Sen. Tim Moffitt

Maddy summarySB 131 authorizes Buncombe County to use existing local sales tax proceeds (allocated by the state) for any public purpose, removing prior restrictions on how these funds could be spent. It directly affects Buncombe County residents and local projects funded through these taxes. The bill allows the county to redirect funds toward any public need - such as infrastructure, parks, or services - without specific project limitations. This temporary measure applies to tax proceeds allocated on or after July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The bill is pending legislative action and does not create new taxes or alter tax rates.

Maddy summaryThe Farmers Protection Act (SB 554) aims to prevent discrimination in financing against agriculture producers. It makes it unlawful for banks to deny or cancel services to farmers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil-fuel derived fertilizer, or fossil-fuel powered machinery. If a bank has an environmental, social, or governance (ESG) commitment related to agriculture, there is a rebuttable presumption that such a denial violates the act, unless the bank proves it was solely for financial reasons. The bill requires banks to submit annual compliance reports and allows for civil penalties for violations, which are also considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Maddy summarySB 408 prohibits state and local government employees, contractors, and individuals participating in state-funded programs from using or accessing TikTok and WeChat. The bill bans these "covered applications" on all government-issued devices, information technology, and any equipment owned or leased by state or local subdivisions. It mandates the removal of any existing installations within 30 days of enactment and requires state agencies to restrict access to these applications' websites. An exception is made for law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies for investigative purposes, with guidelines to be developed for such use.

Maddy summarySB 605 makes two key changes related to water management and environmental regulations. First, it eliminates subbasin designations and removes the requirement for an Interbasin Transfer certificate for water transfers that occur between subbasins within the same major river basin, simplifying the process for water resource managers. Second, the bill revises how nutrient offset credits are calculated for wastewater permits in the Neuse River Basin. It specifies that a "TMDL transport factor" must be applied to both the permitted wastewater discharge and the nutrient offset credits, and it broadens the applicability of this calculation by removing a previous customer connection limit for local governments. The bill also directs the Department of Environmental Quality to develop new modeling for nutrient transport in the Neuse River Basin, which could lead to updated rules.

Maddy summarySB 336 establishes the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, creating a streamlined pathway for qualified physicians to obtain licenses in multiple participating states. This compact aims to enhance the portability of medical licenses and improve patient access to healthcare by allowing eligible physicians to apply for an "expedited license." To qualify, physicians must meet specific criteria, including holding an unrestricted license in a member state, passing medical exams, completing graduate medical education, and maintaining a clean disciplinary and criminal record. The bill also defines how physicians designate a 'state of principal license' and outlines the role of an Interstate Commission in managing the compact.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 576 redefines electric assisted bicycles into three distinct classes based on their motor assistance and speed capabilities. The bill permits e-bikes on most roadways and paths, but requires helmets for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers. It also grants cities and counties the authority to regulate e-bike use within their jurisdictions, allowing them to restrict certain classes on specific paths, set speed limits, and require helmets for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes. Finally, the Department of Transportation is tasked with developing educational materials on e-bike safety.

Maddy summarySB 493 proposes several changes to land use regulations in North Carolina. The bill allows public schools to be located in areas zoned for commercial use, either by right or through a special use permit. It also eliminates the authority for cities to exercise planning and development regulation outside their corporate limits, known as extraterritorial jurisdiction. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that establishing one type of vested right on a property does not eliminate other existing use rights, and it sets limits on conditions local governments can impose for special use permits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 207 amends North Carolina's littering law by creating a new "permissive rebuttable presumption." This presumption states that if discarded litter includes documents or objects clearly bearing a person's name, such as bank statements, utility bills, or prescription bottles, it suggests that person committed the offense. However, advertising, marketing, and campaign materials are specifically excluded from creating this presumption. This bill affects individuals accused of littering and provides a new mechanism for establishing culpability, while allowing the accused to present evidence to rebut the presumption. The changes are set to become effective on December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 345 establishes a "team-based practice" model for Physician Assistants (PAs) in North Carolina. It defines specific requirements for medical practices to qualify as team-based settings, including physician ownership and participation in patient care design. PAs must meet extensive clinical experience criteria to practice in these settings, allowing them to operate with a modified supervision arrangement that emphasizes team collaboration rather than a named supervising physician in some contexts. However, physician supervision is still explicitly required for team-based PAs providing surgical or anesthesia services.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides local boards of education with a new alternative for setting their school calendars, directly affecting public schools and students. It allows schools to start as early as the Monday closest to August 19, provided fall and spring semesters have an equal number of instructional days, and end no later than the Friday before the last Monday in May. The bill also establishes stricter enforcement mechanisms, enabling the State Board of Education to investigate non-compliance and withhold central office administration funds from local boards that fail to follow calendar requirements. Additionally, it permits residents or businesses to file civil actions against non-compliant local boards, potentially leading to court-ordered remedies, attorney's fees, and civil penalties.