Sen. Bob Brinson

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 summarySB 1080 proposes a constitutional amendment to cap North Carolina's state income tax rate at a maximum of 3.5%. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, this change would prevent the legislature from raising the income tax rate higher than that threshold in the future. The bill applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and requires a majority vote in favor to become law.

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 amends the City of New Bern's charter to shift regular municipal elections from odd-numbered even-numbered years to even-numbered even-numbered years, starting in 2030. The change directly affects the city's mayor and board of aldermen by altering the schedule for their nonpartisan elections and runoff procedures. Additionally, the legislation extends the terms of officials whose current mandates expire in 2029 to ensure they serve until the new election cycle begins. The act also maintains existing rules for filling vacancies on the board of aldermen through appointments or special elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the ability of local governments in Craven, Carteret, Onslow, Jones, and Lenoir counties to propose down-zoning changes without needing permission from every property owner. Previously, a law required unanimous consent from all affected landowners to reduce development density or limit permitted uses, but this legislation removes that requirement for these specific military host counties. The change applies retroactively to December 11, 2024, meaning any down-zoning efforts initiated after that date can proceed under the new rules.

Maddy summarySB 316 requires North Carolina hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to publicly disclose detailed pricing information for common medical services, including full charges, negotiated rates, and reimbursements from Medicaid, Medicare, and major insurers. Beginning in 2015, these facilities must submit quarterly reports to the state health department on the 100 most frequent inpatient diagnoses (DRGs) and common surgical/imaging procedures. The data will be made publicly available online, enabling patients and employers to compare costs and make informed healthcare decisions. This bill directly affects healthcare providers by mandating transparency but does not alter insurance coverage or set price limits. Its key mechanism is standardized reporting of pricing data to foster competition and affordability in the healthcare market.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 229 authorizes and regulates agency contracts between student-athletes and athlete agents for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The bill amends the existing Uniform Athlete Agents Act to include definitions and provisions specific to NIL contracts. It requires these NIL agency contracts to include details on compensation and services, and mandates a specific warning to student-athletes about consulting their institution and a 14-day cancellation period. The bill also exempts certain NIL contracts from public records requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1018, known as the HEAL Act, establishes a funding program in North Carolina to support three-year research studies on psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin. The bill directs up to five competitive grants of at least one million dollars each to federal or academic institutions located in the state, focusing on treating trauma-related mental health conditions in specific groups such as military veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. To oversee this initiative, the legislation creates a Breakthrough Therapies Task Force composed of state officials, medical experts, tribal representatives, and legislators to assess the potential use of these medicines and recommend future regulations. All funded research must be conducted within North Carolina, adhere to federal laws, and include measurements of pain levels alongside mental health outcomes.