Sen. Caleb Theodros

Maddy summarySB 546 establishes a statewide Clean Energy Workforce Development Program under North Carolina's Department of Commerce to build a skilled workforce for nuclear energy, specifically targeting small modular reactors. It provides grants to colleges for training programs in energy sector skilled trades (like welding, grid integration, and reactor maintenance), subsidizes employer-paid apprenticeships (prioritizing economically disadvantaged students), and offers scholarships for relevant degrees - including for workers displaced by coal plant closures. The bill requires prioritizing funding for communities affected by fossil fuel plant closures, economically distressed areas, and underrepresented groups in the energy sector. It directly affects North Carolina residents seeking clean energy careers, community colleges, and nuclear industry employers through concrete training and financial support mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 480 establishes North Carolina's first state-run paid family leave program, effective January 1, 2026. It provides eligible workers - such as employees meeting wage criteria or self-employed individuals who opt in - with up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year to care for a newborn, adoptive child, or family member with a serious health condition, or for military family leave needs. Benefits are capped at 12 weeks for most family-related reasons (like newborn care), 18 weeks for personal serious health conditions, and 26 weeks for military family leave. The program is funded through employee payroll contributions and administered by the Division of Employment Security, with specific eligibility requirements defined in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 495 requires North Carolina local governments to permit at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family residential lot, defined as a smaller secondary home (under 800 sq ft) attached or detached from the main house. It prohibits local governments from banning long-term rentals of ADUs, imposing extra parking requirements, charging higher fees than standard permits, or restricting utility connections. Local governments must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2027, or ADUs will be allowed without restrictions. The bill excludes historic districts, National Historic Landmarks, and properties with private covenants restricting dwelling types.

Maddy summarySB 529, the Second Chance Success Act, eliminates the ability to extend probation solely due to failure to pay a $40 monthly supervision fee. It directly affects individuals on supervised probation in North Carolina who might have faced extended probation terms for nonpayment. The bill modifies probation rules to state that a probation term cannot be extended if nonpayment of the fee is the only reason, though the fee itself remains required (with court exemptions possible for good cause). Fees collected still go to the county clerk and then the state's General Fund, but probation officers can no longer use nonpayment as grounds for extending probation.

Maddy summarySB 523 establishes a pilot voucher program to expand mental health access for low-income North Carolinians. It allocates $25 million (from state, general, and federal funds) to provide up to 10 free annual therapy visits per year to residents earning under 250% of the federal poverty level, with priority for veterans, uninsured individuals, young adults (18-26), teachers, and law enforcement. The program will operate in five selected counties starting July 2025, covering therapy, psychiatric care, and telehealth services through certified providers. An independent commission will evaluate outcomes - including patient satisfaction and reduced hospitalizations - and recommend statewide expansion if the pilot proves effective within five years.

Maddy summarySB 511 requires all North Carolina public schools (K-12) to teach informational literacy, defined as skills to find, evaluate, and use information effectively - including digital, media, and technological literacy. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to create age-appropriate standards covering research processes, source evaluation (primary vs. secondary), fact vs. opinion, ethical information use, and access to library resources. Schools must develop curriculum in consultation with library/media staff and implement it starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This policy directly affects every public school student and educator in North Carolina through mandated curriculum changes.

Maddy summarySB 582, the Wellness Break Act, establishes a paid sabbatical leave program for North Carolina public employees (state, county, city, school, and community college workers) and provides tax incentives for private sector employers. Public employees with three or more years in the same role can take 4-6 weeks of paid leave (70% of salary) for health, wellness, skill-building, or personal enrichment, provided they return to their position for one year. Private businesses offering similar leave qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee to offset costs. The bill requires public employers to report on program usage and outcomes, and the NCWorks Commission will develop model policies and resources to support private sector adoption.

Maddy summarySB 524, the Community Safety Partnership Act, establishes a state fund and grant program to support community-led safety initiatives in North Carolina. It provides grants (up to $100,000 per project) to counties, municipalities, and nonprofits for specific safety projects like improved street lighting, security cameras, or community alert systems, prioritizing high-crime and underserved areas. The bill also creates a digital tracking system to verify attendance at approved neighborhood watch meetings and mandates a state-mandated bonus for law enforcement officers engaged in community outreach. Eligible participants include residents in certified neighborhood watch programs and participating officers, with grantees required to report on project use and outcomes annually. The legislation directly affects local governments, community organizations, and law enforcement through funding and new administrative requirements.

Maddy summarySB 499, "Allow Housing Near Jobs," requires North Carolina local governments to automatically permit residential development - including converting existing commercial buildings - anywhere areas are currently zoned for commercial, office, or retail use. It eliminates the need for special permits or zoning amendments in these zones, directly affecting developers and local planning departments. The bill does not override building or fire codes but takes effect October 1, 2025, aiming to increase housing options near job centers.

Maddy summarySB 497 requires all North Carolina local governments to allow "middle housing" types - including duplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and similar multi-unit structures - in every residentially zoned area, including zones currently permitting only single-family homes. It prohibits local governments from blocking these housing types through excessive regulations, such as requiring public hearings, restricting building height to less than three stories, or mandating commercial building codes or fire sprinklers. The law also prevents restrictions on long-term rentals and private parking arrangements, while exempting historic districts and requiring existing municipal infrastructure (water/sewer systems) to be available. Local governments must use the same permitting processes for middle housing as for single-family homes, with an 18-month implementation deadline. This bill aims to increase housing options and affordability by expanding where multi-unit housing can be developed without changing zoning maps.