2025 Legislation Recap

After a very busy session this year at the General Assembly, we went on recess at the end of June. I worked incredibly hard for NC and had a very successful term. I served as the primary sponsor for 12 bills that had language ultimately signed into law - making me one of most productive House members.

HB 67- Healthcare Workforce Reform Act

This bill contained language from 10 other bills, 3 of which I served as a primary sponsor.

• HB 67 created the Interstate Medical License Compact, making it easier for physicians to get a license in NC.
• HB 390, Alleviate the Dangers of Surgical Smoke will protect healthcare workers from surgical smoke in the operating room.
• HB 727, The Marriage and Family Therapy updated regulations for therapists. 

As Chair of the Health Committee, I was instrumental in getting this language through the process and it is now law!

SB 311- The Law and Order Act

This bill was another omnibus that contained policies from several bills. One of the bills in this omnibus was the Pretrial use of an Interlock Device, which I was a sponsor on. This act allows those charged with impaired driving who voluntarily equip and operate a motor vehicle with a breathalyzer to use as a mitigating factor during sentencing. 

SB 600- Improve Health and Human Services

Another healthcare omnibus bill containing 3 of my original bills. 

• HB 565, Check Yes, Save Lives allows individuals to register as an organ donor on their tax returns. 
• HB 592, Toxic Free Medical Devices Act of 2025 prohibits using DEHP, a hazardous chemical in intravenous fluid bags in NC. 
• HB 433, Registered Nurses in Schools, increases the pool of nurses who can work in schools. 

All 3 of these bills are working to improve the health and safety of NC.

HB 3- Various Local Election Changes

This election omnibus bill contained 2 of my bills. 

• HB 302, Partisan School Board Elections for Pitt County. Studies have shown that there is improved voter turnout when the school board elections are partisan and it allows voters to know the principles of candidates.
• HB 3, Simpson Election Changes- Even Years changes their voting to even numbered year to help improve participation. This change was requested by the Village of Simpson. 

HB 231- Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact

This was a single-issue bill where I served as a primary sponsor. This bill establishes and allows NC to enter an interstate compact for the practice of social work. This bill will allow social workers to obtain a license more easily. 

HB 546- Medicaid Modernization 

This omnibus bill contained 2 of my bills. 

• HB 546, Inmate Medicaid Suspension, updates the rules related to inmates and Medicaid coverage. 
• HB 242, HASP Funding for psychiatric hospitals which will increase funding for these hospitals across the state. 

This omnibus will improve Medicaid access in NC and help support our psychiatric hospitals, helping those to receive proper care.



Passing any legislation is a team activity, and I thank many other legislators who worked and helped pass these important bills to improve North Carolina.

Budget Updates

Although we have not had a final agreement on the budget, we continue to work for a legislative package with important guiding principles.

• Making significant investments in raising teacher pay, making NC #1 in the Southeast
• Pay raises for state employees
• Targeted tax relief for working families
• No tax increases
• Back-to-school sales tax holiday
• No state tax on first $5000 in tips
• Increasing the standard tax deduction
• Cutting vacant government positions
• Cost of living bonus for retirees
• Additional funding for hurricane relief. 

HB 434- The Care First Act

My bill HB 434, the Care First Act, which will significantly reform health insurance prior authorization is currently in conference with the Senate. Both chambers passed bills on this policy, but with several differences. I am currently negotiating with Senate members to try and come to an agreement on the bill.

Bill Signing

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of participating in the bill signing of HB 67. At the event, I was able to talk about the importance of this omnibus to the health of North Carolinians and was able to see Governor Stein sign this bill.  Thank you to everyone who helped over many months to guide these ideas through the process and make them law.

Pitt County Fun Fact!!

In 1907 the North Carolina Legislature established East Carolina Teachers Training School, now East Carolina University. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the school in 1908.