Sen. Todd Johnson

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 summaryThe HALO Law creates a new criminal offense in North Carolina that prohibits people from approaching or staying within 25 feet of first responders who are performing their duties, after the responders have issued a verbal warning. This law protects law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, probation officers, and other specified workers from harassment, threats, or interference. Violating these rules is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines or jail time, unless a more severe penalty already exists for the specific conduct. The legislation also allocates $25,000 to the Department of Public Safety to fund a marketing campaign aimed at informing the public about these new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the North Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission, a new body designed to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions. The commission will consist of seven members appointed by state leaders, including legislators, business experts, and representatives from Irish-American and higher education communities, with terms lasting three years. Its primary duties include encouraging trade and investment, promoting exchanges in business and culture, and submitting an annual report to the state legislature. The commission will be funded with $10,000 for administrative support starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and is required to hold at least two meetings per year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county election boards in North Carolina to implement specific safety and logistical measures when using fire stations as early voting locations. The law mandates that these sites provide traffic control, physical security for staff and voters, phone assistance, clear signage, and legal protection against damage claims. Additionally, the bill ensures that the fire station's normal operations and accessibility remain unaffected during voting hours. These provisions apply to all elections occurring on or after the date the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the chair of North Carolina's Environmental Management Commission to hire temporary employees using the state's Temporary Solutions Program. It updates the commission's staffing rules to give the chair more flexibility in acquiring short-term staff while keeping salary and travel expenses under existing state regulations. Additionally, the legislation reduces the recurring annual funding for dedicated commission staff by $5,000 from the state's General Fund. These changes directly affect the commission's administrative operations and its budget allocation for personnel.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina legislation allows employees who receive tips to deduct those earnings from their state income tax. The bill amends the state tax code to permit taxpayers to subtract tip amounts reported to their employers from their adjusted gross income. This change applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. By adding this specific category to the list of allowable deductions, the measure reduces the taxable income for workers subject to this reporting requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Office of the State Fire Marshal as the lead agency for coordinating emergency responses related to firefighting, search and rescue, and hazardous materials in North Carolina. It formally integrates the State Fire Marshal into the state's emergency operations plan as the Emergency Coordinating Officer for these specific functions, granting authority to manage planning, training, and resource allocation. The legislation allows the office to use funds from the Insurance Regulatory Fund to support these new responsibilities while ensuring that local fire departments and existing mutual aid agreements remain unaffected.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals and companies in North Carolina to obtain a license or permit from the State Fire Marshal to install, service, or inspect portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems. It mandates that all inspections and maintenance be reported digitally to local authorities and the state office, ensuring that records are linked to specific equipment locations. Additionally, the legislation calls for the digital tagging of fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems to improve tracking and accountability. The State Fire Marshal will have the authority to create rules for these requirements and may require applicants to pass an examination to prove their competence.