. The regulations apply to portable fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems used in kitchens, industrial settings, and specialized hazard areas. To comply, providers must attach official service tags to equipment and may be required to pass a competency exam administered by the State Fire Marshal. Exemptions exist for employees working on their own company's property and for routine visual inspections conducted by fire officials or insurance inspectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies teacher licensure rules in North Carolina by removing a specific testing requirement for admission into educator preparation programs. It extends the deadline for completing licensure exams to the third year of a teacher's career, provided the individual takes the exam at least once during their first year. Additionally, the legislation simplifies the process for out-of-state applicants by allowing them to obtain a North Carolina license if they have three years of teaching experience and hold a valid license from another state with similar requirements. The act also allocates $50,000 in funding for implementation and takes effect on July 1, 2026, with other provisions becoming law immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 872 allocates $30 million from the state's General Fund to build an education center at Harnett Correctional Institution in North Carolina. The funds will support specific programs for offenders, including the Sexual Offender Accountability and Responsibility Program, four-year degrees with Campbell University and Fayetteville State University, and shorter certifications or degrees with Central Carolina Community College. This legislation directly affects the Department of Adult Correction and the incarcerated population at Harnett Correctional Institution by authorizing the construction and programming of the new facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in North Carolina that cover dialysis to also cover home dialysis options. It specifically mandates coverage for staff-assisted home dialysis for individuals who are blind, have cognitive or neurological impairments, or suffer from conditions that limit mobility. The law applies to new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts starting on October 1, 2026, and also extends the same coverage requirements to the state's own health plan. Additionally, the state will allocate $100,000 annually beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year to help implement these new coverage rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes local governments in North Carolina to borrow money to accelerate specific transportation projects that are scheduled for funding under the State Transportation Improvement Program. To access these funds early, localities must sign an expedited agreement with the Department of Transportation that outlines project details, financial forecasts, and a repayment plan. The borrowed money, known as grant anticipation notes, must be repaid solely from the future state or federal grant funds and cannot exceed the total amount of that funding. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to ensure that any changes to the state's transportation plan do not delay the repayment of these notes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes constitutional changes to North Carolina's General Assembly, including a salary cap tied to public school teacher pay, a 16-year consecutive term limit for legislators, and a shift to four-year terms for Senators. The salary provision would set Assembly member pay equal to the average starting salary of state-funded public school teachers and align their travel and per diem allowances with those of state employees. Additionally, the bill would extend Senator terms from two to four years, beginning with the 2028 election, while keeping House terms at two years. All these changes are currently set for a public vote at the November 3, 2026 election, where voters will decide whether to adopt or reject the amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands sales tax exemptions in North Carolina for specific nonprofit organizations and adds a new exemption for diapers and incontinence underpads prescribed by Medicaid providers. It clarifies which types of nonprofits, such as hospitals and certain 501(c)(3) groups, qualify for tax-free purchases of goods and services needed for their operations, while explicitly excluding certain utility services and liquor. The legislation also establishes a formal application process requiring nonprofits to obtain an exemption number from the state and imposes liability for back taxes if the exemption number is misused. Additionally, the bill modifies ownership rules for property used by charities and sets annual dollar limits on the total tax exemptions and refunds available to eligible entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires North Carolina public schools to update their computer science standards to include age-appropriate artificial intelligence literacy for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a focus on ethics, privacy, and safety. It mandates that all local school boards, charter schools, and state agencies adopt specific AI use policies based on a model policy developed by the Department of Public Instruction by mid-2027. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for evaluating AI educational tools and requires the state to contract with the Friday Institute to provide training for educators and administrators on using AI effectively. These measures are designed to ensure that schools have clear guidelines and resources for integrating AI into their educational environments while protecting student data and maintaining academic integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state's General Fund to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The funding is directed to a nonprofit organization called HBOT 4 HEROES, which will administer the treatment, manage the program, and conduct outcome assessments for an estimated 350 veterans. The act requires the organization to submit a detailed report to state oversight committees by June 30, 2027, covering the number of patients served, their locations, and how the funds were spent. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill requires state agencies to eliminate job positions that have remained vacant for at least 24 consecutive months, with the goal of reducing government spending on unfilled roles. Starting in July 2026, the Office of State Budget and Management will transfer unused salary funds associated with these long-term vacancies into a budget reserve, which cannot be spent unless the General Assembly approves it. The law includes specific exceptions, such as positions held open due to court orders, roles funded entirely by federal money, and critical jobs in 24-hour operations like public safety and inmate care. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies report details about eliminated or excluded positions to the General Assembly by December 2026 and establishes a permanent rule for abolishing such vacancies in future fiscal years.