Sen. Graig Meyer

Maddy summarySB 457 requires automatic voter registration for eligible North Carolina residents at driver's license offices, public agencies, community colleges, and UNC system institutions starting January 2026. Individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license, ID card, or college enrollment would be automatically registered to vote unless they explicitly decline during the process. The bill mandates clear disclosures about voter qualifications, penalties for false information, and an outreach campaign by the State Board of Elections. Registration applications submitted at these locations must meet standard deadlines (e.g., received by 5:00 PM, 25 days before an election) to be valid for upcoming votes.

Maddy summarySB 386 establishes same-day voter registration on election day in North Carolina, allowing eligible individuals to register and vote immediately at their county's election office or early voting site. It also permits 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote for upcoming elections they will qualify for upon turning 18. To register under this bill, voters must provide proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) and photo ID, and submit a completed registration form. The bill modifies existing deadlines and primary election rules to align with these new registration provisions. This changes how voters can register and participate, focusing on expanding access while maintaining verification requirements.

Maddy summarySB 381 expands North Carolina's anti-discrimination protections to cover housing and employment. It adds sexual orientation, gender identity, military/veteran status, and genetic information to the list of protected characteristics in housing (e.g., rentals, sales, loans) and employment (for employers with 15+ staff). The bill prohibits specific discriminatory actions like refusing housing based on protected status, denying employment opportunities, or making biased land-use decisions. It directly affects residents, renters, job seekers, and businesses operating in these sectors across the state.

Maddy summarySB 384 requires North Carolina's Commission for Public Health to establish safe limits for specific toxic chemicals in drinking water by October 2025. It targets chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, hexavalent chromium, and 1,4-Dioxane - known or suspected carcinogens - mandating limits based on scientific evidence and ensuring they do not exceed federal EPA standards. The law also requires annual reviews of new research to update these limits as needed. This directly affects all North Carolina residents who rely on public water systems, with special consideration for children, infants, and pregnant people.

Maddy summarySB 334 repeals North Carolina's drug tax, which was levied on certain pharmaceutical products. It directly affects taxpayers who paid this tax on medications subject to the levy. The bill removes the tax provision from state law but does not change existing tax liabilities or refund claims for taxes paid before the repeal took effect. This is a straightforward repeal with no new provisions or mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 350, the Marijuana Justice and Reinvestment Act, would legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older in North Carolina, allowing possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis, 15 grams of concentrate, or products containing no more than 2,000mg THC. It establishes a regulatory framework requiring licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales, with mandatory lab testing, potency labeling, and restrictions on advertising. The bill directly affects North Carolina residents over 21, cannabis businesses, and communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis prohibition - addressing the ACLU finding that Black individuals were 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for possession than white individuals despite similar usage rates. Key provisions include creating three funds to reinvest tax revenue into affected communities for substance abuse treatment, education, and business support, while requiring licensed businesses to prioritize diversity, fair wages, and community investment.

Maddy summarySB 294 requires greater public involvement in North Carolina's state budget process. It mandates at least one week for virtual public comments, one in-person public hearing, and three nonvoting committee meetings before key budget votes. The bill also removes confidentiality for budget-related communications between state agencies, legislators, and legislative staff, making these documents public records once the budget is enacted. These changes apply to the Current Operations Appropriations Act for fiscal years starting after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 279 establishes a Baby Bond Trust Fund that automatically deposits $2,000 into individual accounts for eligible North Carolina infants born on or after January 1, 2024. Eligibility requires parents to reside in North Carolina (or establish residency within six months of birth) and have household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Funds in these accounts cannot be accessed before age 18 (except for qualified education expenses), and after age 18, distributions may be used for postsecondary education, home purchases, business startup, or approved long-term investments. The State Treasurer administers the accounts with a Board of Trustees, ensuring funds remain protected from creditors and are managed solely for the account holder’s benefit.

Maddy summarySB 273 requires day camps providing aquatic activities (like swimming or water instruction) for school-age children (up to age 18) to have certified lifeguards on-site. It mandates specific ratios (two lifeguards for every 25 children, plus one additional per 15 children), a 6-foot lifeguard chair, and a mandatory swim test before activities begin - requiring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers. The bill prohibits aquatic activities in hot tubs, spas, saunas, portable pools, and unfiltered water containers. It applies to all day camps operating for less than four months yearly and takes effect June 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 167 revises North Carolina's funding for schools supporting students with limited English proficiency (LEP), requiring new allocation rules and a state study. It appropriates $16.2 million annually for 2025-2026 to schools with at least 20 LEP students or 2.5% LEP enrollment, funding classroom staff, materials, and training. Schools must use these funds to supplement, not replace, existing local spending. The bill also mandates a 2025 study to evaluate funding adequacy and recommend improvements to bilingual education programs.