Sen. Joyce Waddell

Maddy summarySB 591 updates North Carolina's animal fighting laws by prohibiting minors under 18 from attending cockfighting or dogfighting events and banning the possession of animals or equipment with intent to use them in such fights. It specifically defines "animal fighting paraphernalia" (like fighting pits, gaffs, or training tools) and makes possessing such items with the intent to facilitate fights a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill directly affects anyone attending these events (with minors prohibited), owning or training animals for fighting, or possessing related equipment. Key mechanisms include criminalizing minor attendance, expanding felony charges for animal possession, and creating new misdemeanor penalties for paraphernalia. The law takes effect December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 544 requires the North Carolina State Auditor to conduct regular audits of crisis pregnancy centers that receive state funding. This directly affects crisis pregnancy centers (which typically offer pregnancy-related support services but do not provide abortion care) that accept state money. The bill amends state law to add this audit responsibility to the Auditor’s duties, ensuring financial oversight of these centers. The law would take effect upon enactment but is still pending in the legislative process.

Maddy summarySB 617, the Accessing Certified Professional Midwives Act, establishes a licensing requirement for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in North Carolina who must hold national certification from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The bill creates the North Carolina Council of Certified Professional Midwives, composed of seven members (four CPMs, one physician, and two community consumers), to administer licensing, set practice rules, and review standards. It directly affects CPMs seeking to legally practice midwifery, requiring them to obtain a state license while exempting existing nurse midwives, physicians, and emergency childbirth assistance. The law defines key terms like antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal care to clarify scope of practice under the new licensing framework.

Maddy summarySB 553, titled "Save More Tatas Act," requires health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover diagnostic breast cancer imaging (such as ultrasounds and MRIs) with the same cost-sharing (like copays and deductibles) as routine mammograms, directly affecting women needing these services. It updates mammogram coverage rules to include annual screenings for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue) and mandates that facilities meet accreditation standards. The bill also appropriates $3.6 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support mammography services in rural areas and for the State Health Plan. This legislation aims to improve access to breast cancer diagnostic care without increasing patient out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summarySB 612 requires all new school buses purchased by North Carolina school districts to be electric starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with the goal of converting the entire school bus fleet to electric by the end of the 2049-2050 school year. It also creates a grant program to help small counties purchase electric "activity buses" (used for field trips and events) by covering up to 50% of the cost. The bill appropriates $350 million for general school bus conversions and $50 million specifically for the activity bus grant program, beginning in 2026-2027. This directly affects all school districts, with additional financial support targeted at smaller counties eligible for supplemental funding.

Maddy summarySB 604 defines a "school resource officer" (SRO) as a law enforcement officer assigned to schools for at least 20 hours weekly for safety, security, and related duties. It mandates that all SROs complete initial and ongoing training on mental health, students with disabilities, racial equity, and crisis intervention by 2026. The bill also requires school administrators or social workers to sign SRO-initiated complaints alleging student misconduct before they can be filed in juvenile court. This affects SROs, school staff, and the juvenile court process for school-related complaints, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 538, the Family Empowerment Act, expands child care assistance to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, prioritizing single parents and workers in nontraditional hours. It creates tax credits for businesses offering paid parental leave (up to $2,500 per employee) and grants for small businesses to offset leave costs, while establishing state-funded financial counseling and home-visiting programs for low-income families. The bill requires child care costs to not exceed 7% of family income and mandates flexible work policies for employers, with "Family-Friendly Workplace" certification. Funded by $75 million annually from 2025-2027, it targets working families, employers, and child care providers across North Carolina.

Maddy summarySB 596 appropriates $169 million from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to North Carolina Central University for critical campus repairs. The funds are allocated as $100 million for HVAC, fire safety, and building code upgrades; $9 million for roof and structural repairs; and $60 million for replacing aging electrical, water, and steam infrastructure. These repairs directly address immediate safety risks and system failures affecting the university's campus operations and facilities. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funding designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires all health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover maternity care at home or birthing centers on the same terms as hospital births. It mandates that Medicaid beneficiaries also receive full coverage for these options starting July 2025, with providers reimbursed at 90% of standard hospital rates for similar care. The bill allocates $150,000 to expand access to birthing center care under the State Health Plan for public employees, including potential subsidies for beneficiaries. These changes directly affect health insurers, Medicaid, birthing centers, and individuals seeking non-hospital maternity options.

Maddy summarySB 607, the North Carolina Equal Pay Act, prohibits employers from paying employees differently based on gender for work requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility under comparable conditions. It defines "comparable work" broadly (excluding job titles alone) and allows pay differences only for factors like seniority, merit, geographic location, or job-related education/experience. The bill also bans employers from asking about salary history before making a job offer, protects employees who discuss pay or file complaints from retaliation, and requires employers to post notices about these rights. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and would allow employees to seek back pay for violations.