2019/2020 legislative Session Update #28 2019 As of Tuesday morning, November 5th, 2019.  Current bill status as it stands now are listed below. There was not a lot of activity related to the fire service last week, but we are following bills on our list as movement is indicated.   Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).
HR 1241	Support	John Larson	Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019
2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.
H 0018	Passed	Julia Howard	Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election
7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136
H 0081	Support	Brenden Jones	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties
2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0118	Support	Harry Warren	First Responders Act of 2019
5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0120	Support	Debra Conrad	Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility
5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0144	Support	Harold Corbin	Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.
6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0159	Priority	Robert Davis	Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams
3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety
H 0213	Priority	George Cleveland	Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.
3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0220	Passed	Mitchell Setzer	Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.
7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179
H 0278	Priority	Jason Saine	Separation Allowance Bill
5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0283	Passed	Brenden Jones	Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.
10/9/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-228
H 0466	Support	Dennis Riddell	Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters
4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government
H 0520	Support	David Lewis	This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill
5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0573	Support	Phillip Shepard	Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.
4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0597	Passed	James Adams	Wildlife Resources Commission Amends
8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204
H 0606	Support	Allen McNeill	Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial
5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0615	Oppose	John Szoka	Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.
6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0622	Support	Holly Grange	Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.
5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0631	Support	Keith Kidwell	Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.
4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0675	Passed	Mark Brody	Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.
7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174
H 0730	Oppose	John Szoka	Amends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0966	Monitor	Linda Johnson	2019 Appropriations Act
10/31/2019 – Senate – Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0020	Support	Danny Britt	Emergency Worker Protection Act
3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0029	Passed	Danny Britt	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights
7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157
S 0179	Priority	William Jackson	Separation Allowance
3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0346	Support	Donald Davis	Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments
3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0349	Priority	Jerry Tillman	This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent
3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0396	Priority	Norman Sanderson	State Search and Rescue Funding
3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0416	Priority	Warren Daniel	This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.
5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0429	Support	Paul Newton	Supplies Funding for SAR teams, page 3, Item 7.
	9/18/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-224
S 0519	Support	Jim Burgin	Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0553	Oppose	Norman Sanderson	Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles.
10/31/2019 – Senate – Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0566	Oppose	Richard Gunn	Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.
4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0598	Support	Charles Edwards	Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.
4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0631	Support	Danny Britt	Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation.
4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

____________________________________________________________________  Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:     •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA  •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA  •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA  •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA   •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC  •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

   

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #27 2019 As of Tuesday morning, October 29, 2019.  The bill status has been updated to remove the designation “Monitor” from bills supported by NCSFA/NCAFC. While it was being used internally as a way to track certain bills, either held or awaiting specific action, it was causing confusion with members on the report. I left the Appropriations bill under “Monitor” so I could get immediate notification of votes on it. All others have been changed back to “Support” to avoid confusion.   Tim Bradley, Executive Director  Debbie Clary  This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.
Federal   These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).   HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
NC Bills   Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.    H 0018 Passed Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Support Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Passed Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 10/9/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-228 H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Support David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0597 Passed James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends 8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Passed Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 H 0730 Oppose John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0966 Monitor Linda Johnson 2019 Appropriations Act 10/28/2019 – Senate – Placed On Cal For 10/29/2019 S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Passed Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0429 Support Paul Newton Supplioes Funding for SAR teams, page 3, Item 7. 9/18/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-224 S 0519 Support Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0553 Oppose Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles. 10/28/2019 – Senate – Placed On Cal For 10/30/2019 S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
____________________________________________________________________  Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:     •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA  •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA  •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA  •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA   •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •       Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC  •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC    For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

     

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Legislative Notice

2019 Session 

  There was some misinformation concerning the joint Legislative Committee of NCSFA and NCAFC’s support of House Bill 520 yesterday on social media. NCSFA and NCAFC’s joint Legislative Committee and Boards continue to support the passage of HB 520, Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act, better known as Presumptive Cancer. The change from “Support” to “Monitor” within Capital Impact occurred several months ago when the Bill was placed and held in Senate Rules. This designation allows staff to track ANY movement or changes on the bill instantly. You’ll notice the Appropriations Bill is listed the same way so that we can follow any activity to override the veto, since it contains our LODD cancer changes. Unless the bill is listed as “Oppose”, it is supported by our Associations. This is the note provided to Legislators on Legislative Day concerning HB 520. Support HB 520 – Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act – Creates a presumption that for certain type cancers prevalent in the fire service, that they are work related and covered by Workers Compensation.   Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association   

