Sen. Norman Sanderson

Maddy summarySB 505 clarifies definitions and creates procedures for addressing abandoned or derelict vessels in North Carolina waters and on public/private land. It defines "abandoned vessels" as those left unattended for 30+ days without permission or intent to reclaim, and "derelict vessels" as those in disrepair posing safety or environmental risks. The bill gives the Commission authority to remove such vessels after posting notices, with owners having 10 days to respond before removal. It also sets time limits (30 days on land, 10 days in water) for vessel anchoring without permission and exempts historic shipwrecks under state custody. This directly affects boat owners, property owners, and state agencies responsible for waterway safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 224) seeks confirmation of Gabriel J. Esparza as Secretary of the Department of Administration, following Governor's appointment. It directs the North Carolina Senate to formally consider and vote on his appointment, as required by state law (G.S. 143B-9(a) and Constitution Article III, Section 5(8)). The resolution does not create new policy but follows standard procedure for confirming executive appointments. It directly affects the Senate (as the body required to provide consent) and Gabriel Esparza (as the appointee seeking confirmation).

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 38 appropriates $51 million from the North Carolina General Fund to Hertford County for economic development, directly affecting the county and its Rural Development Authority (RDA). The bill allocates $40 million for constructing a public industrial dock and barge at the Flowers site in Hertford County, and $11 million for road construction at that same location. Funds remain available until June 30, 2027, rather than reverting at year-end, and must be used solely for these specified projects. The bill, titled "Hertford County Economic Development," requires no further legislative action to take effect as a funding measure.

Maddy summarySB 514, the "Social Media Algorithmic Control in Information Technology Act," requires social media platforms with over 1 million monthly U.S. users to obtain clear, separate consent from North Carolina minors (under 18) before using their personal data for advertising or algorithmic recommendations. The bill mandates accessible opt-in mechanisms - replacing default settings - to let users control how their data is processed, while banning the use of minors' data for targeted ads or content algorithms. It defines prohibited data uses broadly to include browsing history, location, and biometric information, and designates violations as unfair business practices under North Carolina law. The law directly affects major social media platforms operating in North Carolina, imposing new data privacy obligations without specifying enforcement details.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.25 million in one-time funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $1 million annually from 2025-2027 to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. The funds will directly support three coastal programs: a $1 million education center on Bogue Sound (matching private funds), a $5 million Living Shoreline Protection Program, and a $250,000 oyster shell recycling initiative. An additional $1 million yearly will fund a permanent program to remove abandoned vessels. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with all funding directed to the Coastal Federation for specific environmental and community projects.

Maddy summarySB 501 appropriates $11 million in one-time state funds for the Town of Edenton's downtown development project, officially named the TEAPOT Project. The bill directs these funds toward building renovations and additional downtown development initiatives within Edenton. The funds are allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and become effective July 1, 2025. This legislation directly affects the Town of Edenton by providing financial resources for specific local infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summarySB 500 appropriates $14 million in one-time state funds for Pamlico County to build a new facility housing the County's Department of Health and Social Services. This replaces a former building abandoned due to moisture and mold issues, using county-owned property. The funding covers engineering and construction costs, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects Pamlico County residents who access health and social services through this office.

Maddy summarySB 502 appropriates $3.3 million from the state General Fund to the Town of Cape Carteret for a single-purpose project: constructing a new facility to serve as the town hall, police headquarters, and emergency operations center. The funding is a one-time, directed grant for capital needs, directly affecting Cape Carteret's local government operations. The bill does not create new policies or regulations but allocates specific state funds for a defined physical project. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 540 increases funding for small county school systems in North Carolina by revising their supplemental allotment schedule. It provides higher base funding amounts based on student enrollment (e.g., counties with 0-1,300 students receive $1.82 million annually instead of prior rates), directly affecting small school districts with under 3,300 students. The bill appropriates $20,961,180 in recurring funds from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to implement these changes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, ensuring increased per-student funding for eligible small county school systems.