Rep. Tim Longest

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 summaryHouse Bill 834, titled the "Sportsman's Voter Act," requires that individuals applying for a hunting or fishing license in North Carolina be offered the opportunity to register to vote. It also mandates that these applicants be offered the chance to participate in the state's Organ Donor Registry. The bill directs the Wildlife Resources Commission to create rules for implementing these offers during the license application process, in consultation with the State Board of Elections and the Division of Motor Vehicles. This act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 832 revises North Carolina's school safety grant program to expand eligible uses of funds for training aimed at improving student well-being and safety. It allows public school units to fund evidence-based programs including suicide prevention training (CALM), trauma-focused therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy), violence prevention, and peer mentoring facilitation. The bill specifically permits up to $350,000 in annual funding for these expanded services, directly affecting school staff, counselors, and students in North Carolina public schools. This change modifies existing grant rules without creating new funding or altering overall program structure.

Maddy summaryHB 328 bans delta-8, delta-9, and other hemp-derived consumables (including CBD products and vapor devices) on all North Carolina public school grounds, buildings, and school-sponsored events. It requires schools to adopt written policies prohibiting these products, including posting signs, notifying students/parents, and enforcing the ban, with definitions explicitly covering "delta-8," "delta-9," and vaping products. The policy applies to all students, staff, and visitors, though it allows hemp/tobacco use in supervised instructional or research settings without ingestion. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and aligns with existing tobacco product restrictions.

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 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 summaryHB 1200, known as the Tax-Free Family Essentials Act, removes the state sales tax on specific items including diapers, baby wipes, over-the-counter children's medication, prenatal vitamins, and feminine hygiene products. The bill directly affects families purchasing these goods by exempting them from the tax, while also clarifying the legal definitions of these items to ensure consistent application. These tax exemptions will take effect on October 1, 2026, and apply to all sales occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee voters in North Carolina the right to early voting for all primary and general elections. If approved by voters in a 2026 referendum, the amendment would require county election boards to designate a minimum of 14 days for early voting, with sites open at least 8:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on weekdays and same-day voter registration available at these sites. The legislation also mandates that early voting locations and staffing levels be adjusted to meet voter demand, ensuring consistent operating hours across the state. This change would be implemented only if a majority of voters cast ballots in favor of the amendment at the upcoming general election.

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.