Sen. Sophia Chitlik

Maddy summarySB 617, the Accessing Certified Professional Midwives Act, establishes a licensing requirement for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in North Carolina who must hold national certification from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The bill creates the North Carolina Council of Certified Professional Midwives, composed of seven members (four CPMs, one physician, and two community consumers), to administer licensing, set practice rules, and review standards. It directly affects CPMs seeking to legally practice midwifery, requiring them to obtain a state license while exempting existing nurse midwives, physicians, and emergency childbirth assistance. The law defines key terms like antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal care to clarify scope of practice under the new licensing framework.

Maddy summarySB 553, titled "Save More Tatas Act," requires health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover diagnostic breast cancer imaging (such as ultrasounds and MRIs) with the same cost-sharing (like copays and deductibles) as routine mammograms, directly affecting women needing these services. It updates mammogram coverage rules to include annual screenings for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue) and mandates that facilities meet accreditation standards. The bill also appropriates $3.6 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support mammography services in rural areas and for the State Health Plan. This legislation aims to improve access to breast cancer diagnostic care without increasing patient out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summarySB 596 appropriates $169 million from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to North Carolina Central University for critical campus repairs. The funds are allocated as $100 million for HVAC, fire safety, and building code upgrades; $9 million for roof and structural repairs; and $60 million for replacing aging electrical, water, and steam infrastructure. These repairs directly address immediate safety risks and system failures affecting the university's campus operations and facilities. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funding designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires all health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover maternity care at home or birthing centers on the same terms as hospital births. It mandates that Medicaid beneficiaries also receive full coverage for these options starting July 2025, with providers reimbursed at 90% of standard hospital rates for similar care. The bill allocates $150,000 to expand access to birthing center care under the State Health Plan for public employees, including potential subsidies for beneficiaries. These changes directly affect health insurers, Medicaid, birthing centers, and individuals seeking non-hospital maternity options.

Maddy summarySB 607, the North Carolina Equal Pay Act, prohibits employers from paying employees differently based on gender for work requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility under comparable conditions. It defines "comparable work" broadly (excluding job titles alone) and allows pay differences only for factors like seniority, merit, geographic location, or job-related education/experience. The bill also bans employers from asking about salary history before making a job offer, protects employees who discuss pay or file complaints from retaliation, and requires employers to post notices about these rights. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and would allow employees to seek back pay for violations.

Maddy summarySB 480 establishes North Carolina's first state-run paid family leave program, effective January 1, 2026. It provides eligible workers - such as employees meeting wage criteria or self-employed individuals who opt in - with up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year to care for a newborn, adoptive child, or family member with a serious health condition, or for military family leave needs. Benefits are capped at 12 weeks for most family-related reasons (like newborn care), 18 weeks for personal serious health conditions, and 26 weeks for military family leave. The program is funded through employee payroll contributions and administered by the Division of Employment Security, with specific eligibility requirements defined in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 571 (MOMnibus 3.0) establishes a North Carolina grant program to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, specifically targeting Black women. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants (between $10,000 and $50,000) to community-based organizations serving Black women in areas with high maternal health disparities. Grants prioritize organizations led by Black women that provide evidence-based services, including culturally respectful care, mental health support, assistance with social determinants like housing and transportation, and doula support. The program mandates technical assistance for grantees and annual reports to the legislature on funding and outcomes. This bill directly affects Black women in North Carolina and community health organizations providing maternal care services.

Maddy summarySB 495 requires North Carolina local governments to permit at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family residential lot, defined as a smaller secondary home (under 800 sq ft) attached or detached from the main house. It prohibits local governments from banning long-term rentals of ADUs, imposing extra parking requirements, charging higher fees than standard permits, or restricting utility connections. Local governments must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2027, or ADUs will be allowed without restrictions. The bill excludes historic districts, National Historic Landmarks, and properties with private covenants restricting dwelling types.

Maddy summarySB 586, "Allergy Safe NC," requires child care centers in North Carolina to implement specific safety protocols for children with food allergies. It mandates that caregivers receive training on administering allergy emergency medication (epinephrine), require immediate contact with emergency services after such medication is used, notify parents about allergic reactions and their causes, and provide written food allergy policies to parents. These requirements apply to all child care facilities licensed under state law, directly affecting centers that care for children with known food allergies. The bill aims to standardize emergency response and prevention measures to protect children’s health during care.

Maddy summarySB 582, the Wellness Break Act, establishes a paid sabbatical leave program for North Carolina public employees (state, county, city, school, and community college workers) and provides tax incentives for private sector employers. Public employees with three or more years in the same role can take 4-6 weeks of paid leave (70% of salary) for health, wellness, skill-building, or personal enrichment, provided they return to their position for one year. Private businesses offering similar leave qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee to offset costs. The bill requires public employers to report on program usage and outcomes, and the NCWorks Commission will develop model policies and resources to support private sector adoption.