Sen. Woodson Bradley

Maddy summarySB 514, the "Social Media Algorithmic Control in Information Technology Act," requires social media platforms with over 1 million monthly U.S. users to obtain clear, separate consent from North Carolina minors (under 18) before using their personal data for advertising or algorithmic recommendations. The bill mandates accessible opt-in mechanisms - replacing default settings - to let users control how their data is processed, while banning the use of minors' data for targeted ads or content algorithms. It defines prohibited data uses broadly to include browsing history, location, and biometric information, and designates violations as unfair business practices under North Carolina law. The law directly affects major social media platforms operating in North Carolina, imposing new data privacy obligations without specifying enforcement details.

Maddy summarySB 482, the "Don't Tread on Me: An Individual Freedoms Act," creates new legal protections for North Carolinians by limiting state agency actions across multiple areas. It directly affects all residents by prohibiting warrantless government surveillance, requiring agencies to stop demanding private medical, religious, or political information for services, banning ideological restrictions on reproductive care, and protecting parental rights in education and healthcare decisions. Key provisions mandate that schools provide fact-based education without political manipulation, prevent discrimination in employment or housing based on private beliefs, and ensure government benefits are not denied due to personal health choices or political views. The bill establishes these rights as enforceable standards for all state agencies, requiring actions to be "narrowly tailored" to a compelling state interest.

Maddy summarySB 522, the "Thrive at Midlife Act," requires all health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover specific healthcare services for women aged 40-65, including menopause care, bone density screenings, heart disease prevention, diabetes management, cancer screenings, mental health support, and telehealth. It also expands Medicaid coverage for these services and allocates $10 million annually (2025-2027) to fund grants for community health centers serving uninsured midlife women, prioritizing rural and underserved areas. The bill creates tax credits for individuals and businesses covering qualified midlife healthcare expenses like prescription medications, screenings, and mental health services. These provisions aim to improve access to preventive and specialized care for midlife women while requiring insurers to limit copays and deductibles for covered services to federal preventive care standards.

Maddy summaryThe Hands Free NC Act makes it illegal to hold or use wireless devices (like cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches) while driving on public roads in North Carolina, with exceptions for emergencies (e.g., calling 911) or certain professionals (like police or paramedics) performing official duties. It specifically prohibits texting, watching videos, or manually entering text, and imposes fines starting at $100 for first offenses (increasing to $200 for third offenses within 36 months), with insurance points added for repeat violations. Drivers under 18 are banned from using devices while driving (except for pre-entered navigation), and school bus drivers face misdemeanor charges for violations. The law also updates driver education programs to emphasize safe device use as a way to reduce accidents.

Maddy summarySB 510 exempts menstrual products like tampons, sanitary napkins, panty liners, and menstrual cups from North Carolina's sales tax. The bill amends state tax law (G.S. 105-164.13) to specifically include these products in the list of tax-exempt items, effective October 1, 2025. It directly affects all consumers purchasing these products in North Carolina, removing a sales tax burden. The change applies to all retailers selling these items in the state, with no additional requirements or mechanisms beyond the tax code update. This is a straightforward policy change focusing on reducing costs for menstrual product buyers.

Maddy summarySB 544 requires the North Carolina State Auditor to conduct regular audits of crisis pregnancy centers that receive state funding. This directly affects crisis pregnancy centers (which typically offer pregnancy-related support services but do not provide abortion care) that accept state money. The bill amends state law to add this audit responsibility to the Auditor’s duties, ensuring financial oversight of these centers. The law would take effect upon enactment but is still pending in the legislative process.

Maddy summarySB 553, titled "Save More Tatas Act," requires health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover diagnostic breast cancer imaging (such as ultrasounds and MRIs) with the same cost-sharing (like copays and deductibles) as routine mammograms, directly affecting women needing these services. It updates mammogram coverage rules to include annual screenings for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue) and mandates that facilities meet accreditation standards. The bill also appropriates $3.6 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support mammography services in rural areas and for the State Health Plan. This legislation aims to improve access to breast cancer diagnostic care without increasing patient out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summarySB 536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires all health insurance plans in North Carolina to cover maternity care at home or birthing centers on the same terms as hospital births. It mandates that Medicaid beneficiaries also receive full coverage for these options starting July 2025, with providers reimbursed at 90% of standard hospital rates for similar care. The bill allocates $150,000 to expand access to birthing center care under the State Health Plan for public employees, including potential subsidies for beneficiaries. These changes directly affect health insurers, Medicaid, birthing centers, and individuals seeking non-hospital maternity options.

Maddy summarySB 607, the North Carolina Equal Pay Act, prohibits employers from paying employees differently based on gender for work requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility under comparable conditions. It defines "comparable work" broadly (excluding job titles alone) and allows pay differences only for factors like seniority, merit, geographic location, or job-related education/experience. The bill also bans employers from asking about salary history before making a job offer, protects employees who discuss pay or file complaints from retaliation, and requires employers to post notices about these rights. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and would allow employees to seek back pay for violations.

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.