Sen. Jim Burgin

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes raising Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers in North Carolina to match the rates paid by Medicare. To fund these increases, the state would allocate $48 million from its General Fund starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2026, and would apply to primary care services as defined by a specific state task force report.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to dental care in North Carolina by increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to dentists. Starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the state will allocate $80 million from the General Fund to raise these payment rates, which have not significantly changed since 2008. The legislation seeks to encourage more private dental providers to join the Medicaid program, thereby expanding the network of available dentists for patients. By making it more financially viable for dentists to accept Medicaid, the bill intends to help reduce the number of people relying on emergency departments for urgent dental needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the North Carolina Department of Administration to create a comprehensive system for managing, cataloging, and disposing of vacant state-owned property. It requires the department to maintain detailed databases of all state buildings and land, including information on occupancy, condition, operating costs, and potential liability. Additionally, the legislation mandates the development of a five-year strategic plan to maximize facility use and reduce costs, along with specific rules to identify and sell surplus properties that no longer serve state missions. These changes primarily affect state agencies by establishing clearer procedures for space allocation and the removal of unused assets from the state portfolio.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires North Carolina state agencies to use zero-based budgeting on a rotating eight-year schedule starting in 2026. Under this method, agencies must justify every dollar of spending from scratch by listing specific activities, their legal basis, and the costs needed to maintain minimum or current service levels, rather than simply adjusting previous budgets. The Office of State Budget and Management will provide technical assistance to agencies as they prepare these plans, which must include data on program outcomes and the potential negative impacts of discontinuing any activity. Funding of $10,000 is allocated to the budget office to support the administration of this new requirement.

Maddy summarySB 826 requires major state entities in North Carolina, including the University of North Carolina, state departments, courts, and the General Assembly, to publicly disclose their monthly spending. The bill mandates that these organizations compile and submit an itemized list of all purchases and services costing at least one dollar, along with a total monthly expenditure sum. Within ten days of receiving these reports, the Department of Administration or the relevant entity must publish the data on its website for public viewing, while still protecting any records legally designated as confidential. To support this new reporting requirement, the act appropriates $250,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover implementation costs for the affected agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how North Carolina taxes gains from 1031 exchanges, which allow property owners to swap real estate without immediately paying capital gains taxes. Under the new rules, taxpayers can deduct from their state taxable income any profit from such a swap that is classified as "non-like-kind" property, but only up to the amount of the original property's value. These changes apply to individuals or businesses participating in real estate exchanges starting with tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to align state tax calculations with specific federal provisions regarding deferred exchanges.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Hands Free NC Act, makes it illegal for drivers in North Carolina to hold a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. The law prohibits texting, watching videos, or holding any electronic device, such as a cell phone or smartwatch, except when the vehicle is safely stationary or during specific emergencies like medical crises or unsafe road conditions. Drivers under 18 are allowed to use navigation systems if all destinations are entered before driving, while law enforcement, first responders, and emergency vehicle operators are exempt from these restrictions. Violations result in fines ranging from $100 to $200 depending on prior offenses within a 36-month period, and repeat offenders will face insurance points on their records. The legislation also prevents local governments from passing their own ordinances on this matter and requires driver education programs to include instructions on these new rules.

Maddy summarySB 50, "Freedom to Carry NC," allows most North Carolina residents aged 18 or older (who are U.S. citizens) to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while maintaining existing permit options for reciprocity. The bill prohibits concealed carry for individuals with certain felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, active warrants, or specific mental health or substance use conditions. It also requires carrying valid ID and disclosing concealed weapons to law enforcement upon request. Additional provisions include increased penalties for assaults on first responders, new offenses for felons discharging firearms during crimes, and expanded benefits for law enforcement families. The bill does not change current restrictions on carrying firearms in sensitive locations like schools or government buildings.

Maddy summarySB 405, titled "Healthcare Investment Act" (though it focuses on chiropractic regulation), revises North Carolina's chiropractic practice laws. It updates the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners' composition (requiring 6 practicing chiropractors with 8+ years of experience, plus 2 public members), adds certification standards for chiropractors performing acupuncture, and establishes supervised preceptorship programs for chiropractic students. The bill also clarifies educational requirements (4,200 accredited hours, bachelor's degree) and reinforces that chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs or perform surgery. It directly affects chiropractors, chiropractic students, and the Board, with effective changes starting October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners by changing its composition and appointment process. The board will now consist of nine members: six dentists (appointed by the Governor and General Assembly), one dental hygienist, and two public consumer members. Members serve three-year terms with a two-term limit, and dental hygienists/consumer members cannot vote on issues related to their professions. This directly affects dental professionals, dental hygienists, and public consumer members who serve on the board.