Sen. Michael Lazzara

Maddy summaryThis bill requires counties in North Carolina that completed a property reappraisal effective January 1, 2026, to temporarily pause using those new values for tax calculations. Instead, these counties must use the property values from their previous reappraisal for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and continue using the 2026 reappraisal values for all future years until a new general reappraisal is conducted. The legislation also clarifies the timeline for scheduling the next reappraisal and allows taxpayers to appeal property listings related to the 2026 reappraisal during the 2027 calendar year. Additionally, the bill updates qualifications and requirements for county assessors, mandating a $20 examination fee for certain candidates and requiring all assessors to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 24 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the current prohibition on building hardened structures like seawalls and bulkheads along North Carolina's coast, allowing property owners and developers to construct them. Instead of an outright ban, the legislation requires the state Commission to create rules that permit these projects only if they do not cause significant harm to private property or public beaches, while also weighing the benefits of protecting homes and infrastructure. To support this change, the bill appropriates $850,000 for a university research group to update the state's coastal management plan, which will assess erosion risks and recommend maintenance schedules for inlets. The new regulations will take effect in September 2026, applying to any construction applications submitted on or after that date.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 587 clarifies the rules for existing properties that no longer meet current land development regulations, termed "nonconformities." It defines a nonconformity as a lawfully established lot, structure, or use that doesn't comply with new regulations, provided it's not expanded or intensified. The bill establishes that new regulations generally cannot apply to these existing nonconformities without the property owner's written consent, protecting their continued use. Property owners are permitted to reconstruct or repair nonconforming elements as long as they are not enlarged. However, this protection may expire if the nonconformity is intentionally and voluntarily discontinued for 24 consecutive months, with provisions to pause this period during certain legal proceedings or emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 817 proposes to add specific portions of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and the Marine Corps Special Operations Command at Stones Bay to the corporate limits of the City of Jacksonville. The bill defines these boundaries using precise geographic markers, such as roads, creeks, and monuments, and includes a clause ensuring the city cannot regulate federal military activities within the annexed area. If passed, the property would become subject to municipal taxes starting in the 2027 fiscal year, with the official annexation taking effect on June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program allowing the construction of permanent shoreline stabilization structures, such as sheet pile walls, at specific locations across North Carolina where oceanfront homes face immediate danger from erosion. Under the program, local governments or homeowners associations must fully fund these projects, obtain all necessary permits, and post a financial bond to cover future removal costs, while being temporarily exempt from certain state restrictions that usually prohibit such structures. A state research Collaboratory will evaluate potential sites based on erosion severity, scientific value, and economic impact, and will monitor the projects to assess their effectiveness before submitting results to state officials. Additionally, the bill appropriates $850,000 to update the state's Beach and Inlet Management Plan, which will catalog erosion concerns and recommend a schedule for maintaining navigation channels and beaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 503, aims to improve efficiency within the Office of Vital Records. It establishes a 30-calendar-day deadline for the Office of Vital Records and local register of deeds offices to process requests for birth and death certificate amendments, directly affecting individuals seeking these changes. Additionally, the bill prohibits employees of the Office of Vital Records from teleworking, except during declared disasters or emergencies as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission to create a new digital reporting and response system to help identify and address suspected human trafficking cases. The system will allow the public and professionals to submit anonymous tips through various channels, such as mobile apps or text messages, and will use artificial intelligence to prioritize reports based on their severity before routing them to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that third-party contractors must provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees and allocates state funds to support the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office in its anti-trafficking task force.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the North Carolina Infrastructure Investment Commission to create a long-term, 20-year strategy for improving the state's critical systems like roads, water, and energy. The new commission will consist of ten appointed members led by the State Treasurer, who will develop a comprehensive investment plan focusing on maintenance, modernization, and resilience against severe weather. Once the plan is submitted to various legislative committees and the governor by March 2028, the commission will dissolve, and any funding decisions must still be approved by the General Assembly. The legislation also allocates $300,000 to cover the administrative costs of running the commission starting in fiscal year 2026-2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funds to enhance workforce training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina community colleges. It establishes a program to offer micro-credentials and on-the-job training, while funding specific roles to connect colleges with business partners and expand career pathways for high school students. Additionally, the legislation directs money toward a study on creating faster routes for apprentices to become teachers and provides resources to implement a secure digital wallet system for managing academic credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the ability of local governments in Craven, Carteret, Onslow, Jones, and Lenoir counties to propose down-zoning changes without needing permission from every property owner. Previously, a law required unanimous consent from all affected landowners to reduce development density or limit permitted uses, but this legislation removes that requirement for these specific military host counties. The change applies retroactively to December 11, 2024, meaning any down-zoning efforts initiated after that date can proceed under the new rules.