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2019

2019 Legislative Summary

As of Wednesday morning, October 16, 2019.    October 16, 2019 The following is a review of major bills the fire service was following this session. Although the session has not ended, making it a changing document, I’ve tried to project which would pass that haven’t, which may be eligible next year, and which were moved to other bills. One addition is SB 429, (page 3, Item 7) which was ratified recently (not in the summary but is in the bill listing) adds $1,000,000 for SAR funding to the DPS budget. This is also included in the Budget Bill, which the Governor vetoed and has not been overridden at this point. This bill was signed into law by the Governor and is now Ch. SL 2019-224. SB 553 concerning trash collections in apartments was vetoed by the Governor, and HB 253 “Conners Bill” has been signed by the Governor. NC Bills   H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election   7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 This bill now allows absentee ballots during fire district elections. The Chapter Law is written above. Applicable section: SECTION 1.  G.S. 163A-1295(c) is repealed. SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to fire district elections held on or after that date.         H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties   2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass, but Move Over Law Penalties was passed in SB 29. See SB 29 for additional.   H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019   5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill did not pass, although one portion of it involving interstate access was included in SB 553.   H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility   5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and was held in the Senate at the request of the Bill sponsor. If normal rules are followed during the short session, it could be eligible next year if necessary.   H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.   6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and may be eligible next year during the short session if not passed this year.     H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams   3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety This bill did not pass but was included in the budget bill. See H 0966.   H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.   3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House A bill we supported, but did not pass either Chamber. It had a significant amount of early support, but the cost was viewed as too high.   H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.   7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 This bill passed clarifying rule making authority of the Fire and Rescue Commission. Applicable Section: PART VIII. CLARIFY RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY FOR STATE FIRE AND RESCUE COMMISSION SECTION 8.  G.S. 58-78-5(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read: “(a) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: … (17) To adopt, modify, or repeal any rules and regulations necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Article.”      H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill   5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House after it was converted to a study bill, but was not heard in the Senate.   H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.   8/28/2019 – Passed Senate and House This bill has been signed into law.   H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters   4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, General Government This bill has not passed, but some of it was included in the budget bill. See HB 966.   H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill   5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year.   H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work   6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Has not passed.   H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam   4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard.   H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.   4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard.   H 0597 Support James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends   8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 This bill adds a section granting reduced lifetime hunting/fishing licenses to volunteer firefighters with more than five consecutive years including the previous year. It is effective in October, but specifics on process have not been released. Applicable Section: FEE REDUCTION OF LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES ISSUABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO HAS SERVED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS SECTION 12.  G.S. 113-276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: “(o) An eligible member of a volunteer fire department for five consecutive fiscal years, including the prior fiscal year, may be issued any adult resident lifetime license issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty percent (50%) of the applicable license fee amount. For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible member” means an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association under G.S. 58-86-25.”   H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial   5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has passed the House and may be eligible next year if not passed in this session.   H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.   6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed either Chamber.     H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.   5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year   H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.   4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed.   H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.   7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 This bill has passed and creates a change-out inspector qualification and various other changes to the building code. The Chapter Law is listed above.   H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Amends the NC Building Code allowing “doorstep” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.   5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has not passed, but portions of it were included in SB 553 which is near passage.   H 0966 Monitor Linda Johnson 2019 Appropriations Act     7/1/2019 – House – Placed on Cal for 07/08/201 This bill has passed both Chambers, but was vetoed by the Governor. The House voted 9/11/19 to override the Governor’s veto and it passed. It now goes to the Senate for a veto override vote. It seems likely to pass the Senate. Several Sections apply to the fire service as follows: Included in the budget bill was a $2 million-dollar appropriation for Search and Rescue Funds in 2010/2020, and a $1,000,000 appropriation in 2020/2021. Also included in the budget bill was the addition of two types of cancer to LODD, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer, and Intestinal Cancer was changed to Cancers of the Small Intestine. Those are added to Mesothelioma, Testicular, and Esophageal bringing the total to six. In addition, the General Assembly provided more funding to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension than required by annual contribution formulas.  Search and Rescue Funds are on page E46 and E50 of the report. Cancer is on 292 and 293 of the budget bill. There are also numerous directed grants in Section 52 to individual fire departments.   S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act   3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass.   S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights   7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 This bill passed and is now Chapter Law. See designation above. It changes the penalty from a Class I Felony to a Class F Felony.   S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance   3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard so far this session.   S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department.   3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.   S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments   3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.   S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent   3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This was a bill to increase the Gross Premium Assessment but was not heard this session.   S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding   3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Included in the budget bill, See HB 966. S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.   5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes.     S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work   4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.     S 0553 Monitor Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles.   8/29/2019 – House – Conf Report Adopted 3^rd This bill has passed both House and Senate and was vetoed by the Governor.   S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.   4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.   S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.   4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.     S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame-retardant labels on firefighter’s gear.   4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate   Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes.     Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.   Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •     AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •.    Scott Rogers, NCSFA •     Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •     Ed Brinson, NCSFA •    Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •     Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •     Donnie Hall, NCAFC •     Ryan Cole, NCAFC •     Chris Langham, NCAFC •     Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •     Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact:  Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #25 2019 As of Friday morning, Ocotber 4, 2019.  2019 Legislative Summary October 4, 2019 The following is a review of major bills the fire service was following this session. Although the session has not ended, making it a changing document, I’ve tried to project which would pass that haven’t, which may be eligible next year, and which were moved to other bills. One addition is SB 429, (page 3, Item 7) which was ratified recently (not in the summary but is in the bill listing) adds $1,000,000 for SAR funding to the DPS budget. This is also included in the Budget Bill, which the Governor vetoed and has not been overridden at this point. This bill was signed into law by the Governor and is now Ch. SL 2019-224. SB 553 concerning trash collections in appartments was vetoed by the Governor, and HB 253 “Conners Bill” was presented to the Governor for signature”. NC Bills H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 This bill now allows absentee ballots during fire district elections. The Chapter Law is written above. Applicable section: SECTION 1.  G.S. 163A-1295(c) is repealed. SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to fire district elections held on or after that date. H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass, but Move Over Law Penalties was passed in SB 29. See SB 29 for additional. H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill did not pass, although one portion of it involving interstate access was included in SB 553. H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and was held in the Senate at the request of the Bill sponsor. If normal rules are followed during the short session, it could be eligible next year if necessary. H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and may be eligible next year during the short session if not passed this year. H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety This bill did not pass but was included in the budget bill. See H 0966. H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House A bill we supported, but did not pass either Chamber. It had a significant amount of early support, but the cost was viewed as too high. H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 This bill passed clarifying rule making authority of the Fire and Rescue Commission. Applicable Section: PART VIII. CLARIFY RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY FOR STATE FIRE AND RESCUE COMMISSION SECTION 8.  G.S. 58-78-5(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read: “(a) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: … (17) To adopt, modify, or repeal any rules and regulations necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Article.”  H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House after it was converted to a study bill, but was not heard in the Senate. H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 8/28/2019 – Passed Senate and House This bill was presented to the Governor for signature. H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, General Government This bill has not passed, but some of it was included in the budget bill. See HB 966. H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year. H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Has not passed. H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard. H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard. H 0597 Support James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends 8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 This bill adds a section granting reduced lifetime hunting/fishing licenses to volunteer firefighters with more than five consecutive years including the previous year. It is effective in October, but specifics on process have not been released. Applicable Section: FEE REDUCTION OF LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES ISSUABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO HAS SERVED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS SECTION 12.  G.S. 113-276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: “(o) An eligible member of a volunteer fire department for five consecutive fiscal years, including the prior fiscal year, may be issued any adult resident lifetime license issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty percent (50%) of the applicable license fee amount. For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible member” means an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association under G.S. 58-86-25.” H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has passed the House and may be eligible next year if not passed in this session. H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed either Chamber. H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed. H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 This bill has passed and creates a change-out inspector qualification and various other changes to the building code. The Chapter Law is listed above. H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Amends the NC Building Code allowing “doorstep” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has not passed, but portions of it were included in SB 553 which is near passage. H 0966 Monitor Linda Johnson 2019 Appropriations Act 7/1/2019 – House – Placed on Cal for 07/08/201 This bill has passed both Chambers, but was vetoed by the Governor. The House voted 9/11/19 to override the Governor’s veto and it passed. It now goes to the Senate for a veto override vote. It seems likely to pass the Senate. Several Sections apply to the fire service as follows: Included in the budget bill was a $2 million-dollar appropriation for Search and Rescue Funds in 2010/2020, and a $1,000,000 appropriation in 2020/2021. Also included in the budget bill was the addition of two types of cancer to LODD, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer, and Intestinal Cancer was changed to Cancers of the Small Intestine. Those are added to Mesothelioma, Testicular, and Esophageal bringing the total to six. In addition, the General Assembly provided more funding to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension than required by annual contribution formulas.  Search and Rescue Funds are on page E46 and E50 of the report. Cancer is on 292 and 293 of the budget bill. There are also numerous directed grants in Section 52 to individual fire departments. S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass. S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 This bill passed and is now Chapter Law. See designation above. It changes the penalty from a Class I Felony to a Class F Felony. S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard so far this session. S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This was a bill to increase the Gross Premium Assessment but was not heard this session. S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Included in the budget bill, See HB 966. S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes. S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0553 Monitor Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles. 8/29/2019 – House – Conf Report Adopted 3rd This bill has passed both House and Senate and has been presented to the Governor for signature. It affects trash collection at doorsteps of multi-family, temporary venue permits, and includes a study of interstate access by DOT and OSFM. S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame-retardant labels on firefighter’s gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate   Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes. Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.
Federal These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).   HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •     AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •.    Scott Rogers, NCSFA •     Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •     Ed Brinson, NCSFA •    Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •     Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •     Donnie Hall, NCAFC •     Ryan Cole, NCAFC •     Chris Langham, NCAFC •     Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •     Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact:  Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #24

   

