State Rep. Rodney D. Pierce has put forward a new bill in the North Carolina House seeking to enhance physical activity and social engagement through a pickleball-based community program, the North Carolina State House reports.
Formally designated as HB 1022 and introduced on April 21 during the 2025 regular session, the bill carries the short title: ‘Pickleball Wellness Initiative: Health Equity.’
Our summary below references the specific bill text and includes clarifications for easier understanding of its key points.
The proposal seeks a one-time $196,760 allocation from the General Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year to the UNC Board of Governors, designating North Carolina State University to develop and assess a community wellness initiative in eastern Wake, Halifax and Lenoir counties. Targeting increased activity, social connectivity and psychosocial health in under-resourced areas, the effort will provide 3 months of weekly instruction and open play at public venues. Community involvement, branded materials, coordination with regional organizations, structured assessment of results, and toolkits for expanding the model statewide are included as requirements. The act is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
Among the three sponsors, Carolyn G. Logan introduced the highest number of bills—28—during the 2025 regular session.
North Carolina legislation moves through a structured, multi-step process before it takes effect. The process begins when a legislator files a bill. The bill is sent to a committee, read three times in both chambers, and if amendments are made after passage, both chambers must reach agreement on the final wording. After both approve the same draft, it is sent to the governor, who has 10 days (or up to 30 days if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto or allow it to become law without signing.
Pierce earned an AA from Halifax Community College in 2010 and later graduated with a BA from North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Pierce, a Democrat, began serving in the North Carolina State House in 2025 for the 27th House district, succeeding Michael Wray.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodney D. Pierce, Carolyn G. Logan, and James Roberson | HB 1022 | 04/21/2026 | Pickleball Wellness Initiative: Health Equity. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, B. Ray Jeffers, James Roberson, and Renée A. Price | HB 1021 | 04/21/2026 | Funds for Facilities of DAV Organizations. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Beth Helfrich, Eric Ager, and Zack Hawkins | HB 937 | 04/10/2025 | Keeping Our Coaches Act. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Dante Pittman, Julia Greenfield, and Shelly Willingham | HB 653 | 04/01/2025 | Adjust FMAP Trigger for Medicaid Expansion. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Jonathan L. Almond, Tricia Ann Cotham, and Zack Hawkins | HB 688 | 04/01/2025 | Funds for Inclusive Playgrounds. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Brian Turner, Eric Ager, and Lindsey Prather | HB 599 | 03/31/2025 | Award NC Forest Service Pay Increase. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, B. Ray Jeffers, James Roberson, and Renée A. Price | HB 601 | 03/31/2025 | Funds for Facilities of DAV Organizations. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Brandon Lofton, Cynthia Ball, and Phil Rubin | HB 608 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, B. Ray Jeffers, Dante Pittman, and Eric Ager | HB 617 | 03/31/2025 | Supporting Small Farmers for NC’s Future Act. |
| Rodney D. Pierce | HB 530 | 03/26/2025 | Funds/Halifax, Northampton, Warren Counties. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Cynthia Ball, Julie von Haefen, and Lindsey Prather | HB 531 | 03/26/2025 | Addressing NC’s Teacher Crisis/NTSP. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Dante Pittman, Lindsey Prather, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 507 | 03/25/2025 | The Children First Act. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Charles W. Miller, Jerry “Alan” Branson, and Tricia Ann Cotham | HB 466 | 03/19/2025 | Birthplace of Am. Independence Special Plate. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 325 | 03/06/2025 | Legislative Building Field Trip Pilot Program. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 340 | 03/06/2025 | Universal AIG Screening in Middle Schools. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Garland E. Pierce, Julie von Haefen, and Sarah Crawford | HB 179 | 02/24/2025 | Labor Org. Membership Dues Tax Deductible. |
| Rodney D. Pierce | HB 158 | 02/21/2025 | SchCalFlex/Warren,Weldon,Halifax,RR/Open Cal. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Grant L. Campbell, MD, Mark Brody, and Timothy Reeder, MD | HB 128 | 02/13/2025 | Establish Prostate Cancer Control Program. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Bill Ward, Jarrod Lowery, and Mike Clampitt | HB 103 | 02/11/2025 | NC Am. Indian Hunting/Fishing Rights. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, Frances Jackson, PhD, Jordan Lopez, and Pricey Harrison | HB 77 | 02/10/2025 | Environmental Justice. |
| Rodney D. Pierce, James Roberson, Monika Johnson-Hostler, and Zack Hawkins | HB 65 | 02/05/2025 | Sigma Gamma Rho Special Registration Plate. |
