Sen. Sophia Chitlik

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms, machine guns, ammunition, or related permits. It expands the definition of domestic violence to include crimes committed against intimate partners, dating partners, and other individuals in similar relationships, not just spouses or parents. The legislation also allocates one million dollars to the state's Domestic Violence Commission to create an educational program on domestic violence. These provisions will take effect on December 1, 2026, and apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new cabinet-level Department of Housing and Community Development in North Carolina to consolidate housing and community development functions. The department will be organized into four divisions: Operations, Community Development, Housing, and a Policy and Legislative Office, each with specific duties such as managing broadband expansion, overseeing disaster resilience, and certifying building officials. A nine-member advisory board will be established to guide the department, with members appointed by the Governor and state legislative leaders. Starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the state will allocate $30 million in recurring funds to support the department's operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes constitutional changes to North Carolina's General Assembly, including a salary cap tied to public school teacher pay, a 16-year consecutive term limit for legislators, and a shift to four-year terms for Senators. The salary provision would set Assembly member pay equal to the average starting salary of state-funded public school teachers and align their travel and per diem allowances with those of state employees. Additionally, the bill would extend Senator terms from two to four years, beginning with the 2028 election, while keeping House terms at two years. All these changes are currently set for a public vote at the November 3, 2026 election, where voters will decide whether to adopt or reject the amendments.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill aims to address teacher shortages by increasing salaries and creating new financial support for educators. It establishes a new monthly salary schedule for teachers starting in the 2026-2027 school year and reinstates specific pay bonuses for those with advanced degrees or professional certifications. Additionally, the legislation creates a grant program to help student teachers earn money while completing their training and directs a state study on how to further improve educator pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to add 1,000 slots to the state's Medicaid Innovations Waiver, which provides alternative care options for individuals with disabilities. To support this expansion, the legislation appropriates $36.2 million in recurring funds from the state's General Fund starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing more eligible residents to access services under the waiver program.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Government Modernization Act of 2026, directs North Carolina's Department of Information Technology to study and implement blockchain technology to improve security, reduce fraud, and increase transparency in state records and transactions. To support these efforts, the legislation appropriates $50 million from the Information Technology Reserve Fund to modernize outdated systems and expand online government services for residents and businesses. The Department must submit a progress report within 12 months of the law taking effect and provide annual updates to the General Assembly, while a new Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance is created to supervise the project. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and will remain in force until June 30, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Carolina's divorce laws to allow victims of domestic violence to file for divorce immediately without waiting the standard one year and six months of separation. It also eliminates the requirement to prove that the separation lasted for six months prior to filing the divorce complaint and removes defenses like recrimination that could block a divorce. Additionally, the legislation abolishes the outdated legal claims of alienation of affection and criminal conversation, which previously allowed lawsuits against third parties for interfering in a marriage. A separate provision in the bill appropriates $3 million in state and federal funds to expand the NC Medicaid Family Planning Program, effective in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Frontline Mental Health Support Program in North Carolina to offer confidential counseling to public school teachers and first responders who face occupational stress. Eligible employees, including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, can access up to 12 licensed therapy sessions per year through in-person or telehealth options. The legislation appropriates $13 million in recurring funds starting in 2026-2027 to establish the program and expand the behavioral health workforce via grants to providers. It also mandates that participation cannot be used as grounds for any adverse employment actions and requires a report on the program's implementation by 2028.

Maddy summarySB 792, titled Kayla's Act, amends North Carolina laws to provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence within the criminal justice system. The legislation primarily allows domestic violence victims to testify remotely in court rather than appearing in person, provided specific notice and approval procedures are followed. Additionally, the bill modifies evidence rules regarding unavailable witnesses and extends the statute of limitations for certain misdemeanor offenses. These policy changes directly impact criminal defendants, prosecutors, and judges handling domestic violence cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to dental care in North Carolina by increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to dentists. Starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the state will allocate $80 million from the General Fund to raise these payment rates, which have not significantly changed since 2008. The legislation seeks to encourage more private dental providers to join the Medicaid program, thereby expanding the network of available dentists for patients. By making it more financially viable for dentists to accept Medicaid, the bill intends to help reduce the number of people relying on emergency departments for urgent dental needs.