Sen. Kevin Corbin

Maddy summarySB 133 requires North Carolina's State Board of Community Colleges to select a new learning management system (LMS) for all 58 community colleges by 2027, with proposals due by December 2025. The system must align with those used by K-12 schools and the University of North Carolina. It also updates definitions for the North Carolina Longitudinal Data System (NCLDS), clarifying what student data (like grades and enrollment) and workforce data (like employment) can be collected. The bill exempts community colleges from standard state IT procurement rules but focuses primarily on the new LMS requirement.

Maddy summarySB 124 aims to make North Carolina state government hiring more accessible by reducing unnecessary barriers. It requires the State Human Resources Commission to review job requirements starting October 2025, removing mandatory four-year degree requirements where practical experience (like military service or trade school) is sufficient. The bill also modernizes the application process by allowing resume uploads to auto-fill forms and simplifies job postings to limit additional qualifications to five, ensuring applicants clearly see basic requirements. These changes apply to all state agencies hiring staff, directly affecting job seekers and hiring managers across North Carolina's government workforce.

Maddy summarySB 771 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow North Carolina to provide state funds for restoring privately-owned business buildings damaged by federally declared natural disasters. Currently, the state constitution prohibits such payments under its "emoluments" clause, but this bill would create an exception specifically for disaster recovery. If approved by voters in March 2026, the amendment would permit the state to use funds for rebuilding private structures after events like hurricanes or floods officially labeled major disasters by the federal government. This change directly affects businesses that own property damaged in these events, removing a legal barrier to receiving state disaster relief.

Maddy summarySB 171 allows licensed psychological associates in North Carolina to practice independently without direct supervision after completing 3,000 hours of supervised experience over 24-60 months. This directly affects psychological associates who meet the experience requirement, reducing regulatory barriers to their practice. The bill amends licensing rules to establish this pathway, requiring an application with proof of experience and granting certification as a "health services provider psychological associate." It also updates board composition rules to ensure balanced representation. The changes take effect October 1, 2025.

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.

Maddy summarySB 507 requires North Carolina public schools to automatically enroll students who score at the highest level on standardized math or English Language Arts (ELA) tests in advanced courses for the next grade level. This applies to students in grades 3-5 for math and grades 6+ for both subjects, with parents able to opt out via written consent after being informed of the placement basis. The bill expands an existing policy (previously only for math) to include ELA courses and mandates annual demographic reporting to the legislature on enrollment patterns. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 506 increases funding for North Carolina's Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) program, which provides salary supplements to teachers in specialized roles. It allocates an additional $16.2 million for 2025-2026 and $20.1 million for 2026-2027 (totaling $27.1M and $31M annually) to fund these supplements, plus $1 million more for program expansion. The bill directs the Department of Public Instruction to distribute these funds to public school districts participating in the ATR program, as outlined in state law (G.S. 115C-310.13). This funding increase directly affects eligible teachers in participating schools by boosting their salary supplements. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summarySB 540 increases funding for small county school systems in North Carolina by revising their supplemental allotment schedule. It provides higher base funding amounts based on student enrollment (e.g., counties with 0-1,300 students receive $1.82 million annually instead of prior rates), directly affecting small school districts with under 3,300 students. The bill appropriates $20,961,180 in recurring funds from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to implement these changes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, ensuring increased per-student funding for eligible small county school systems.

Maddy summarySB 478 allows banks in North Carolina to deduct income tax on interest, fees, and penalties from loans secured by agricultural land, as defined by state law. This tax deduction applies to loans specifically backed by farmland, directly benefiting banks that provide such financing. The policy change takes effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The bill does not directly affect farmers or landowners but alters tax treatment for financial institutions offering agricultural loans.

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.