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #23 2019 As of Thursday morning, September 19, 2019.  2019 Legislative Summary August 30, 2019 The following is a review of major bills the fire service was following this session. Although the session has not ended, making it a changing document, I’ve tried to project which would pass that haven’t, which may be eligible next year, and which were moved to other bills. One addition is SB 429, (page 3, Item 7) which was ratified recently (not in the summary but is in the bill listing) adds $1,000,000 for SAR funding to the DPS budget. This is also included in the Budget Bill, which the Governor vetoed and has not been overridden at this point. It is unclear whether SB 429 will be signed by the Governor, but SAR funding has two avenues now to succeed.  NC Bills H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 This bill now allows absentee ballots during fire district elections. The Chapter Law is written above. Applicable section: SECTION 1.  G.S. 163A-1295(c) is repealed. SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to fire district elections held on or after that date. H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass, but Move Over Law Penalties was passed in SB 29. See SB 29 for additional. H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill did not pass, although one portion of it involving interstate access was included in SB 553. H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and was held in the Senate at the request of the Bill sponsor. If normal rules are followed during the short session, it could be eligible next year if necessary. H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and may be eligible next year during the short session if not passed this year. H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety This bill did not pass but was included in the budget bill. See H 0966. H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House A bill we supported, but did not pass either Chamber. It had a significant amount of early support, but the cost was viewed as too high. H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 This bill passed clarifying rule making authority of the Fire and Rescue Commission. Applicable Section: PART VIII. CLARIFY RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY FOR STATE FIRE AND RESCUE COMMISSION SECTION 8.  G.S. 58-78-5(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read: “(a) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: … (17) To adopt, modify, or repeal any rules and regulations necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Article.”  H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House after it was converted to a study bill, but was not heard in the Senate. H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 8/28/2019 – Senate – Passed 2nd Reading This bill will likely pass. It has passed the House and is in the Senate awaiting concurrence. H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, General Government This bill has not passed, but some of it was included in the budget bill. See HB 966. H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year. H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Has not passed. H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard. H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard. H 0597 Support James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends 8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 This bill adds a section granting reduced lifetime hunting/fishing licenses to volunteer firefighters with more than five consecutive years including the previous year. It is effective in October, but specifics on process have not been released. Applicable Section: FEE REDUCTION OF LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES ISSUABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO HAS SERVED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS SECTION 12.  G.S. 113-276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: “(o) An eligible member of a volunteer fire department for five consecutive fiscal years, including the prior fiscal year, may be issued any adult resident lifetime license issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty percent (50%) of the applicable license fee amount. For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible member” means an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association under G.S. 58-86-25.” H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has passed the House and may be eligible next year if not passed in this session. H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed either Chamber. H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed. H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 This bill has passed and creates a change-out inspector qualification and various other changes to the building code. The Chapter Law is listed above. H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Amends the NC Building Code allowing “doorstep” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has not passed, but portions of it were included in SB 553 which is near passage. H 0966 Monitor Linda Johnson 2019 Appropriations Act 7/1/2019 – House – Placed on Cal for 07/08/201 This bill has passed both Chambers, but was vetoed by the Governor. The House voted 9/11/19 to override the Governor’s veto and it passed. It now goes to the Senate for a veto override vote. It seems likely to pass the Senate. Several Sections apply to the fire service as follows: Included in the budget bill was a $2 million-dollar appropriation for Search and Rescue Funds in 2010/2020, and a $1,000,000 appropriation in 2020/2021. Also included in the budget bill was the addition of two types of cancer to LODD, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer, and Intestinal Cancer was changed to Cancers of the Small Intestine. Those are added to Mesothelioma, Testicular, and Esophageal bringing the total to six. In addition, the General Assembly provided more funding to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension than required by annual contribution formulas.  Search and Rescue Funds are on page E46 and E50 of the report. Cancer is on 292 and 293 of the budget bill. There are also numerous directed grants in Section 52 to individual fire departments.   S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass. S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 This bill passed and is now Chapter Law. See designation above. It changes the penalty from a Class I Felony to a Class F Felony. S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard so far this session. S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This was a bill to increase the Gross Premium Assessment but was not heard this session. S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Included in the budget bill, See HB 966. S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes. S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0553 Monitor Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles. 8/29/2019 – House – Conf Report Adopted 3rd This bill has passed both House and Senate and has been presented to the Governor for signature. It affects trash collection at doorsteps of multi-family, temporary venue permits, and includes a study of interstate access by DOT and OSFM. S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session. S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame-retardant labels on firefighter’s gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.     S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes. Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.

Federal These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).   HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.    H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 9/17/2019 – House – Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b) H 0349 Monitor Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 7/8/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-96 H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0597 Support James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends 8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0825 Monitor Joshua Dobson Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System 4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0966 Monitor Linda Johnson 2019 Appropriations Act 9/11/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0429 Support Paul Newton Supplioes Funding for SAR teams, page 3, Item 7. 9/16/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 9/16/2019 S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0553 Monitor Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles. 9/12/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 9/12/2019 S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

____________________________________________________________________  Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:     •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA  •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA  •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA  •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA   •      Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC  •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #22 2019 As of Thursday morning, September 12, 2019.

2019 Legislative Summary August 30, 2019 The following is a review of major bills the fire service was following this session. Although the session has not ended, making it a changing document, I’ve tried to project which would pass that haven’t, which may be eligible next year, and which were moved to other bills.

NC Bills

H 0018

Monitor

Julia Howard

Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election

7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 This bill now allows absentee ballots during fire district elections. The Chapter Law is written above. Applicable section: SECTION 1.  G.S. 163A-1295(c) is repealed. SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to fire district elections held on or after that date.

H 0081

Support

Brenden Jones

Move Over Law/Increase Penalties

2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass, but Move Over Law Penalties was passed in SB 29. See SB 29 for additional.

H 0118

Monitor

Harry Warren

First Responders Act of 2019

5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill did not pass, although one portion of it involving interstate access was included in SB 553.

H 0120

Support

Debra Conrad

Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility

5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and was held in the Senate at the request of the Bill sponsor. If normal rules are followed during the short session, it could be eligible next year if necessary.

H 0144

Support

Harold Corbin

Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.

6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House and may be eligible next year during the short session if not passed this year.

H 0159

Priority

Robert Davis

Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams

3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety This bill did not pass but was included in the budget bill. See H 0966.

H0213

Priority

George Cleveland

Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.

3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House A bill we supported, but did not pass either Chamber. It had a significant amount of early support, but the cost was viewed as too high.

H 0220

Support

Mitchell Setzer

Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.

7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 This bill passed clarifying rule making authority of the Fire and Rescue Commission. Applicable Section: PART VIII. CLARIFY RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY FOR STATE FIRE AND RESCUE COMMISSION SECTION 8.  G.S. 58-78-5(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read: “(a) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: … (17) To adopt, modify, or repeal any rules and regulations necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Article.”

H 0278

Priority

Jason Saine

Separation Allowance Bill

5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House after it was converted to a study bill, but was not heard in the Senate.

H 0283

Support

Brenden Jones

Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.

8/28/2019 – Senate – Passed 2nd Reading This bill will likely pass. It has passed the House and is in the Senate awaiting concurrence.

H 0466

Support

Dennis Riddell

Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters

4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com on Appropriations, General Government This bill has not passed, but some of it was included in the budget bill. See HB 966.

H 0520

Monitor

David Lewis

This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year.

H 0553

Monitor

Larry Strickland

Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work

6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Has not passed.

H 0560

Monitor

Mary Harrison

Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam

4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard.

H 0573

Support

Phillip Shepard

Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.

4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill has not been heard.

H 0597

Support

James Adams

Wildlife Resources Commission Amends

8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 This bill adds a section granting reduced lifetime hunting/fishing licenses to volunteer firefighters with more than five consecutive years including the previous year. It is effective in October, but specifics on process have not been released. Applicable Section: FEE REDUCTION OF LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES ISSUABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO HAS SERVED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS SECTION 12.  G.S. 113-276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: “(o) An eligible member of a volunteer fire department for five consecutive fiscal years, including the prior fiscal year, may be issued any adult resident lifetime license issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty percent (50%) of the applicable license fee amount. For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible member” means an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association under G.S. 58-86-25.”

