Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal definition for school resource officers and mandates specific training for them, focusing on mental health, racial equity, and de-escalation techniques. It requires that any complaint about student delinquency filed by a school resource officer must be signed by a school administrator or social worker before it can be sent to juvenile court. To support these changes, the legislation creates a grant program to help schools cover increased salary costs associated with hiring and training officers, with funding prioritized for rural and lower-grade schools. These new requirements and funding provisions are scheduled to take effect starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax incentive for small businesses in North Carolina by allowing them to deduct contributions made to a special savings account designated for property improvements. To qualify, a business must have gross receipts under $10 million and deposit funds into a federally insured bank account specifically for projects that add value to real estate, extend its useful life by at least 10 years, or adapt it for new uses. The deduction is calculated as a percentage of the business's income, ranging from 5% for deposits up to $1 million down to 1% for amounts up to $3 million, and the benefit is only available for taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2026. If any money withdrawn from this account is not used for the specified improvements, the amount must be added back to the business's taxable income in the year of withdrawal.

Maddy summarySB 804, known as the Fair Maps Act, proposes to amend the North Carolina Constitution to create an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission that would draw electoral maps for state and federal offices. This bill removes the General Assembly and the Governor from the redistricting process, requiring them to establish the commission but prohibiting them from participating in the actual map-drawing. The commission must follow specific rules, such as ensuring districts have equal populations, remain contiguous, avoid splitting counties, and respect communities of interest without favoring political parties. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill includes a provision to place the amendment on the ballot for voter approval at the November 2026 general election.

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 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 311, titled "The Law and Order Act," increases penalties for assaulting utility and communications workers while they are identifiable in uniform and performing duties. It also creates new offenses, including criminal possession of embalming fluid, larceny of gift cards, and unlawful possession of certain explosive devices. The bill enhances punishments for reckless driving causing death, hit-and-run offenses, and firearm use by felons during crimes, while adding a mitigating factor for impaired drivers using ignition interlocks. Additional provisions revise burglary penalties, expand workplace violence prevention to cover mass picketing, and establish civil liability for gift card theft. The bill directly affects workers in essential services and individuals committing specified violent or property crimes.

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 summarySB 77 allows parents of students with disabilities to choose their preferred nurse for school-based nursing services required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), provided specific conditions are met. The bill requires schools to assign the parent's chosen nurse if that nurse previously provided care to the student, the nursing agency agrees to contract under standard terms, and the rate matches other contracted nurses. This directly affects families of students needing nursing services under IEPs and ensures schools honor parent preferences without altering their obligation to provide a free appropriate public education. The policy applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 402 allows North Carolina lottery winners who claim prizes of $50 million or more to request that their personal identifying information be treated as confidential for 90 days after claiming their prize. This applies to winners of the largest jackpots, such as Powerball or Mega Millions prizes, and does not affect how prizes are paid or distributed. The confidentiality only applies to the winner's identity, not to required disclosures for tax reporting (to North Carolina Department of Revenue, IRS, or state tax authorities), debt collection under state law, or court orders. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not change existing rules for smaller prizes.

Maddy summarySB 248 would allow adopted individuals to obtain their original birth certificates directly from state vital records offices, without requiring a court order. This bill directly affects adults who were adopted, removing a current barrier to accessing their birth records. The key provision eliminates the need for judicial approval, streamlining the process for adopted persons to access their original birth certificates. The bill passed its first reading on March 10, 2025, and is now under review by the Judiciary Committee.