Sen. Jay Chaudhuri

Maddy summarySB 508 creates a pathway for North Carolina teachers with expiring limited licenses to convert to continuing professional licenses. It requires teachers to have a positive average growth score in the state's education growth data system (EVAAS) for two of their last three years. Teachers with negative growth but who still meet expected growth standards may also qualify if their local school board requests a limited license renewal. The bill applies to licenses expiring on or after the law's effective date and focuses on using measurable student growth data to support teacher career progression.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Simple Resolution (SR 260) formally asks the North Carolina Senate to consider confirming Dr. Devdutta Sangvai for appointment as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It follows state law requiring Senate confirmation for the Governor's appointment of a department head. The resolution triggers the Senate's formal review process for this specific nomination, which is pending under North Carolina's constitutional requirements. The bill itself does not change policy or create new rules - it solely addresses the procedural step of confirming a gubernatorial appointment.

Maddy summarySB 361, the "Protecting First Responders Act," increases criminal penalties for assaulting or exposing emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and other first responders to fentanyl or harmful substances. It criminalizes intentionally exposing these responders to fentanyl (a Class H felony) or causing serious injury through such exposure (Class G felony), and imposes a Class I felony for failing to warn responders about fentanyl at a scene. The bill appropriates $10.35 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to provide bulletproof vests ($8.1 million) and bulletproof backpack plates ($2.25 million) to paramedics and EMTs through grants. These provisions apply to first responders registered with North Carolina’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, with funding effective July 1, 2025, and criminal provisions effective December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 97 adds stomach cancer (gastric cancer) to the list of cancers presumed to be work-related for firefighters under North Carolina's Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act. This means firefighters who die from stomach cancer will automatically qualify for line-of-duty death benefits without needing to prove occupational connection. The bill appropriates $500,000 annually from 2025-2027 to cover these new benefits. It takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to qualifying deaths occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 580 establishes a grant program to help North Carolina public schools transition from time-based learning to competency-based education (CBE), where students advance upon mastering skills rather than completing seat time. The bill allocates $330,000 per school to 10 selected schools (chosen via application) for CBE implementation, including $95,000 annually for educator training and resources. Key provisions include developing proficiency-based assessments, partnering with a third-party vendor for professional development, and creating statewide standards for measuring student mastery. This program directly affects participating schools and their students by shifting instructional approaches to focus on demonstrated proficiency across K-12 subjects.

Maddy summarySB 562 establishes a 21-member commission to study how quantum computing might threaten North Carolina's current cybersecurity systems, including state government IT, critical infrastructure, and smart city/IoT networks that rely on older encryption methods. The commission will assess vulnerabilities, research quantum-resistant security solutions, and develop recommendations for upgrading systems, with a final report due by July 2026. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to cover the commission's work, including research and stakeholder meetings. This study directly affects state systems and infrastructure security planning, not individual citizens or private businesses.

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 482, the "Don't Tread on Me: An Individual Freedoms Act," creates new legal protections for North Carolinians by limiting state agency actions across multiple areas. It directly affects all residents by prohibiting warrantless government surveillance, requiring agencies to stop demanding private medical, religious, or political information for services, banning ideological restrictions on reproductive care, and protecting parental rights in education and healthcare decisions. Key provisions mandate that schools provide fact-based education without political manipulation, prevent discrimination in employment or housing based on private beliefs, and ensure government benefits are not denied due to personal health choices or political views. The bill establishes these rights as enforceable standards for all state agencies, requiring actions to be "narrowly tailored" to a compelling state interest.

Maddy summarySB 594, the Care Center Cost Support Act, increases child care subsidy rates for licensed centers and homes rated 3-5 stars to the 75th percentile of North Carolina's 2023 market study, effective October 2025. It establishes a minimum rate floor for providers and allows counties with very small child populations to use local rates if statewide rates would hinder access. The bill appropriates $110 million annually from 2025-2027 to fund these rate increases, directly supporting low-income families using subsidized care and child care providers serving them. The changes aim to align subsidies with current market costs while ensuring access in all counties.

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.