H 0606

Support

Allen McNeill

Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has passed the House and may be eligible next year if not passed in this session.

H 0615

Oppose

John Szoka

Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.

6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed either Chamber.

H0622

Support

Holly Grange

Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill passed the House but was held in Senate Rules. It may be eligible next year if not passed this year

H0631

Support

Keith Kidwell

Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.

4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Has not passed.

H0675

Monitor

Mark Brody

Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.

7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 This bill has passed and creates a change-out inspector qualification and various other changes to the building code. The Chapter Law is listed above.

H0730

Monitor

John Szoka

Amends the NC Building Code allowing “doorstep” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This bill has not passed, but portions of it were included in SB 553 which is near passage.

H 0966

Monitor

Linda Johnson

2019 Appropriations Act

7/1/2019 – House – Placed on Cal for 07/08/201

This bill has passed both Chambers, but was vetoed by the Governor. The House voted 9/11/19 to override the Governor’s veto and it passed. It now goes to the Senate for a veto override vote. It seems likely to pass the Senate. Several Sections apply to the fire service as follows: Included in the budget bill was a $2 million-dollar appropriation for Search and Rescue Funds in 2010/2020, and a $1,000,000 appropriation in 2020/2021. Also included in the budget bill was the addition of two types of cancer to LODD, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer, and Intestinal Cancer was changed to Cancers of the Small Intestine. Those are added to Mesothelioma, Testicular, and Esophageal bringing the total to six. In addition, the General Assembly provided more funding to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension than required by annual contribution formulas.  Search and Rescue Funds are on page E46 and E50 of the report. Cancer is on 292 and 293 of the budget bill. There are also numerous directed grants in Section 52 to individual fire departments.

S 0020

Support

Danny Britt

Emergency Worker Protection Act

3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House This bill did not pass.

S 0029

Support

Danny Britt

Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights

7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 This bill passed and is now Chapter Law. See designation above. It changes the penalty from a Class I Felony to a Class F Felony.

S 0179

Priority

William Jackson

Separation Allowance

3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard so far this session.

S 0334

Monitor

Erica Smith-Ingram

Provides funds to a training center and fire department.

3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

S 0346

Support

Donald Davis

Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments

3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

S0349

Priority

Jerry Tillman

This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent

3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate This was a bill to increase the Gross Premium Assessment but was not heard this session.

S 0396

Priority

Norman Sanderson

State Search and Rescue Funding

3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Included in the budget bill, See HB 966.

S0416

Priority

Warren Daniel

This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.

5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not voted on in committee this year, but a version of the wildlife license fee reduction was included in HB 597. See HB 597 for notes.

S 0519

Monitor

Jim Burgin

Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work

4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

S0553

Monitor

Norman Sanderson

Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles.

8/29/2019 – House – Conf Report Adopted 3rd This bill has passed both House and Senate and has been presented to the Governor for signature. It affects trash collection at doorsteps of multi-family, temporary venue permits, and includes a study of interstate access by DOT and OSFM.

S 0566

Oppose

Richard Gunn

Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.

4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

S 0598

Support

Charles Edwards

Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.

4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

S0655

Monitor

Michael Garrett

Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame-retardant labels on firefighter’s gear.

4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref to Com on Rules and Operations of the Senate Was not heard this session.

Tim Bradley, Executive Director  Debbie Clary  This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).

HR 1241

Support

John Larson

Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019

2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.

H 0018

Monitor

Julia Howard

Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election

7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136

H 0081

Support

Brenden Jones

Move Over Law/Increase Penalties

2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 0118

Monitor

Harry Warren

First Responders Act of 2019

5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0120

Support

Debra Conrad

Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility

5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0144

Support

Harold Corbin

Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.

6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0159

Priority

Robert Davis

Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams

3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety

H0213

Priority

George Cleveland

Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.

3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 0220

Support

Mitchell Setzer

Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.

7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179

H 0278

Priority

Jason Saine

Separation Allowance Bill

5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0283

Support

Brenden Jones

Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.

9/11/2019 – House – Regular Message Received For Concurrence in S Amend

H 0349

Monitor

Jeffrey Elmore

Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts.

7/8/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-96

H 0466

Support

Dennis Riddell

Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters

4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government

H 0520

Monitor

David Lewis

This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0553

Monitor

Larry Strickland

Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work

6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0560

Monitor

Mary Harrison

Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam

4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H0573

Support

Phillip Shepard

Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.

4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 0597

Support

James Adams

Wildlife Resources Commission Amends

8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204

H 0606

Support

Allen McNeill

Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0615

Oppose

John Szoka

Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.

6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H0622

Support

Holly Grange

Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H0631

Support

Keith Kidwell

Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.

4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H0675

Monitor

Mark Brody

Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.

7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174

H0730

Monitor

John Szoka

Amends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.

5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 0825

Monitor

Joshua Dobson

Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System

4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 0966

Monitor

Linda Johnson

2019 Appropriations Act

9/11/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0020

Support

Danny Britt

Emergency Worker Protection Act

3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

S 0029

Support

Danny Britt

Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights

7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157

S 0179

Priority

William Jackson

Separation Allowance

3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0334

Monitor

Erica Smith-Ingram

Provides funds to a training center and fire department.

3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0346

Support

Donald Davis

Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments

3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S0349

Priority

Jerry Tillman

This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent

3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0396

Priority

Norman Sanderson

State Search and Rescue Funding

3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S0416

Priority

Warren Daniel

This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.

5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0519

Monitor

Jim Burgin

Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work

4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S0553

Monitor

Norman Sanderson

Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles.

9/12/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 9/12/2019

S 0566

Oppose

Richard Gunn

Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.

4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 0598

Support

Charles Edwards

Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.

4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S0631

Support

Danny Britt

Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation.

4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S0655

Monitor

Michael Garrett

Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear.

4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina. The Committee Members are:    

• AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson
• Scott Rogers, NCSFA 
• Quentin Cash, NCSFA
• Anthony Penland, NCSFA 
• Tim Bradley, NCSFA 
• Ed Brinson, NCSFA 
• Debbie Clary, Lobbyist
• Kevin Gordon, NCAFC
• Donnie Hall, NCAFC 
• Ryan Cole, NCAFC
• Chris Langham, NCAFC

