Sen. Woodson Bradley

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill establishes a legal right for patients to access assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, and protects healthcare providers from state interference when offering these services. The legislation explicitly states that fertilized eggs or embryos outside the human body are not considered human beings under state law, while also maintaining existing health and safety regulations for medical facilities. Additionally, the bill appropriates $500,000 in state funds to increase financial support for the Medicaid Maternal Support Services program, known as the Baby Love Program, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Carolina law to allow same-sex couples to obtain domestic violence protective orders by removing gender restrictions from the definition of a dating relationship. It updates the legal definition of a personal relationship to include partners of any gender who are romantically involved, rather than limiting protection to opposite-sex couples. Additionally, the legislation allocates $500,000 in state funds to run a public awareness campaign focused on domestic violence prevention within same-sex relationships. The changes apply to all protection orders issued after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $50 million grant program to help North Carolina public schools hire mental health professionals like counselors and social workers, with funding prioritized for schools serving students with limited access to care. It also establishes a loan repayment program that offers eligible school mental health workers up to $15,000 annually to pay down their student loans, provided they work in high-need areas and graduated from a UNC system institution. The legislation requires the state to report annually on how these funds are used and to ensure grants supplement rather than replace existing resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax incentive for small businesses in North Carolina by allowing them to deduct contributions made to a special savings account designated for property improvements. To qualify, a business must have gross receipts under $10 million and deposit funds into a federally insured bank account specifically for projects that add value to real estate, extend its useful life by at least 10 years, or adapt it for new uses. The deduction is calculated as a percentage of the business's income, ranging from 5% for deposits up to $1 million down to 1% for amounts up to $3 million, and the benefit is only available for taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2026. If any money withdrawn from this account is not used for the specified improvements, the amount must be added back to the business's taxable income in the year of withdrawal.

Maddy summarySB 794 establishes the North Carolina Victims of Crime Assistance Act to create a special fund and competitive grant program that provides financial support to organizations serving crime victims. The bill defines victims as individuals who suffer physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm from a crime and allows grants of up to $1 million to public agencies or nonprofits that offer services such as emotional support, life stabilization, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system. Funding for these grants will come from state appropriations, existing state laws, and donations, with the Governor's Crime Commission responsible for administering the program and requiring grantees to submit detailed reports on how the funds are used and the number of victims assisted. Additionally, the bill increases criminal court costs for convicted defendants to help finance this new assistance fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how North Carolina taxes gains from 1031 exchanges, which allow property owners to swap real estate without immediately paying capital gains taxes. Under the new rules, taxpayers can deduct from their state taxable income any profit from such a swap that is classified as "non-like-kind" property, but only up to the amount of the original property's value. These changes apply to individuals or businesses participating in real estate exchanges starting with tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to align state tax calculations with specific federal provisions regarding deferred exchanges.

Maddy summarySB 804, known as the Fair Maps Act, proposes to amend the North Carolina Constitution to create an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission that would draw electoral maps for state and federal offices. This bill removes the General Assembly and the Governor from the redistricting process, requiring them to establish the commission but prohibiting them from participating in the actual map-drawing. The commission must follow specific rules, such as ensuring districts have equal populations, remain contiguous, avoid splitting counties, and respect communities of interest without favoring political parties. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill includes a provision to place the amendment on the ballot for voter approval at the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for North Carolina businesses that pay wages to employees to cover their health insurance premiums. To qualify, a business must employ individuals who work at least 35 hours per week and are subject to state tax withholding. Each eligible employee can generate up to a $400 tax credit for the business, but the total credits available in any given year are capped at $5 million. Applications for this credit will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the state will track and report the number of applications and approvals by county. The provisions of this act will take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Hands Free NC Act, makes it illegal for drivers in North Carolina to hold a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. The law prohibits texting, watching videos, or holding any electronic device, such as a cell phone or smartwatch, except when the vehicle is safely stationary or during specific emergencies like medical crises or unsafe road conditions. Drivers under 18 are allowed to use navigation systems if all destinations are entered before driving, while law enforcement, first responders, and emergency vehicle operators are exempt from these restrictions. Violations result in fines ranging from $100 to $200 depending on prior offenses within a 36-month period, and repeat offenders will face insurance points on their records. The legislation also prevents local governments from passing their own ordinances on this matter and requires driver education programs to include instructions on these new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Carolina law governing owners' associations in condominiums and planned communities. It directly affects these associations and their members by setting specific limits on late fees (capping at $20 per month or 10% of an unpaid assessment) and fines (capping at $100), prohibiting managing agents from being paid based on fines collected, and requiring fair procedures for approving unit changes. The bill also mandates prelitigation mediation for disputes between associations and members and requires the Department of Justice to collect and report on related complaints. These changes aim to standardize association practices and provide clearer dispute resolution processes.