Sen. Tom McInnis

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution initiates the confirmation process for Daniel Johnson to serve as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The bill directs the Senate to review and vote on the Governor's nomination, following the state constitution's requirement for senatorial advice and consent. Once adopted, the resolution formally begins the legislative steps needed to officially appoint Johnson to the leadership role.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 503, aims to improve efficiency within the Office of Vital Records. It establishes a 30-calendar-day deadline for the Office of Vital Records and local register of deeds offices to process requests for birth and death certificate amendments, directly affecting individuals seeking these changes. Additionally, the bill prohibits employees of the Office of Vital Records from teleworking, except during declared disasters or emergencies as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the early voting period for all elections in North Carolina to a maximum of 10 consecutive days, ending the current practice of allowing voting to begin several weeks before an election. It directly affects all registered voters by limiting their ability to cast ballots in person prior to election day, with specific provisions for special elections and municipal votes. The legislation also adjusts nomination procedures for congressional vacancies and requires local governments to approve early voting schedules at least 60 days before an election. By codifying a fixed timeframe for early voting, the bill standardizes the process across different election types while removing the option for extended early voting periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the North Carolina Constitution to establish a "right to work" for all residents. The key provision states that a person's right to work cannot be denied based on whether they are a member of a labor union or pay union dues. If approved by voters in a 2026 referendum, the amendment would legally protect employees from being forced to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also authorizes the state legislature to pass additional laws to define and implement these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the North Carolina Constitution to explicitly protect the right of people to farm and practice forestry. The amendment would declare activities such as growing crops, raising livestock, and harvesting timber as essential parts of the state's heritage that must be preserved for the public good. It clarifies that these rights are subject only to laws passed by the state legislature, meaning the change would not override existing regulations but rather affirm the practice of agriculture and forestry. Currently, the bill is in the process of being reviewed by state committees and would be voted on by eligible voters in a statewide election in November 2026.

Maddy summarySB 164 creates a new Class F felony offense for entering someone's property without legal justification during a declared emergency in an emergency area and taking, damaging, or destroying *temporary shelter* - such as tents, trailers, mobile homes, or vehicles used as living quarters. It directly affects individuals who might loot temporary housing following disasters like floods or storms, where standard security is compromised. The law specifies that victims can sue offenders for triple their actual damages plus legal fees. This amendment to North Carolina law (effective December 2025) targets the specific act of stealing or damaging emergency housing, not general property crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows North Carolina local governments to create special zones around major military bases to prevent incompatible development and protect military readiness. It requires that any new projects in these areas, which extend five miles from a base, must be coordinated with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to ensure they do not disrupt training or operations. Additionally, the law mandates that public hearings on such projects notify military commanders in advance and that site plans include measures to reduce light and noise impacts on the bases. The legislation also allocates $50,000 to fund a study on land use between military installations and local governments and explicitly states that it does not remove existing property owners' legal rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Ferry Division within the Department of Transportation. The audit will review financial spending, evaluate current operations and maintenance activities, and analyze the route system to identify ways to increase revenue and lower costs. Additionally, the auditor will explore options for diversifying revenue sources to support capital projects and cover operating expenses. The final report must be submitted to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division by October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies teacher licensure rules in North Carolina by removing a specific testing requirement for admission into educator preparation programs. It extends the deadline for completing licensure exams to the third year of a teacher's career, provided the individual takes the exam at least once during their first year. Additionally, the legislation simplifies the process for out-of-state applicants by allowing them to obtain a North Carolina license if they have three years of teaching experience and hold a valid license from another state with similar requirements. The act also allocates $50,000 in funding for implementation and takes effect on July 1, 2026, with other provisions becoming law immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands sales tax exemptions in North Carolina for specific nonprofit organizations and adds a new exemption for diapers and incontinence underpads prescribed by Medicaid providers. It clarifies which types of nonprofits, such as hospitals and certain 501(c)(3) groups, qualify for tax-free purchases of goods and services needed for their operations, while explicitly excluding certain utility services and liquor. The legislation also establishes a formal application process requiring nonprofits to obtain an exemption number from the state and imposes liability for back taxes if the exemption number is misused. Additionally, the bill modifies ownership rules for property used by charities and sets annual dollar limits on the total tax exemptions and refunds available to eligible entities.