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #21 2019 As of Thursday morning, August 29, 2019.  The NC General Assembly adjournment of their 2019 biennial session is still open to speculation, either with or without a budget signed by the Governor. Currently they are still in session considering an override of the Governor’s Veto of the budget bill and other last-minute legislation. The budget is the major issue still up in the air, but they are working on smaller bills that address specific portions of the budget. This legislative session has not been a huge success for the fire service. There were a few accomplishments. Included in the budget bill was a $2 million-dollar appropriation for Search and Rescue Funds in 2010/2020, and a $1,000,000 appropriation in 2020/2021. Also included in the budget bill was the addition of two types of cancer to LODD, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer, and Intestinal Cancer was changed to Cancers of the Small Intestine. Those are added to Mesothelioma, Testicular, and Esophageal bring the total to six. In addition, the General Assembly provided more funding to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension than required by annual contribution formulas.  Keep in mind these issues do not go into effect unless the budget is signed by the Governor, or they pass a separate bill addressing them independently. Absentee Ballots will now be allowed in Fire District Elections since (HB 18) passed. The Move Over Law Penalty increases (SB 29) passed.  (HB 283), a bill to provide LODD benefits to Public Safety Officers murdered while on duty is still being heard, moving, and may pass.   (HB 675), creating a residential change-out inspector passed. (HB 220) passed clarifying the Fire and Rescue Commission’s Rule Making Authority passed.  (HB 597), which adopted some of Senator Daniels hunting license provision passed, providing reduced lifetime hunting licenses to active volunteer firefighters serving more than 5 consecutive years passed in Section 12. Specifics have not been worked out, and this is effective in October. (SB 553) is near passage, and affects building code regulation. Section 3 allows door trash collection in multifamily in some instances stepping over the fire code, Section 8 changes rules for Temporary Venues, and Section 15 allows architectural license exemption for small projects. It also includes an interstate study in section 25a for emergency vehicle access involving OSFM. There were some local issues that passed, but most of the major bills we had introduced did not pass. Our GPT increase bill SB 349 in the Senate did not get a hearing. Both Workers Comp Bills HB 622 and HB 520 (PTS and Presumptive Cancer) are stalled in the Senate Rules Committee and were not given a hearing there. The Bailey Act Bill, HB 213 didn’t move out of the House. Representative Harry Warren’s First Responder Bill, HB 118, was gutted pretty good but was also held in Senate Rules, although there was a study including OSFM to study interstate access for fire and rescue vehicles included in SB 553.  The Separation Allowance Bill, HB 278, also held in Senate Rules. Senator Warren Daniel’s Bill (SB 416) on benefits for firefighters such as student loan forgiveness, pension increase, and Hunting and Fishing Licenses was heard by committee, but not voted on, but the version heard stripped the tax break and pension increase, so it basically has the hunting license provision in it. A version of this was moved into HB 597.   HB 730, which would allow door step trash containers in multi-family dwellings in corridors is held in the Senate Rules currently and hopefully will not be heard, although this issue is considered in SB 553 near passage..   Fireworks, which we opposed, hasn’t moved and did not clear the last House Committee.     This is just a summary. For full bill text you may review the full text of the bills below. Please let us know if you are aware of any other issues passing that you feel needs to be included in these reports. We’ll keep you posted   Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.
Federal These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).   HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.    H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-179 H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 8/28/2019 – Senate – Passed 2nd Reading H 0349 Monitor Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 7/8/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-96 H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0597 Support James Adams Wildlife Resources Commission Amends 8/27/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-204 H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/26/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-174 H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0825 Monitor Joshua Dobson Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System 4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0553 Monitor Norman Sanderson Affects Trash Collection in Apartments, Temp Event Venues, Architectural Exceptions, and an Interstate Study for Emergency Vehicles. 8/29/2019 – House – Conf Report Adopted 3rd S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson • Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •      Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact:  Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affair

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Legislative Action Alert

2019 Session 

*****FireWorks Being Heard August 6, 2019*****

 Tomorrow – Call Your Representative!

House Bill 615, a bill to expand the use and sale of fireworks in North Carolina is being heard tomorrow in The House Regulatory Reform Committee at 11:00. Please call your Representative first thing in the morning and ask them to oppose HB 615. This will increase childhood injuries, increase both wildland and structure fires from fireworks, and is not a good fit for the NC Fire Service. This late in the session, with not many people watching, this bill has a real chance to pass. Please call, email, or text as soon as possible.

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2019/2020 legislative Session

Update #20

2019

 

As of Thursday morning, July 25th, 2019. The General Assembly remains in session with limited committee meetings. There still seems to be a stalemate on the budget, and not much else has changed since our last report (#19). There was one amendment yesterday favoring volunteer firefighters. In HB 597, Statutes Governing the Wildlife Commission, an amendment was offered in Senate Finance by Senator Warren Daniel. The amendment provides any volunteer firefighter with five consecutive years of service, including the previous year, the ability to purchase an adult lifetime resident hunting/fishing license at 50% of the applicable license fee. The Bill still has to goes through the Rules Committee, Senate floor, and then it goes to the House for review, and we will follow it as it progresses. On the Federal level, The House passed the 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund Reauthorization last week and the Senate passed it Tuesday. It goes to the President now for signature. We’ll update you on any further developments     Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.
Federal These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).   HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.    H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/19/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-136 H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/19/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 7/19/2019 H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 7/24/2019 – Senate – Placed On Cal For 07/25/2019 H 0349 Monitor Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 7/8/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-96 H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/16/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 7/16/2019 H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0825 Monitor Joshua Dobson Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System 4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/22/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-157 S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   • AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson • Scott Rogers, NCSFA • Quentin Cash, NCSFA • Anthony Penland, NCSFA • Tim Bradley, NCSFA • Ed Brinson, NCSFA •Debbie Clary, Lobbyist • Kevin Gordon, NCAFC • Donnie Hall, NCAFC • Ryan Cole, NCAFC • Chris Langham, NCAFC • Jake Whisnant, NCAFC • Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session

Update #19

2019

As of Monday morning, July 15^th, 2019. Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text. HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.    H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 7/10/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 7/10/2019 H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 7/10/2019 – House – Placed On Cal For 07/17/2019 H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 7/10/2019 – Senate – Placed On Cal For 07/15/2019 H 0349 Monitor Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 7/8/2019 – Ch. SL 2019-96 H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 7/11/2019 – House – Ordered Enrolled H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0825 Monitor Joshua Dobson Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System 4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties/Amber Lights 7/12/2019 – Pres. To Gov. 7/12/2019 S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Priority Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session

Update #18

2019

Hasn’t Been an Active Session for the Fire Service

Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.  

Federal

 

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).
HR 1241	Support	John Larson	Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019
	2/14/2019 – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills

 

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.
H 0018	Monitor	Julia Howard	Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election
	6/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Redistricting and Elections. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0081	Support	Brenden Jones	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties
	2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0118	Monitor	Harry Warren	First Responders Act of 2019
	5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0120	Support	Debra Conrad	Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility
	5/29/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0144	Support	Harold Corbin	Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.
	6/20/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0159	Priority	Robert Davis	Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams
	3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety
H 0213	Priority	George Cleveland	Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.
	3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0220	Support	Mitchell Setzer	Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.
	6/19/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0278	Priority	Jason Saine	Separation Allowance Bill
	5/7/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0283	Support	Brenden Jones	Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.
	6/19/2019 – Senate – Re-ref Com On Pensions and Retirement and Aging
H 0349	Monitor	Jeffrey Elmore	Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts.
	6/25/2019 – Senate – Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0466	Support	Dennis Riddell	Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters
	4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government
H 0520	Monitor	David Lewis	This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0553	Monitor	Larry Strickland	Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
	6/13/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0560	Monitor	Mary Harrison	Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam
	4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0573	Support	Phillip Shepard	Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.
	4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0606	Support	Allen McNeill	Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0615	Oppose	John Szoka	Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.
	6/13/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0622	Support	Holly Grange	Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0631	Support	Keith Kidwell	Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.
	4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0675	Monitor	Mark Brody	Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.
	6/25/2019 – Senate – Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0730	Monitor	John Szoka	Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0825	Monitor	Joshua Dobson	Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System
	4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0020	Support	Danny Britt	Emergency Worker Protection Act
	3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0029	Support	Danny Britt	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties
	6/17/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0179	Priority	William Jackson	Separation Allowance
	3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0334	Monitor	Erica Smith-Ingram	Provides funds to a training center and fire department.
	3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0346	Support	Donald Davis	Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments
	3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0349	Priority	Jerry Tillman	This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent
	3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0396	Support	Norman Sanderson	State Search and Rescue Funding
	3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0416	Priority	Warren Daniel	This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.
	5/14/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0519	Monitor	Jim Burgin	Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
	4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0566	Oppose	Richard Gunn	Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.
	4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0598	Support	Charles Edwards	Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0631	Support	Danny Britt	Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0655	Monitor	Michael Garrett	Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

____________________________________________________________________

Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina. The Committee Members are: • AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson • Scott Rogers, NCSFA • Quentin Cash, NCSFA • Anthony Penland, NCSFA • Tim Bradley, NCSFA • Ed Brinson, NCSFA • Debbie Clary, Lobbyist • Kevin Gordon, NCAFC • Donnie Hall, NCAFC • Ryan Cole, NCAFC • Chris Langham, NCAFC • Jake Whisnant, NCAFC • Jeff Cash, NCAFC For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session

Update #17

2019

Legislative Day A Success

   

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #16

 

2019

Legislative Day A Success

   

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Legislative Action Alert

2019 Session 

   

*****Legislative Day – May 15, 2019*****

 Tomorrow – We Need You There!

