Rep. John Lowery

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 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 summaryHB 517 modifies North Carolina's Nonprofit Corporations Act to expand merger options for charitable organizations and simplify disclosure requirements. It allows charitable nonprofits to merge with specific tax-exempt limited liability companies (LLCs) that would qualify for 501(c)(3) status if not disregarded for tax purposes, and clarifies rules for merging with unincorporated entities like partnerships. The bill also permits charitable organizations to satisfy state disclosure obligations by providing the acknowledgment required for federal tax deductions, aligning state and federal compliance. This directly affects North Carolina-based charitable nonprofits and their merger partners by reducing administrative barriers and clarifying legal pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary program allowing businesses in North Carolina to contribute to portable benefit accounts for their independent contractors. The plan enables hiring parties to fund benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and disability through a third-party administrator, which helps contractors maintain coverage when moving between jobs. To encourage participation, the legislation allows businesses to deduct contributions as business expenses and permits contractors to exclude those amounts from their taxable income. Additionally, the bill includes a $100,000 appropriation to fund public education about the program, which will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 925, the "Consumers in Crisis Protection Act," regulates companies that provide cash advances to North Carolina consumers with pending legal claims (e.g., personal injury cases) before they receive settlement funds. It requires these "consumer legal funding companies" to register with the Insurance Commissioner, pay a $1,000 fee, and provide proof of financial stability ($50,000 bond). The law prohibits consumers from using these funds for legal fees or court costs, mandates plain-language contracts with a 10-day cancellation period, and explicitly states such transactions are not loans. The bill applies to all such companies operating in North Carolina, exempting immediate family members, banks, and attorneys.

Maddy summaryHB 34 creates a new criminal offense for stealing or misusing someone else's mail, directly affecting individuals who unlawfully take, control, or transfer mail intended for others. The bill defines "mail" broadly to include letters, packages, or valuable items sent to another person and prohibits two specific actions: stealing mail to deprive the owner, or transferring mail to benefit someone not entitled to it. Punishments range from a Class A1 misdemeanor for first-time, low-value thefts (under $200) to a Class D felony for repeat offenses or high-value thefts (over $2,000). This law, effective December 1, 2025, applies to offenses committed after that date.

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 summaryHB 171 prohibits North Carolina state agencies from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including in hiring, employment practices, or training. It defines DEI broadly as any initiative influencing hiring or benefits based on protected characteristics (like race or gender) beyond merit-based processes. The bill mandates state auditor compliance audits, imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and allows employees to file lawsuits after submitting a grievance to their agency. It explicitly excludes compliance with existing anti-discrimination laws (such as Title IX and the ADA) and protects First Amendment rights.

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 summaryHB 315 creates new criminal offenses for wrongfully entering restricted business areas (like secure storage rooms) and for stealing or fraudulently obtaining gift cards. It directly affects businesses (by protecting secure areas), gift card holders (by criminalizing theft of their cards), and individuals who commit these acts. Key provisions include classifying unauthorized building entry as a misdemeanor or felony based on prior offenses, defining gift card theft as a Class 1 misdemeanor for cards under $1,000 (or felony for higher value), and expanding "organized retail theft" to include conspiracy around gift cards with penalties tied to total value stolen. The law takes effect December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed after that date.