Sen. Woodson Bradley

Maddy summarySB 638, the "Fair Maps Act," proposes a constitutional amendment to replace North Carolina’s current legislative redistricting process with an independent commission. It would establish the North Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw congressional and state legislative districts after each federal census, removing direct control from the General Assembly and governor. The law requires districts to have equal population, remain contiguous, avoid splitting counties, and preserve communities of interest (like shared cultural or geographic ties). If approved by voters in 2026, this change would take effect for the 2030 census-based redistricting cycle.

Maddy summarySB 628, the Safe Schools Transparency Act, requires North Carolina public schools to immediately notify parents or guardians about credible threats targeting their child, the school campus, weapons, or requiring law enforcement action. Schools must provide notifications via multiple methods (text, email, phone, or website) within one hour of law enforcement confirmation, including threat details and response actions. Failure to notify can result in school funding reductions ($5,000 per violation), administrative penalties, or termination for responsible staff, with repeated failures triggering corrective plans or additional training. Additionally, schools must publish annual safety reports online detailing threats, lockdowns, security measures, and safety policies for parent review.

Maddy summarySB 627 allows North Carolina small businesses with annual gross receipts under $10 million to reduce their state income tax by deducting funds deposited into a special capital improvement account. Businesses can deduct up to 5% of their adjusted gross income (capped at $1 million), 2% (up to $2 million), or 1% (up to $3 million) for qualifying property improvements like upgrades that add value, extend property life by 10+ years, or adapt property for new business uses. Funds must be deposited into a federally insured bank account and used solely for these improvements; unused funds must be added back to taxable income. The bill takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and directly affects small businesses making eligible capital investments.

Maddy summarySB 636, the School Psychologist Omnibus, increases compensation for North Carolina school psychologists and creates programs to boost recruitment and training. It provides a $650 monthly salary supplement for all school psychologists, plus a 12% supplement for those with a nationally certified credential, funded by $8.1 million. The bill also allocates $1.7 million for grants to school districts offering up to $5,000 signing bonuses to recruit psychologists, $5 million for internship stipends, and $5 million for a virtual training program at Appalachian State University, plus $1.6 million to expand university training programs at five UNC schools. These changes, effective July 2025, directly affect school psychologists, public school districts, and university training programs to address staffing shortages.

Maddy summarySB 634, "Kayla's Act: Protecting Domestic Violence Victims," allows domestic violence victims to testify remotely in court to reduce trauma from facing their abuser. It directly affects victims in criminal cases involving domestic violence (as defined under North Carolina law), including assault, stalking, or violations of protection orders. The bill requires prosecutors to notify the defense 15 business days before remote testimony, with the defense needing to object in writing 5 days prior to prevent it. If the defense objects, a judge may still allow remote testimony if the victim would suffer serious emotional distress from testifying in person or if their communication would be impaired. The law also sets specific standards for how remote testimony must be conducted, including real-time audio/video and safeguards for cross-examination.

Maddy summarySB 625 creates two statewide awareness initiatives: one by the Department of Justice (Section 1) to educate North Carolinians about consumer finance risks like identity theft and fraud, and another by the Department of Health and Human Services (Section 2) to address health and civil rights topics including reproductive, LGBTQIA+, gender, and racial health issues. Both initiatives require developing public websites, local community toolkits, and state-coordinated outreach by July 2025, with reports due in September 2026. The bill prohibits using state funds for advocacy or lobbying on new laws, restricting the initiatives to explaining existing resources and laws. These programs directly affect residents through public education and local communities through customizable toolkits for community-led campaigns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most North Carolina employers to provide earned paid sick leave to workers. Employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with small businesses (10 or fewer employees) limited to 32 hours annually and other employers to 56 hours. Workers could use this time for their own illness, family medical care, or safety-related needs like domestic violence or sexual assault recovery. The law applies to most private-sector employees but excludes volunteers and certain exempt workers, directly affecting over 1.6 million North Carolinians currently without access to paid sick days.

Maddy summarySB 632 ("Homes for Heroes") creates a homebuyers' assistance program for North Carolina public servants (including teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel) who are first-time homebuyers. It provides up to $25,000 or 10% of a home's purchase price - covering down payments, mortgage insurance, and closing costs - using $200 million in state funds, with mortgage assistance limited to 60 months. Separately, it establishes a tax credit for volunteer firefighters and rescue workers who incur unreimbursed work expenses, capping the credit at $5,000 or the taxpayer's annual income tax liability, requiring 36 hours of annual training. The program begins July 1, 2025, and the tax credit applies to taxable years starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 592 allocates $25 million annually from 2025-2027 to fund one-time grants for North Carolina counties and private employers to expand child care capacity. The grants cover construction, equipment, facility upgrades, and playgrounds, with recipients required to provide a 25% matching contribution. Up to 9% of the grant funds can be used for administrative costs. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, directly supporting child care providers seeking to improve facilities and services.

Maddy summarySB 630, the School Mental Health Support Act, creates two programs to improve student mental health services in North Carolina public schools. It appropriates $50 million for a grant program to help schools hire mental health support personnel (like counselors and psychologists), prioritizing schools serving students without insurance or with disabilities. Additionally, it allocates $50 million for a loan repayment program covering 20% of student debt annually for mental health workers (e.g., counselors, psychologists) who graduated from UNC schools and work in high-need areas. Both programs require annual reporting to legislative committees on funding distribution and outcomes. The bill directly affects public school units and mental health professionals in North Carolina.