Sen. Woodson Bradley

Maddy summaryThe BUMP Act directs North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services to provide free, evidence-based education on stillbirth prevention to pregnant patients and train prenatal care providers on monitoring fetal movement and managing related risks. Funded by $400,000 in recurring state money, the bill requires educational materials in English and Spanish to be given to all pregnant women, while also offering training for medical staff on recognizing warning signs like decreased fetal movement. Additionally, the legislation allocates $200,000 to launch a statewide "Count the Kicks" public awareness campaign that prioritizes outreach in areas with higher stillbirth rates to encourage expectant parents to track fetal movements. These measures aim to improve maternal and fetal outcomes by promoting awareness of risk factors and ensuring consistent clinical responses to potential complications.

Maddy summaryThis bill reenacts North Carolina's state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by updating the relevant law to apply for future tax years. It allows eligible low-to-moderate income individuals to receive a credit equal to 20% of their federal EITC amount, with the specific percentage varying based on the tax year. The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive a cash payment even if it exceeds their state tax liability, and the legislation includes a provision to automatically repeal the credit starting in 2014, which is overridden by the bill's effective date of January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies teacher licensure rules in North Carolina by removing a specific testing requirement for admission into educator preparation programs. It extends the deadline for completing licensure exams to the third year of a teacher's career, provided the individual takes the exam at least once during their first year. Additionally, the legislation simplifies the process for out-of-state applicants by allowing them to obtain a North Carolina license if they have three years of teaching experience and hold a valid license from another state with similar requirements. The act also allocates $50,000 in funding for implementation and takes effect on July 1, 2026, with other provisions becoming law immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina legislation appropriates three million dollars in recurring funds to the Department of Public Safety for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are designated to expand and promote the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which trains volunteers to assist during emergencies. The Division of Emergency Management will use these resources to partner with local community organizations to conduct training sessions and develop outreach strategies. These measures aim to encourage greater community participation in emergency preparedness training programs.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms, machine guns, ammunition, or related permits. It expands the definition of domestic violence to include crimes committed against intimate partners, dating partners, and other individuals in similar relationships, not just spouses or parents. The legislation also allocates one million dollars to the state's Domestic Violence Commission to create an educational program on domestic violence. These provisions will take effect on December 1, 2026, and apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires North Carolina public schools to update their computer science standards to include age-appropriate artificial intelligence literacy for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a focus on ethics, privacy, and safety. It mandates that all local school boards, charter schools, and state agencies adopt specific AI use policies based on a model policy developed by the Department of Public Instruction by mid-2027. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for evaluating AI educational tools and requires the state to contract with the Friday Institute to provide training for educators and administrators on using AI effectively. These measures are designed to ensure that schools have clear guidelines and resources for integrating AI into their educational environments while protecting student data and maintaining academic integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state's General Fund to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The funding is directed to a nonprofit organization called HBOT 4 HEROES, which will administer the treatment, manage the program, and conduct outcome assessments for an estimated 350 veterans. The act requires the organization to submit a detailed report to state oversight committees by June 30, 2027, covering the number of patients served, their locations, and how the funds were spent. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill aims to address teacher shortages by increasing salaries and creating new financial support for educators. It establishes a new monthly salary schedule for teachers starting in the 2026-2027 school year and reinstates specific pay bonuses for those with advanced degrees or professional certifications. Additionally, the legislation creates a grant program to help student teachers earn money while completing their training and directs a state study on how to further improve educator pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to create a special license plate called the 'America's Semiquincentennial' plate. The plate will feature the phrase 'America 250' and other designs to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Any registered vehicle owner in the state will be eligible to purchase this plate starting on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Government Modernization Act of 2026, directs North Carolina's Department of Information Technology to study and implement blockchain technology to improve security, reduce fraud, and increase transparency in state records and transactions. To support these efforts, the legislation appropriates $50 million from the Information Technology Reserve Fund to modernize outdated systems and expand online government services for residents and businesses. The Department must submit a progress report within 12 months of the law taking effect and provide annual updates to the General Assembly, while a new Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance is created to supervise the project. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and will remain in force until June 30, 2031.