Sen. Tim Moffitt

Maddy summaryThe Workforce Act of 2026 allocates state funding to modernize education-to-workforce pathways and improve credit transfer for students in North Carolina. A primary provision directs $3.1 million to the ApprenticeshipNC program to support work-based learning and increase employer participation in apprenticeships. The bill also provides $350,000 to the Department of Commerce to create a list of industry-valued credentials and link them to labor market data such as wages and job placement. Additionally, it increases funding for short-term workforce development grants and requires private colleges to be included in the state's common digital transcript system by March 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows North Carolina local governments to create special zones around major military bases to prevent incompatible development and protect military readiness. It requires that any new projects in these areas, which extend five miles from a base, must be coordinated with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to ensure they do not disrupt training or operations. Additionally, the law mandates that public hearings on such projects notify military commanders in advance and that site plans include measures to reduce light and noise impacts on the bases. The legislation also allocates $50,000 to fund a study on land use between military installations and local governments and explicitly states that it does not remove existing property owners' legal rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows North Carolina residents to install small, portable solar power systems up to 1.92 kilowatts without needing approval or paying fees from their electric utility. To ensure safety, the law requires these devices to have automatic shut-off features during power outages and mandates certification for larger units, while also exempting them from standard net metering programs. Additionally, the bill directs the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors to run a public awareness campaign funded by $100,000 to educate the public on electrical safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the North Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission, a new body designed to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions. The commission will consist of seven members appointed by state leaders, including legislators, business experts, and representatives from Irish-American and higher education communities, with terms lasting three years. Its primary duties include encouraging trade and investment, promoting exchanges in business and culture, and submitting an annual report to the state legislature. The commission will be funded with $10,000 for administrative support starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and is required to hold at least two meetings per year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county election boards in North Carolina to implement specific safety and logistical measures when using fire stations as early voting locations. The law mandates that these sites provide traffic control, physical security for staff and voters, phone assistance, clear signage, and legal protection against damage claims. Additionally, the bill ensures that the fire station's normal operations and accessibility remain unaffected during voting hours. These provisions apply to all elections occurring on or after the date the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows adults aged 18 and older to carry self-defense devices, such as pepper spray, tasers, and ordinary pocket knives, on the property of North Carolina colleges and universities. It creates an exception to state laws that typically restrict carrying concealed weapons on school grounds, explicitly permitting students, staff, and visitors to possess these items for self-defense. Additionally, the legislation allocates $10,000 to fund public awareness campaigns informing the campus community about this new permission. The changes will take effect in July 2026, with the advertising funds available for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill creates a joint program for the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Management Commission to use artificial intelligence tools when drafting and reviewing environmental permits. While the law encourages using AI to speed up routine tasks, it requires human staff to independently review and modify any AI-generated work before finalizing a permit decision. The legislation mandates transparency by requiring the department to publish details about the AI systems used and to inform applicants when AI assists in their permit processing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for data security and prohibits using applicant information to train third-party AI models without state authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric public utilities in North Carolina to submit detailed reports on how well they use their existing power grids. These reports must analyze current performance, explore ways to improve efficiency without building new lines, and outline plans for implementing these improvements. The state's Utilities Commission will review the reports and set specific targets for utilities to meet, while also establishing metrics to measure grid usage. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commission decide within 240 days how these usage metrics will influence future decisions on approving utility investment costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates North Carolina laws to regulate outdoor advertising signs, primarily affecting sign owners and the state Department of Transportation. It requires the Department to issue or deny permits within 30 days, automatically approving applications if no decision is made by then, and limits permit revocations for first-time violations by mandating a 60-day cure period. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules for cutting vegetation near highway signs, defining specific zones based on speed limits and allowing sign owners to pay a fee to remove trees outside those zones. The bill also restricts the Department from delegating its core regulatory authority to local governments while permitting cooperation on enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled Screen Free Schools, requires public schools in North Carolina to create policies that limit the use of wireless devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops during instructional time. Under the new rules, students in kindergarten through eighth grade must keep these devices off at all times on school property, while high school students may only use them during specific state testing periods unless a teacher grants permission for educational or emergency reasons. The legislation includes exceptions for students who need devices for individualized education plans, medical conditions, or teacher-approved learning activities. To help schools implement these changes, the state will provide $100,000 in funding for the 2026-2027 school year, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2026.