Sen. Kandie Smith

Maddy summarySB 409 bans the sale, possession, and transfer of "ghost guns" (unserialized firearms like homemade kits) and "undetectable firearms" (e.g., plastic guns or those avoiding metal detectors). It directly affects most North Carolinians, including gun owners and sellers, with exceptions only for federally licensed firearm manufacturers under ATF rules. The law imposes Class I felony penalties for violations and takes effect December 1, 2025. Key provisions define prohibited items based on federal standards and prohibit all non-licensed activity involving them.

Maddy summarySB 413, titled "Right to Use Contraception," declares that North Carolina has no legitimate interest in limiting access to contraception for pregnancy prevention. It directly affects all residents by affirming their right to use contraception without state interference, adding a new legislative declaration to the state statutes. The bill’s key mechanism is a policy statement in Chapter 90 of North Carolina’s General Statutes, explicitly stating that preventing pregnancy through contraception is protected. It does not change existing laws or create new regulations but formally codifies this policy position. The measure is currently in early committee review after its initial filing and first reading.

Maddy summarySB 412 increases North Carolina's childcare subsidy rates to the 75th percentile of typical market rates starting July 2025, with an additional 10% boost for rural counties and infant/toddler care (birth to 3 years). It allocates $123.5 million annually for 2025-2027 to fund these rate increases for childcare centers and homes. The bill also provides $8 million for a two-year pilot program in western NC regions impacted by Hurricane Helene, managed by regional councils to recruit new childcare providers and establish mentorship for sustainability. The pilot will track new childcare centers, family homes, and slots created across five designated regions, with progress reports required for oversight.

Maddy summarySB 419 restores local governments' authority to down-zone (reduce density) in their communities by repealing a previous restriction (Section 3K.1 of S.L. 2024-57). This directly affects cities and counties, allowing them to adopt zoning changes that limit building density or height, such as converting high-density zones to lower-density uses. The bill applies retroactively to December 11, 2024, meaning any zoning ordinances affected by the repealed law are treated as valid from that date. It does not create new zoning rules but returns discretion to local governments that was previously restricted.

Maddy summarySB 398 bans the possession or carrying of dangerous weapons at North Carolina voting locations, within 100 feet of a polling place entrance, and while in line to vote. It directly affects voters and others near polling sites during voting hours, applying to all weapons defined under existing law (G.S. 14-277.2). The law creates a Class 1 misdemeanor penalty for violations, with an exception for law enforcement officers performing official duties. This bill aims to enhance safety at polling places by restricting weapons in specific proximity to voting areas during active voting periods.

Maddy summarySB 434, the School Workers Fair Pay Act, requires North Carolina public schools to pay all noncertified employees (such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and administrative staff) a minimum hourly wage of $17.00, effective July 1, 2025. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to adjust salary schedules to meet this rate and allocates $144.7 million from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support this change. Funds must supplement existing salaries without replacing current state or local funding. This policy directly affects thousands of non-teaching school staff across all North Carolina public school districts.

Maddy summarySB 456, "Healthy Start NC," creates a program providing cash assistance to reduce maternal mortality and childhood poverty. It allocates $161.6 million annually from TANF funds and $146.3 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to give expecting mothers a one-time $1,500 prenatal allowance and $500 monthly for the first year after birth for infant needs like food, diapers, and childcare. Eligibility uses a means-based test tied to federal poverty levels, with funds administered through nonprofit partners to avoid affecting other benefits. To offset costs, the bill gradually reduces the corporate income tax rate from 2.25% (2025) to 0% (2029). The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, with tax changes starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 432 prohibits large business entities from purchasing 100 or more single-family homes in qualifying counties (population over 150,000) for rental use. It directly affects real estate investment firms and corporations that buy homes solely as rentals, aiming to prevent artificial inflation of home prices by limiting excessive bulk acquisitions. The law defines "single-family home" as detached, semi-detached, or townhomes meeting specific separation criteria and imposes civil penalties of up to $100 per day per home for violations. Enforcement is handled by the Attorney General or individuals through civil lawsuits, with remedies including damages, attorney fees, and joint liability for affiliated entities. The bill applies to home purchases occurring on or after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 436, the Age with Dignity Act, creates a new tax credit for North Carolina taxpayers who care for adult dependents. It provides a $15,000 credit for caregivers supporting a veteran relative and $12,000 for others, directly affecting families claiming dependent adults as tax exemptions. To qualify, taxpayers must earn below specific income thresholds ($75,000 single, $112,500 head of household, $150,000 married filing jointly) and have adjusted gross income under these limits. The credit reduces state tax liability for qualifying taxpayers and takes effect for 2025 tax years.

Maddy summarySB 406 would establish a new court process in North Carolina called Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), allowing family members, law enforcement, or health care providers to seek temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk of self-harm or harm to others. Courts could issue emergency orders without the person present if danger is imminent, requiring immediate surrender of firearms and ammunition, with seizure ordered if compliance fails. The bill mandates specific evidence in petitions (e.g., details on firearms and safety risks), includes due process safeguards like verifying existing protection orders, and waives court costs for petitioners. It also requires annual reports to the legislature tracking ERPO usage, including petitions filed, orders issued, and denials.