Sen. Gale Adcock

Maddy summarySB 40 is a procedural bill that solely references North Carolina's 16th Senatorial District. It contains no substantive policy changes or mechanisms - it merely states the act relates to that specific district and becomes effective upon enactment. This is a local act with no direct impact on residents or policies beyond naming the district. As a procedural reference, it does not alter laws or affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summarySB 20 prohibits organizing or participating in mass balloon releases using helium or similar gases that float in the atmosphere, directly affecting individuals or groups planning such events. The bill imposes a $250 fine for violations but excludes releases by government agencies for scientific/meteorological purposes or recoverable hot air balloons. It aims to protect North Carolina's wildlife, marine animals, and scenic beauty by banning balloon releases that pose environmental hazards. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue mobile drivers licenses (MDLs) upon request, making them legally equivalent to physical licenses for all purposes, including voting. It extends recognition to MDLs issued by other states with similar requirements and mandates law enforcement officers to complete training on appropriate interactions with MDL holders. The bill also explicitly states that MDLs satisfy North Carolina's photo ID requirement for in-person voting. These provisions apply to all North Carolina drivers who request an MDL, law enforcement officers, and voters needing photo ID at polling places.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 382 provides financial and regulatory support to North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The bill transfers $227 million from the state's savings reserve to a dedicated disaster recovery fund and extends licenses for mental health and substance use facilities in the impacted areas. It also clarifies that public school employees must be paid for missed instructional days in late 2024 and allows the University of North Carolina at Asheville to use leftover tuition grant money for general university needs. Additionally, the legislation permits state health officials to temporarily waive certain rules for local confinement facilities during declared emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new statewide Medicaid plan specifically for children and families, requiring the state to issue a request for proposals to select a provider by December 2024. The legislation defines this new plan as distinct from standard Medicaid plans and allows the state to require automatic enrollment in this specialty plan unless a social services official determines that a different plan is better for the child. Additionally, the bill establishes a closed network of providers for specialized services like residential treatment and intensive in-home care within this new plan, while also clarifying rules about when certain groups can leave their current Medicaid plans and what services must be covered.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the North Carolina Constitution to guarantee the public's right to access government records and attend public meetings. It declares that public records belong to the people and mandates that records and meetings for state and local officials across all branches of government be open for inspection and duplication. The amendment includes a strict rule that any law limiting this access must prove a compelling public interest and show that the restriction is narrowly tailored to protect that interest. If voters approve the measure in the November 2024 election, the changes will become part of the state constitution, requiring future laws to align with these transparency standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access custom-made investigational drugs, biological products, or devices that have not yet been approved by the federal government. To qualify, a patient must consult with a doctor, confirm that standard treatments are unlikely to help, and provide written informed consent acknowledging the risks and potential costs. The legislation permits manufacturers to offer these treatments for free or at a cost to the patient, while also protecting doctors from disciplinary action for recommending them and shielding the patient's heirs from debt if the patient passes away during treatment. Additionally, the bill clarifies that using these treatments may affect eligibility for hospice care and that health insurance plans are not required to cover the expenses.