Where: Meet at William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the Museum, 121 West Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601 When: May 15, 2019 at 8am Parking: The William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center is located on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (the building with the globe). Parking for the Nature Research Center is available along Jones and Edenton Streets and in the Green Square Parking deck behind the Nature Research Center, with entrances on Edenton Street. Additional information and parking maps may be found here: http://naturalsciences.org/visit/directions-parking and http://naturalsciences.org/docs/Directions_and_Parking_map_2013.pdf.

Tomorrow is Legislative Day. Whether you are attending (we hope you are), or wish to call your Legislator at home, the following is a draft of information that will be provided as talking points to attendees. Obviously we can’t include every discussion point or the paper would be to long. Some may wish to add their own, but these are summary points we would like the members of the General Assembly to hear. If you are attending, look them over. There will be copies provided next week. If not, use them when you call your representatives.  

NC Fire Service Legislative Day Discussion Points

May 15, 2019                   

Support Senate Bill 349 – Protect Benefit for Firefighters Act

This bill increases the Gross Premium Assessment on Fire and Lightning Insurance from .074 to .125. This will provide incremental increases in the Firefighter’s Relief Fund, Volunteer Safety Workers Compensation Fund, and Volunteer Fire Department Grants. Most importantly, it will provide necessary increases that can support stabilization, and perhaps growth in our Fire and Rescue Workers Pension fund. Currently there is a deficit to the amount needed in the pension program.

–         A small increase in the GPT from .75 to 1.125 is approximately $1 to $4 on a home owners insurance policy.

–         Volunteers save the State over $1 billion in local tax dollars. –          Over 80% of the fire departments in North Carolina have improved their insurance ratings over the last 10 years, saving homeowners many times more than this small increase with cost. This same reduction in insurance costs has reduced the amount of money going into these funds, so improving our ratings has hurt our benefit programs. 

Support Senate Bill 416 – Recruit/Retain Volunteer Firefighters

This bill provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters taking degree work in Fire Protection at the Department of Community Colleges; provides free hunting and fishing licenses for being a volunteer firefighter; a reduced property tax to eligible volunteer firefighters; and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180 for fire and rescue personnel.  –         Volunteers save the State over $1 billion in local tax dollars annually. –         We haven’t had a pension increase since 2008, and it was only $3 then.   –           Everyone’s talking about recruitment and retention issues, and this is a KEY component. –         30,250 volunteer and 16,049 career firefighters benefit from this bill in some way. –         Roughly 40% of volunteers would benefit from Hunting and Fishing licenses.

Support House Bill 159/Senate Bill 396 – Search and Rescue Funds

Provides funding for NC Search and Rescue Teams through the Department Public Safety. These teams provide specialized rescue to all areas of the State upon request. –         This funding is currently in the House budget, and it is critical to keep it there.

Support House Bill 278 – Study Parity for First Responders

This bill provides a committee of combined Senate and House members to study firefighters in the State and Local Government Retirement System, possibly allowing them to retire at age 50 with 30 years’ service. The study considers a wage supplement until they reach the age, they are eligible for unreduced social security benefits, and how to fund the provision. Law enforcement officers have had this benefit since the 1980’s. The supplement allows a firefighter to afford retirement until they can receive social security benefits.  –         Firefighting is a stressful job, and dangerous. After 30 years of service firefighters’ chances of heart attack, contracting cancer, and physical injury go up dramatically. –         This issue deserves a fair review and passage.  

Support House Bill 466 – Firefighters’ Line of Duty Diseases/funds

This bill adds 3 additional types of cancers bringing the total covered for Line of Duty Death to seven (7). It also appropriates funds for the additional LODD’s. This is currently included in the House Budget. –         This funding is currently in the House budget, and it is critical to keep it there. –         Firefighters have an 18% higher rate of occurrence in many of these cancer types. –         This bill simply adds 3 additional types and clarifies one.

Support House Bill 622 – Provides Workers Comp for PTS in First Responders

Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.   –         PTS and suicide related incidents are increasing dramatically in the emergency services. –         PTS is now only covered if it is in conjunction with a physical injury. –         The bill provides protection against fraudulent uses.

Support House Bill 520 – Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act

Creates a presumption for certain type cancers prevalent in the fire service, they are considered work related and are covered by Workers Compensation.   –         Firefighters have an 18% higher rate of occurrence in many of these cancer types. –         This bill puts the burden of proof on the carrier, and not the firefighter. –         The bill provides protection against fraudulent uses by requiring physicals.

Support House Bill 213- Provide Equal Income Tax Treatment

This bill creates an equal treatment of Government employees in North Carolina by phasing in the same income tax exemptions for State and Local Employees that were vested before 1989. This is a huge benefit for our career, state, and local firefighters.  This benefit includes all state, local, and military employees in NC.

Oppose House Bill 6125 and SB 566 – NC Consumer Fireworks Safety Act

Increases the size, use and availability of consumer fireworks in NC.  This bill will result in increased injuries and fires across NC. –         The bill does not increase safety, but actually will increase injuries and fires

Oppose SB 374 – Repeal Risky Retirement Payments

This bill will eliminate three benefit payment options to members who retire after July 1, 2020. The payment options being eliminated are: Option 4: Social Security Leveling; Option 6-2: Modified Joint & Survivor – 100% for named beneficiary with pop-up to maximum allowance if beneficiary predeceases the member; and Option 6-3: Modified Joint & Survivor – 50% for named beneficiary with pop-up to maximum allowance if beneficiary predeceases the member. –         These are benefits for our retired career employees, and should not be removed.   Thanks     Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association

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Legislative Day – May 15, 2019

Fire Service Legislative Day is May 15, 2019 – below are the handouts for the legislators and the discussion points for you as you walk around.  We will have these printed out for you when you arrive on Wednesday morning. 2019 Legislative day Handout 5.10.2019 File Reduction 2019 Legislative Day Discussion Points 5.10.2019 File Reduction Where: Meet at William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the Museum, 121 West Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601 When: May 15, 2019 at 8am Parking: The William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center is located on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (the building with the globe). Parking for the Nature Research Center is available along Jones and Edenton Streets and in the Green Square Parking deck behind the Nature Research Center, with entrances on Edenton Street. Additional information and parking maps may be found here: http://naturalsciences.org/visit/directions-parking and http://naturalsciences.org/docs/Directions_and_Parking_map_2013.pdf.

