Sen. Val Applewhite

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 161, the Jenesis Firearm Accountability Act, requires firearm owners in North Carolina to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours. Owners must provide details like the firearm’s serial number and location, with penalties starting at a written warning for a first offense and escalating to $1,000 fines for repeat violations. The bill also exempts from sales tax equipment designed to prevent unauthorized firearm access, such as gun safes or trigger locks, and allocates $500,000 for an educational campaign about reporting requirements. It aims to improve public safety by aiding law enforcement tracking and reducing firearm misuse, while protecting owners who comply with the reporting rules.

Maddy summarySB 139 prevents the elimination of medical benefits for North Carolina state teachers and employees who first earned retirement service on or after January 1, 2021. It reverses a prior change that would have cut these benefits by repealing specific sections of law, effective retroactively to December 31, 2020. The bill appropriates $500,000 annually for 2025-2026 and $2 million annually for 2026-2027 to cover increased costs for the state health plan. This restores medical coverage for affected retirees under several retirement systems, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 143 expands North Carolina's property tax exemption for disabled veterans by increasing the excluded value from the previous amount to $45,000 of a home's appraised value. It applies to veterans who own and occupy their permanent residence as their primary home, excluding this amount from property taxes. The bill prohibits qualifying veterans from using this exemption alongside other property tax relief programs. This change takes effect for property taxes due on or after July 1, 2025.

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 128, the Heroes Homestead Act, increases the property tax exemption for disabled veterans in North Carolina from $45,000 to $76,500 of a home's appraised value. This change directly affects qualifying disabled veterans who own and occupy their primary residence, providing greater tax relief on their homes. The bill amends North Carolina's property tax law to set the new exclusion amount, effective for taxes due on or after July 1, 2026. It does not apply to other property tax relief programs.

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 summarySB 103 allows North Carolina local school boards more flexibility in setting public school opening and closing dates. It permits schools to open as early as August 19 (instead of August 26) if they demonstrate "good cause" - defined as having closed for 8+ days annually due to emergencies like weather over 4 of the last 10 years. The bill also lets boards adjust closing dates to meet required instructional days. This applies to all schools except those already operating under modified calendars since 2003-2004, and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 90) is a procedural local act for North Carolina's 19th Senatorial District. It contains no substantive policy changes or mechanisms - it simply states the act relates exclusively to that district and becomes effective upon enactment. As a local act, it does not directly affect residents or alter laws; it serves only as a formal designation for the district. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules committee after passing its first reading.