Sen. Dana Jones

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 summarySB 449 modifies North Carolina's disaster recovery funding programs related to Hurricane Helene. It extends interest-only payment periods for Golden LEAF loans to 24 months, caps individual loans at $150,000, and defers repayment for small cities and counties until June 30, 2030, or after FEMA reimbursement decisions. Eligible communities include cities with under 10,000 residents and over 100% budget damage, or counties with under 25,000 residents and over 50% budget damage from Helene. The bill also requires local government grant projects to be ineligible for FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement to qualify for funding.

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 summarySB 118, the Military and Veteran Support Act, reduces concealed handgun permit fees for veterans and streamlines school enrollment for military families. It allows veterans with honorable discharge (using DD-214 or VA ID) to pay $45 for applications and $40 for renewals - matching fees for retired law enforcement officers - effective July 2025. For military families, it permits remote school enrollment for students of active-duty members or those separating within 12 months, delaying proof of residency until enrollment begins, with extensions for high school seniors until graduation. These provisions directly affect North Carolina veterans seeking concealed carry permits and military-connected students enrolling in public schools. The bill is pending legislative action and not yet law.

Maddy summarySB 442, the "Parents Protection Act," prohibits using a child's biological sex as a basis for abuse or neglect petitions in juvenile care cases. It also bars adoption agencies from denying placements or delaying adoption opportunities due to adoptive parents' refusal to support a child's gender transition. The bill amends North Carolina law to clarify that parents or caregivers raising children consistent with their biological sex - including making related medical and mental health decisions - cannot be charged with child abuse under misdemeanor (§14-318.2) or felony (§14-318.4) statutes. These provisions apply to all adoption placements and abuse petitions filed before, on, or after July 1, 2025. The law explicitly states it does not override other prohibitions against abuse, such as causing serious injury.

Maddy summarySB 125 reorganizes North Carolina's community college statutes and makes specific changes to education policy. It prohibits community colleges from using a secondary school's accreditation status (like certification) as a factor in admissions, financial aid, or scholarships for students. The bill also requires community colleges to report annually on college transfer program performance, including student success rates at four-year institutions, and mandates detailed reporting on the 2+2 E-Learning Initiative for teacher training. These provisions directly affect community college students, institutions, and educators seeking teacher licensure.

Maddy summarySB 690 updates North Carolina's licensing rules for real estate appraisers by incorporating the "Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal" (PAREA) program as an approved path to meet experience requirements. It clarifies definitions for key terms like "certified general appraiser," "licensed residential appraiser," and "comparative market analysis" to distinguish formal appraisals from broker price opinions. The bill specifically allows appraisers to use technology-based PAREA training and mentor-supervised case studies instead of traditional supervisor/trainee methods. This directly affects individuals seeking or holding real estate appraiser licenses or certifications in North Carolina. The changes aim to modernize licensing procedures while maintaining standards for valuation work.

Maddy summarySB 124 aims to make North Carolina state government hiring more accessible by reducing unnecessary barriers. It requires the State Human Resources Commission to review job requirements starting October 2025, removing mandatory four-year degree requirements where practical experience (like military service or trade school) is sufficient. The bill also modernizes the application process by allowing resume uploads to auto-fill forms and simplifies job postings to limit additional qualifications to five, ensuring applicants clearly see basic requirements. These changes apply to all state agencies hiring staff, directly affecting job seekers and hiring managers across North Carolina's government workforce.

Maddy summaryThe bill title "SB 328: Age 21 Hemp-Derived Consumables" appears to be incorrect based on the provided text. The actual bill is titled "AN ACT TO UPDATE THE UNDERGROUND UTILITY SAFETY AND DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT" (not related to hemp). This bill updates North Carolina's underground utility safety rules by defining key terms (like "tolerance zone" for pipeline protection), requiring utility operators to mark facilities within 3 business days (10 days for subaqueous facilities), and mandating excavators to provide advance notice (3-12 days for land, 10-20 days for water areas). It specifies safety practices near pipelines (e.g., hand-digging within 24 inches of high-risk lines) and exempts small residential gardening, agricultural work under 12 inches deep, and single-family property projects. The bill does not address hemp products, age restrictions, or consumables - these terms are unrelated to the actual content.