Sen. Joyce Waddell

Maddy summarySB 753, the NC Highway Patrol Retention Act, provides funding for pay raises for all North Carolina State Highway Patrol officers starting July 1, 2025. It appropriates $40.48 million annually from the General Fund to implement new salary schedules based on years of experience (e.g., $56,000 for new officers, $105,000 for 8+ years) and rank (e.g., $120,750 for Sergeant, $224,612 for Colonel). The bill directly affects all sworn Highway Patrol members by establishing fixed pay scales for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The changes aim to improve retention through structured compensation increases without altering existing law enforcement duties or responsibilities.

Maddy summarySB 740 appropriates $250,000 from North Carolina's General Fund as a one-time grant to the Council for Children's Rights, Inc. for its operating expenses during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill directs the Office of State Budget and Management to provide this funding, which directly supports the organization's day-to-day operations. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not change existing laws or create new programs - only allocates specific funding for an established nonprofit.

Maddy summarySB 744, the Voucher School Accountability Act, requires nonpublic schools receiving North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship funds to meet new reporting and accountability standards. It mandates annual transparency on tuition fees (capped at 5% annual increases), staff background checks, standardized testing (including ACT for 11th graders), and financial audits for schools receiving over $250,000 in scholarship funds. Schools must also publish student progress data, maintain physical facilities for in-person instruction, and comply with state academic standards. These requirements directly affect participating nonpublic schools and the families using scholarship funds. The bill focuses on enforcing accountability through concrete reporting mechanisms, not changing scholarship eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 735 establishes the North Carolina Artificial Intelligence Innovation Trust Fund to provide grants and financial support for companies developing or deploying AI in key industries, as well as AI entrepreneurship programs through partnerships with research institutions. The fund prohibits spending on projects involving mass surveillance, discriminatory profiling, or deceptive digital content intended for fraud or electoral interference. Funds will come from state appropriations, interest, and other allowable contributions, with the Secretary of Commerce managing disbursements. The bill defines key terms like "covered model" to guide future regulatory frameworks but focuses on funding innovation rather than direct oversight.

Maddy summarySB 741 appropriates $5 million from North Carolina's General Fund to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation (a nonprofit) for constructing a new main library. The funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and become effective July 1, 2025, directly supporting the library's physical expansion project.

Maddy summarySB 752 allows North Carolina schools to use epinephrine nasal spray in addition to auto-injectors for treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The bill requires schools to stock at least two emergency epinephrine products (including nasal spray) in secure but accessible locations, train staff to recognize symptoms and administer treatment, and develop emergency action plans. It applies to all public, charter, and regional schools, directly affecting students with severe allergies and school staff trained to respond to emergencies. The policy change takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 750, "Restore the American Dream," aims to address North Carolina's affordable housing shortage by funding the Housing Trust Fund. The bill provides a one-time $30 million allocation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and establishes recurring revenue streams: 1.5% of property deed fees and 33% of real estate transfer tax proceeds will be directed to the fund. These funds will support affordable housing solutions - including home ownership, rentals, and supportive housing - for over 815,000 North Carolinians lacking access to affordable housing and 930,000 cost-burdened households. The bill seeks to reverse a 68% funding decline in the Housing Trust Fund over the past decade, ensuring sustainable resources for housing development.

Maddy summarySB 742 appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to provide a directed grant to The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Mecklenburg County. The funds are intended to support the completion of its full-service community health center facility during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This bill directly affects the C.W. Williams Community Health Center by providing targeted financial assistance for infrastructure completion. The grant is non-recurring and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill does not establish new policies or broadly impact other entities or services.

Maddy summarySB 749 allows courts to require delinquent child support payers to participate in work search or job training instead of facing jail time for nonpayment. It directly affects individuals who owe child support and are found in contempt of court, mandating they pay at least $50 monthly while enrolled in work-specific training for up to six months. Key provisions require courts to review progress every 30 days, mandate participants to notify the court of training completion or attendance issues within 14 days, and maintain enforcement authority during appeals. The bill changes enforcement procedures to prioritize workforce engagement over incarceration for this specific violation.

Maddy summarySB 736 creates a new Housing Innovation Office within North Carolina's Housing Finance Agency, funded by a permanent increase in the real estate transfer tax. The bill raises the tax rate on property sales over $500,000 from $1 per $500 to $1 per $400, directing the additional revenue ($5 million annually for 2025-2027) to this office. The office will use these funds for research, technical assistance, grants, and loans to support affordable housing construction, maintenance, and innovative building solutions. This directly affects homebuyers/sellers (through the tax increase) and aims to address the state's housing affordability crisis by expanding funding for housing projects.