Sen. Bob Brinson

Maddy summaryThis bill provides funding and expanded flexibility for North Carolina's Children of Wartime Veterans Scholarship Program, directly affecting eligible children of veterans attending state colleges and universities. It appropriates $1 million for the 2025-2026 academic year to increase award amounts for students whose scholarships were previously reduced, with any leftover funds reserved for additional scholarships starting in 2026-2027. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the bill allocates $10 million to double the number of available scholarships from 100 to 200 per class and extends administrative flexibility to allow officials to adjust award amounts, prioritize applicants, and manage room and board payments based on available funds. The legislation also permits the use of up to 2.5% of the program's budget for administrative costs and requires that all scholarship awards be contingent upon the availability of money.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires North Carolina state agencies to use zero-based budgeting on a rotating eight-year schedule starting in 2026. Under this method, agencies must justify every dollar of spending from scratch by listing specific activities, their legal basis, and the costs needed to maintain minimum or current service levels, rather than simply adjusting previous budgets. The Office of State Budget and Management will provide technical assistance to agencies as they prepare these plans, which must include data on program outcomes and the potential negative impacts of discontinuing any activity. Funding of $10,000 is allocated to the budget office to support the administration of this new requirement.

Maddy summarySB 803 creates a new taxing district in Beaufort County that covers all areas outside the city of Washington. This district allows the county to collect an additional occupancy tax of up to 6% on room rentals, which is separate from existing state and local sales taxes. The collected funds must be used exclusively to promote tourism and support tourism-related activities within the specific district boundaries, and the bill establishes a local authority to manage these funds and report on their use.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow any law-abiding citizen in North Carolina to carry a legal weapon for self-defense, either openly or concealed, without needing a permit. The proposal would remove the current prohibition on concealed carry while maintaining a permit system solely for reciprocity with other states and to facilitate weapon purchases. Eligibility for this right is restricted to individuals who have not been indicted or convicted of a violent crime or a felony involving controlled substances and who have not been adjudicated mentally incompetent. The amendment would also establish that carrying is not allowed on public or private property that is legally posted against it. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this change would become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Hands Free NC Act, makes it illegal for drivers in North Carolina to hold a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. The law prohibits texting, watching videos, or holding any electronic device, such as a cell phone or smartwatch, except when the vehicle is safely stationary or during specific emergencies like medical crises or unsafe road conditions. Drivers under 18 are allowed to use navigation systems if all destinations are entered before driving, while law enforcement, first responders, and emergency vehicle operators are exempt from these restrictions. Violations result in fines ranging from $100 to $200 depending on prior offenses within a 36-month period, and repeat offenders will face insurance points on their records. The legislation also prevents local governments from passing their own ordinances on this matter and requires driver education programs to include instructions on these new rules.

Maddy summarySB 50, "Freedom to Carry NC," allows most North Carolina residents aged 18 or older (who are U.S. citizens) to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while maintaining existing permit options for reciprocity. The bill prohibits concealed carry for individuals with certain felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, active warrants, or specific mental health or substance use conditions. It also requires carrying valid ID and disclosing concealed weapons to law enforcement upon request. Additional provisions include increased penalties for assaults on first responders, new offenses for felons discharging firearms during crimes, and expanded benefits for law enforcement families. The bill does not change current restrictions on carrying firearms in sensitive locations like schools or government buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Carolina law governing owners' associations in condominiums and planned communities. It directly affects these associations and their members by setting specific limits on late fees (capping at $20 per month or 10% of an unpaid assessment) and fines (capping at $100), prohibiting managing agents from being paid based on fines collected, and requiring fair procedures for approving unit changes. The bill also mandates prelitigation mediation for disputes between associations and members and requires the Department of Justice to collect and report on related complaints. These changes aim to standardize association practices and provide clearer dispute resolution processes.

Maddy summarySB 245 would allow residents to apply for or renew driver's licenses remotely, without visiting a physical office. This directly affects people who face challenges traveling to license centers, such as those with disabilities, rural residents, or individuals with busy schedules. The bill would establish a secure online process for these transactions, including identity verification and document submission. Currently pending in the Senate's Rules and Operations committee (after being withdrawn and re-referred to Health Care), it has not yet advanced to a vote.

Maddy summarySB 55 creates a fast-track court process for property owners or their authorized representatives (like real estate brokers) to remove people occupying residential property without legal right, such as squatters. To qualify, the owner must prove the occupant has no lease, hasn't paid rent, and wasn't invited, while excluding tenants who stayed past their lease term. The process requires a hearing within 48 hours of filing, with removal ordered within 4 hours of the court decision. An appeal requires a $10,000 bond and allows a full trial in district court.

Maddy summaryThis bill, officially titled "An Act to Establish Exemptions from Certain Floodplain Requirements for the Replacement or Reconstruction of Structures Damaged by Historic Flood Events," corrects the misstated title "Power Bill Reduction Act." It directly affects property owners seeking to rebuild or replace structures damaged by a "historic flood event" (defined as a flood meeting or exceeding a 200-year flood standard) within the base floodplain. The key provision allows rebuilding to the same or lesser size/volume as before the flood, without adhering to newer state or local flood regulations, but prohibits increases in size/volume unless hydrologic analysis proves it won’t raise flood elevations. This exemption applies to structures lawfully established before the flood event.