Rep. Joe Pike

Maddy summaryHB 958 updates North Carolina's election laws with several key changes. It prohibits the State Board from using voter education to influence party affiliation (Section 1), requires most challenged ballots to still count unless the voter died before election day (Section 2), and mandates at least one early voting site per 30,000 registered voters with specific security and staffing rules (Section 4). The bill also requires random hand-counting of ballots for statewide elections to verify electronic results (Section 5) and clarifies timelines for counting provisional ballots (Section 6). These changes directly affect voters, county election boards, and the State Board of Elections in administering elections.

Maddy summaryHB 116 changes Columbus County's school board election system to require partisan races for its five-member board, replacing the current non-partisan process. The bill establishes five single-member districts where voters elect one representative per district, with candidates required to reside in the district they seek to represent (excluding the Whiteville School Administrative Unit from the countywide vote). It mandates partisan elections during even-numbered year general elections and repeals nine outdated election statutes specific to Columbus County. The changes take effect December 1, 2026, for future elections, though current 2022/2024 board members will serve their full terms.

Maddy summaryHB 372 prevents North Carolina cities from banning or requiring permits for "no-impact home-based businesses," directly affecting residents who run small home businesses like crafts or consulting. The bill prohibits cities from mandating rezoning, fire sprinklers, or applications for these businesses, while allowing limited regulations to ensure safety, residential compatibility, and compliance with laws (e.g., no traffic spikes or visible storefronts). It defines "no-impact" businesses as those operating inside homes/yards, selling legal goods, with minimal employees or visitors, and not generating street parking. The law does not override private agreements like homeowners association (HOA) rules or restrictions on illegal activities (e.g., drug sales).

Maddy summaryHB 162 requires North Carolina counties and cities to conduct criminal history background checks through the State Bureau of Investigation for all job applicants whose positions involve working with children in any capacity. This applies specifically to local government employment decisions, mandating checks for roles like childcare workers, school staff, or youth program coordinators, but not for general positions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not alter existing background check processes for non-child-related roles. It directly affects local government hiring practices by adding a mandatory screening requirement for child-impacting positions.

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 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 revises North Carolina's child passenger restraint system laws. It updates requirements for securing children based on age, height, and weight, specifying that newborns must use rear-facing systems and transition according to manufacturer guidelines. The bill clarifies when children must ride in a rear seat and under what circumstances a child may use a lap-only or a lap and shoulder belt. It also defines specific fit criteria for proper lap and shoulder belt use for older children. These changes directly affect drivers transporting children under 16 years of age.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for North Carolina banks and credit unions to offer digital asset services, such as custody, staking, and transaction processing. It requires these financial institutions to notify state regulators before starting custody services and obtain specific approval if they intend to manage customer assets in a fiduciary capacity. The legislation also mandates clear written agreements between institutions and customers, explicitly stating that digital assets held by the bank are not insured deposits or liabilities of the institution. By defining key terms like digital assets and staking, the act aims to provide legal clarity and safety standards for the growing digital asset market within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tuition waivers at North Carolina community colleges to children of public safety workers who are injured or disabled in the line of duty. It allows children aged 17 to 24 of law enforcement officers, experienced correctional officers, and firefighters to attend classes for free if their parent is permanently and totally disabled due to a traumatic work-related injury. The waiver covers the cost of tuition for the time needed to complete the student's chosen educational program, provided they meet standard admission requirements. The law takes effect with the 2026-2027 academic year.

Maddy summaryThis North Carolina bill requires all private employers with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to check the work authorization of every new hire. It mandates that state and local government agencies also comply with these verification rules and allows employers to avoid penalties if they can prove they acted in good faith and did not knowingly accept fraudulent documents. The legislation establishes a 30-day grace period for employers to fix minor compliance errors and increases fines for repeat offenders while protecting workers who report suspected violations from retaliation. Additionally, it grants the state labor commissioner the authority to conduct random or risk-based audits of employers and provides funding to support enforcement efforts.