Sen. Lisa Grafstein

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax deduction for North Carolina taxpayers who pay labor organization membership dues. It allows individuals to deduct dues, fees, or assessments required for membership in a labor organization (as defined by state law) from their state taxable income. The deduction applies to payments made during taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. This directly affects workers who are members of labor organizations and pay dues as a condition of membership.

Maddy summarySB 154, the North Carolina CROWN Act, prohibits employment discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles. It explicitly defines "protective hairstyles" (including braids, locks, twists, and bantu knots) as protected under existing anti-discrimination law, stating that race discrimination includes hair texture and type. The bill amends Chapter 95 to add Section 95-28.1B, making it illegal for employers to deny jobs, fire, or otherwise discriminate against employees because of these hair characteristics. This applies to all employers, employees, and job applicants in North Carolina starting from the law's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 120 removes legal barriers to labor organizing in North Carolina by prohibiting employers from requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment or continued work. It invalidates agreements that tie agricultural product purchases or settlement terms to union status and strengthens protections for workers denied jobs due to union affiliation. The bill directly affects all workers and employers in the state, including agricultural producers covered under federal labor laws. Key provisions repeal restrictions on labor agreements and clarify that union membership or dues cannot be mandated for employment under North Carolina law. The law applies to new agreements entered into after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 107 reestablishes nonpartisan elections for North Carolina's appellate, superior, and district court judges, directly affecting candidates running for these judicial positions. The bill mandates that candidates run without party labels on ballots, requires a primary to narrow candidates to two when more file, and sets specific filing deadlines (December 1-17) for notices of candidacy. It also requires candidates to be registered voters in their county and prohibits filing for multiple judicial offices simultaneously. The law aims to restore public confidence in an independent judiciary, as stated in the bill's preamble honoring Judge Joe John's advocacy for nonpartisan judicial elections.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural local act that solely references North Carolina's 13th Senatorial District. It contains no substantive policy changes or provisions affecting residents, laws, or government operations. The bill simply states it relates to the district and becomes effective upon enactment. As a jurisdictional reference with no actionable requirements, it directly affects no individuals or entities beyond formally identifying the district's administrative scope.

Maddy summarySB 80 allows specific North Carolina towns (including Apex, Cary, and Wake Forest) to use electronic notices - like posting on city websites - for public hearings and required notices, replacing traditional methods like printed notices. It directly affects these 11 towns by expanding their notice options while preserving existing requirements for mail notices to certain groups and property postings. The bill does not change current rules for mail notices or property sign requirements but lets local governments choose electronic methods for other public notices. It applies only to the listed towns and becomes effective when signed into law. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

Maddy summarySB 75 amends the Town of Garner's charter to allow the town manager, rather than the town council, to settle specific low-value claims against the town. It permits settlements for personal injury/property damage under $10,000, eminent domain cases within approved budgeted amounts, and claims against the town under $10,000. The town manager must still get approval from the town attorney and report settlements to the council, with settlements releasing the town from further liability. This change streamlines handling of minor claims while maintaining oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the North Carolina Constitution to protect specific reproductive rights, including abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, and miscarriage care. The amendment would allow the state to restrict access to abortion only after fetal viability, except when necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person, and it defines "undue burden" as any substantial obstacle placed in a woman's path before that point. If passed by voters in the 2024 general election, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, while also maintaining existing conscience protection laws for healthcare providers.