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Legislative Action Alert

2019 Session 

  Wednesday, May 15, 2019 is Legislative Day. Whether you are attending (we hope you are), or wish to call your Legislator at home, the following is a draft of information that will be provided as talking points next wednesday to attendees. Obviously we can’t include every discussion point or the paper would be to long. Some may wish to add their own, but these are summary points we would like the members of the General Assembly to hear. If you are attending, look them over. There will be copies provided next week. If not, use them when you call your representatives.   NC Fire Service Legislative Day Discussion Points May 15, 2019                   

Support Senate Bill 349 – Protect Benefit for Firefighters Act

This bill increases the Gross Premium Assessment on Fire and Lightning Insurance from .074 to .125. This will provide incremental increases in the Firefighter’s Relief Fund, Volunteer Safety Workers Compensation Fund, and Volunteer Fire Department Grants. Most importantly, it will provide necessary increases that can support stabilization, and perhaps growth in our Fire and Rescue Workers Pension fund. Currently there is a deficit to the amount needed in the pension program.

–         A small increase in the GPT from .75 to 1.125 is approximately $1 to $4 on a home owners insurance policy.

–         Volunteers save the State over $1 billion in local tax dollars. –          Over 80% of the fire departments in North Carolina have improved their insurance ratings over the last 10 years, saving homeowners many times more than this small increase with cost. This same reduction in insurance costs has reduced the amount of money going into these funds, so improving our ratings has hurt our benefit programs. 

Support Senate Bill 416 – Recruit/Retain Volunteer Firefighters

This bill provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters taking degree work in Fire Protection at the Department of Community Colleges; provides free hunting and fishing licenses for being a volunteer firefighter; a reduced property tax to eligible volunteer firefighters; and increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180 for fire and rescue personnel.  –         Volunteers save the State over $1 billion in local tax dollars annually. –         We haven’t had a pension increase since 2008, and it was only $3 then.   –           Everyone’s talking about recruitment and retention issues, and this is a KEY component. –         30,250 volunteer and 16,049 career firefighters benefit from this bill in some way. l0 level1 lfo1′> –         Roughly 40% of volunteers would benefit from Hunting and Fishing licenses.

Support House Bill 159/Senate Bill 396 – Search and Rescue Funds

Provides funding for NC Search and Rescue Teams through the Department Public Safety. These teams provide specialized rescue to all areas of the State upon request. –         This funding is currently in the House budget, and it is critical to keep it there.

Support House Bill 278 – Study Parity for First Responders

This bill provides a committee of combined Senate and House members to study firefighters in the State and Local Government Retirement System, possibly allowing them to retire at age 50 with 30 years’ service. The study considers a wage supplement until they reach the age, they are eligible for unreduced social security benefits, and how to fund the provision. Law enforcement officers have had this benefit since the 1980’s. The supplement allows a firefighter to afford retirement until they can receive social security benefits.  –         Firefighting is a stressful job, and dangerous. After 30 years of service firefighters’ chances of heart attack, contracting cancer, and physical injury go up dramatically. –         This issue deserves a fair review and passage.  

Support House Bill 466 – Firefighters’ Line of Duty Diseases/funds

This bill adds 3 additional types of cancers bringing the total covered for Line of Duty Death to seven (7). It also appropriates funds for the additional LODD’s. This is currently included in the House Budget. –         This funding is currently in the House budget, and it is critical to keep it there. –         Firefighters have an 18% higher rate of occurrence in many of these cancer types. –         This bill simply adds 3 additional types and clarifies one.

Support House Bill 622 – Provides Workers Comp for PTS in First Responders

Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.   –         PTS and suicide related incidents are increasing dramatically in the emergency services. –         PTS is now only covered if it is in conjunction with a physical injury. –         The bill provides protection against fraudulent uses.

Support House Bill 520 – Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act

Creates a presumption for certain type cancers prevalent in the fire service, they are considered work related and are covered by Workers Compensation.   –         Firefighters have an 18% higher rate of occurrence in many of these cancer types. –         This bill puts the burden of proof on the carrier, and not the firefighter. –         The bill provides protection against fraudulent uses by requiring physicals.

Support House Bill 213- Provide Equal Income Tax Treatment

This bill creates an equal treatment of Government employees in North Carolina by phasing in the same income tax exemptions for State and Local Employees that were vested before 1989. This is a huge benefit for our career, state, and local firefighters.  This benefit includes all state, local, and military employees in NC.

Oppose House Bill 6125 and SB 566 – NC Consumer Fireworks Safety Act

Increases the size, use and availability of consumer fireworks in NC.  This bill will result in increased injuries and fires across NC. –         The bill does not increase safety, but actually will increase injuries and fires

Oppose SB 374 – Repeal Risky Retirement Payments

This bill will eliminate three benefit payment options to members who retire after July 1, 2020. The payment options being eliminated are: Option 4: Social Security Leveling; Option 6-2: Modified Joint & Survivor – 100% for named beneficiary with pop-up to maximum allowance if beneficiary predeceases the member; and Option 6-3: Modified Joint & Survivor – 50% for named beneficiary with pop-up to maximum allowance if beneficiary predeceases the member. –         These are benefits for our retired career employees, and should not be removed.   Thanks,     Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association

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Legislative Action Alert

2019 Session 

We need your help to help you!  Please call or email your Senator today. There are two bills in the Senate that have not gone before committee that affect the majority of firefighters in North Carolina. There are other bills that we will ask for your assistance on, but we wanted to make a focused run on these two bills.  SB 349 introduced by Senator Tillman increases the Gross Premium Assessment. This is the assessment on fire insurance policies that funds our Relief Fund, Volunteer Safety Workers Comp Fund, Volunteer Fire Department Grants, and the largest portion goes to the General Fund to support our Fire and Rescue Workers Pension Fund. Here are some talking points:       – The increase will add only $1 to $4 to average insurance polices        – Over 90% of the fire departments in NC have reduced their insurance grade over the last decade saving homeowners tremendously more than that. In fact, these reductions in grade have actually reduced the monies available for these programs since people pay less insurance.        – This action stabilizes our programs, particularly our Fire and Rescue Workers Pension fund, allows for growth, which helps recruitment and retention on volunteer departments and provides an added benefit to our career firefighters.       – It is small increase that means so much to firefighters. SB 416 introduced by Senator Daniels provides funding for secondary education in fire service careers, increases the fire and rescue pension from $170 to $180 for career and volunteer, and other benefits that help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. Talking points are:       – It is estimated that volunteer firefighters save local government $1.5 billion annually in salaries. Recruiting and retaining volunteers is a savings to taxpayers, and keeps our communities safe.       – The last increase to the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension Fund was in 2008, increasing $3 from $167 to $170. This bill would increase it to $180.       – The $10 increase requested in this bill also increases the premium by $5, which was also increased $5 in 1998. The $5 increase in premiums for a $10 increase in benefits is a great deal for firefighters, and would mean roughly 40% of this fund is covered by premiums, and the rest comes from Gross Premium Assessments through the General Fund. These two bills are important to all firefighters in North Carolina, stabilizes and builds our Pension Program, and helps recruit and retain firefighters. CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SEANTOR TODAY.   Thanks   Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association

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2019/2020 Legislative Session Update #15

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session has been active the last week trying to complete bills subject to the crossover deadline of May 9th. These are bills that do not require state funding and must cross from one chamber to the other to be considered for funding.  Remember, you can view a complete text of the bill or a summary by clicking on the bill number in blue. It also indicates our stance on each bill. Don’t forget to put Fire Service Legislative Day on your calendar. It’s critical we have a good crowd this year. It is critical with all the bills that we have a large group representing the fire service. North Carolina Fire Service Legislative Day – May 15, 2019 Where: Meet at William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the Museum, 121 West Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601 When: May 15, 2019 at 8am Parking: The William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center is located on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (the building with the globe). Parking for the Nature Research Center is available along Jones and Edenton Streets and in the Green Square Parking deck behind the Nature Research Center, with entrances on Edenton Street. Additional information and parking maps may be found here: http://naturalsciences.org/visit/directions-parking and http://naturalsciences.org/docs/Directions_and_Parking_map_2013.pdf.   If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.  

