Rep. John Bell

Maddy summaryHB 268 authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital projects at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Wilmington using alternative funding sources like gifts, grants, and revenue bonds - instead of state general funds. It specifically covers major projects including Chapel Hill's electrical system upgrade and Fetzer Hall addition, plus Wilmington's parking deck and student housing. The bill allows the university board to issue special obligation bonds up to 5% over the project costs to cover expenses, with potential adjustments approved by the state budget director. This directly affects the two universities by enabling them to fund these infrastructure improvements through non-state appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States and honors the historical contributions of North Carolina to the nation's founding. The bill specifically highlights key events such as the Halifax Resolves and the Mecklenburg Resolves, noting North Carolina's pivotal role in the movement for independence. It encourages citizens of the state to participate in commemorative events leading up to July 4, 2026, but does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions. As a non-binding resolution, it serves primarily as an official statement of recognition rather than a law with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 133, the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act, bans U.S.-designated adversarial foreign governments from buying, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land or land within 75 miles of major military installations like Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. It directly affects foreign governments identified by the U.S. State Department as adversaries under arms regulations, preventing them from acquiring land critical to food production or near military sites. The law excludes agricultural research leases under 250 acres and makes any violating land transfer legally void. This focuses on restricting foreign control of strategic land without altering existing domestic land transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Jaleeyah's Law, strengthens North Carolina's anti-gang laws by updating definitions of criminal gangs and increasing penalties for soliciting minors to participate in gang activity. It creates new offenses for encouraging people under 18 to join gangs and for gang members possessing firearms, with stricter penalties for those under 18. The legislation also allocates funding to hire additional prosecutors and investigators specifically focused on criminal gang cases. These changes will take effect in 2026 and aim to provide clearer legal tools for prosecuting gang-related crimes.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution sets the schedule for the end of the 2025 North Carolina legislative session, specifying that the General Assembly will adjourn on July 2, 2026, and reconvene on July 27, 2026. Upon returning, the legislature is restricted to considering only specific types of bills, such as those directly affecting the state budget, constitutional amendments, and measures implementing prior commission reports or addressing gubernatorial nominations. The measure also allows for the consideration of local bills, election law changes, and bills responding to litigation or vetoes, provided they meet particular filing deadlines set for early 2026. By limiting the scope of business during the reconvened session, the resolution ensures that the legislature focuses on essential matters before potentially adjourning permanently.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution sets a specific end date for the 2025 North Carolina legislative session, requiring the General Assembly to adjourn on July 2, 2026, and reconvene on July 27, 2026. Upon returning, the legislature is restricted from considering most new legislation and can only address a defined list of urgent matters, such as finalizing the state budget, constitutional amendments, and bills related to elections or judicial vacancies. The resolution also establishes strict deadlines for submitting certain bills before the recess to ensure they can be reviewed during the brief return session.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the life and memory of Louis Milford Pate Jr., a former North Carolina state legislator and retired Air Force navigator. It formally recognizes his military service, public service career, and community contributions while extending sympathy to his family following his death. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Pate's family as a final tribute.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and memory of James Michael "Mike" Clampitt, a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from District 119. The bill formally recognizes his extensive background in public service, which included decades as a firefighter and deputy sheriff in North Carolina before his election to the state legislature. It expresses the House's appreciation for his legislative work and extends condolences to his family, with a copy of the resolution sent to them.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team for winning the 2026 Stanley Cup and recognizes their contributions to the state of North Carolina. The bill formally acknowledges the team's historic season, including their record-breaking regular performance and playoff victory, while also praising the owner, management, and coaching staff for their leadership. It directs the Principal Clerk to send a certified copy of the resolution to the team, its owner Tom Dundon, and head coach Rod Brind'Amour. This measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects, such as dormitory renovations and new construction, using non-state funds like gifts, grants, and hospital receipts. It allows the university to issue special obligation bonds to cover these costs and includes a mechanism for the Director of the Budget to adjust project funding if necessary. Additionally, the legislation standardizes the residency determination process for admission to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and revises tuition grant rules for graduates of that school and the UNC School of the Arts. These changes aim to support university infrastructure development and ensure equitable access to specialized science and arts programs for North Carolina residents.