Federal

 

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).
HR 1241	Support	John Larson	Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019
	2/14/2019 – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

NC Bills

 

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.
H 0018	Monitor	Julia Howard	Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election
	3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0081	Support	Brenden Jones	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties
	2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0118	Monitor	Harry Warren	First Responders Act of 2019
	4/15/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0120	Support	Debra Conrad	Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility
	4/16/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0144	Support	Harold Corbin	Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving.
	5/6/2019 – House – Placed On Cal For 05/07/2019
H 0159	Priority	Robert Davis	Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams
	3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety
H 0213	Priority	George Cleveland	Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act.
	3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0220	Support	Mitchell Setzer	Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0278	Priority	Jason Saine	Separation Allowance Bill
	5/6/2019 – House – Placed On Cal For 05/07/2019
H 0283	Support	Brenden Jones	Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties.
	3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0349	Monitor	Jeffrey Elmore	Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts.
	4/16/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0466	Support	Dennis Riddell	Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters
	4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government
H 0520	Monitor	David Lewis	This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0553	Monitor	Larry Strickland	Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
	4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance
H 0560	Monitor	Mary Harrison	Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam
	4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0573	Support	Phillip Shepard	Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year.
	4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0606	Support	Allen McNeill	Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0615	Oppose	John Szoka	Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566.
	4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0622	Support	Holly Grange	Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0631	Support	Keith Kidwell	Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses.
	4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
H 0675	Monitor	Mark Brody	Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0730	Monitor	John Szoka	Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there.
	5/6/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
H 0825	Monitor	Joshua Dobson	Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System
	4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0020	Support	Danny Britt	Emergency Worker Protection Act
	3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0029	Support	Danny Britt	Move Over Law/Increase Penalties
	4/18/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
S 0179	Priority	William Jackson	Separation Allowance
	3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0334	Monitor	Erica Smith-Ingram	Provides funds to a training center and fire department.
	3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0346	Support	Donald Davis	Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments
	3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0349	Priority	Jerry Tillman	This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent
	3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0396	Support	Norman Sanderson	State Search and Rescue Funding
	3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0416	Priority	Warren Daniel	This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180.
	4/1/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0519	Monitor	Jim Burgin	Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
	4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0566	Oppose	Richard Gunn	Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC.
	4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0598	Support	Charles Edwards	Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0631	Support	Danny Britt	Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
S 0655	Monitor	Michael Garrett	Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear.
	4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

____________________________________________________________________

Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina. The Committee Members are: • AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson • Scott Rogers, NCSFA • Quentin Cash, NCSFA • Anthony Penland, NCSFA • Tim Bradley, NCSFA • Ed Brinson, NCSFA • Debbie Clary, Lobbyist • Kevin Gordon, NCAFC • Donnie Hall, NCAFC • Ryan Cole, NCAFC • Chris Langham, NCAFC • Jake Whisnant, NCAFC • Jeff Cash, NCAFC For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 Legislative Session Update #13 2019 The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continues to be an active one for the fire and emergency services, with close to 40 bills affecting the fire service indirectly or directly. A complete list of all bills we are following are listed below. Remember, you can view a complete text of the bill or a summary by clicking on the bill number in blue. It also indicates our stance on each bill. This week and next the House and Senate will be taking some time off for Spring Break, but activities will continue. Most of our critical bills are not subject to crossover (having to pass one chamber before May 9th), but can pop up on the calendar at any time. Budget activity will be heavy this week and next as the House prepares their version to go over to the Senate. Several of the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Board members, as well as other fire service members, are heading to CFSI in Washington to work on Federal Bills this week, but we’ll be watching the NC Legislative Calendar as well. Don’t forget to put Fire Service Legislative Day on your calendar. It’s critical we have a good crowd this year. It is critical with all the bills that we have a large group representing the fire service. North Carolina Fire Service Legislative Day – May 15, 2019 Where: Meet at William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the Museum, 121 West Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601 When: May 15, 2019 at 8am     Parking: The William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center is located on the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (the building with the globe). Parking for the Nature Research Center is available along Jones and Edenton Streets and in the Green Square Parking deck behind the Nature Research Center, with entrances on Edenton Street. Additional information and parking maps may be found here: http://naturalsciences.org/visit/directions-parking and http://naturalsciences.org/docs/Directions_and_Parking_map_2013.pdf.   If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.
Federal   These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 Support John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
NC Bills   Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Monitor Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Support Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Monitor Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 4/15/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0120 Support Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 4/16/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0144 Support Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Priority Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 Priority George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Support Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 4/4/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Priority Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Support Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0349 Monitor Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 4/16/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0466 Support Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 Monitor David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 4/1/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0553 Monitor Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0560 Monitor Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0573 Support Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0606 Support Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0615 Oppose John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Support Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0631 Support Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Monitor Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 4/11/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0730 Monitor John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 4/15/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0825 Monitor Joshua Dobson Strengthen Child Fatality Prevention System 4/18/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Appropriations, Health and Human Services, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Support Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Support Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 4/18/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 Priority William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Monitor Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Support Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Priority Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Support Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Priority Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 4/1/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Monitor Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0566 Oppose Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Support Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0631 Support Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Monitor Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina. The Committee Members are: • AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson • Scott Rogers, NCSFA • Quentin Cash, NCSFA • Anthony Penland, NCSFA • Tim Bradley, NCSFA • Ed Brinson, NCSFA • Debbie Clary, Lobbyist • Kevin Gordon, NCAFC • Donnie Hall, NCAFC • Ryan Cole, NCAFC • Chris Langham, NCAFC • Jake Whisnant, NCAFC • Jeff Cash, NCAFC For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

     

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #12

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continues to be an active one for the fire and emergency services, with close to 40 bills affecting the fire service indirectly or directly. A complete list of all bills we are following are listed below. Remember, you can view a complete text of the bill or a summary by clicking on the bill number in blue. It also indicates our stance on each bill. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.   

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.  H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 3/27/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 4/11/2019 – House – Placed On Cal For 04/15/2019 H 0144 Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 4/4/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate   H 0349 Jeffrey Elmore Allows Wilkes County to change district lines on Chapter 69 Tax Districts. 4/11/2019 – House – Placed On Cal For 04/15/2019 H 0466 Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, General Government H 0520 David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 4/1/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0553 Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/11/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0560 Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House   H 0573 Phillip Shepard Mirrors recently passed legislation in Florida giving PTS coverage under workers compensation for specific events within a year. 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0606 Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0615 John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0622 Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 4/8/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House   H 0631 Keith Kidwell Allows up to a $500 business tax credit for firefighters and rescue workers who are not reimbursed for their expenses. 4/9/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0675 Mark Brody Creates a “Residential Change-out Inspector Certification under the Code Qualifications Board to inspect change outs in residential homes. 4/11/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0730 John Szoka Ammends the NC Building Code allowing “door step” trash containers in multi-family dwellings, some of which may be in corridors of egress, and limits the size and time they can be there. 4/11/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 4/1/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0566 Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate   S 0631 Danny Britt Increases the responsibility of the Commissioner of Insurance on Arson reporting and investigation. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0655 Michael Garrett Bans the use of firefighting foam that contains certain carcinogenic chemicals in training, phases out their use when acceptable alternatives are available, and requires posting of flame retardant labels on firefighters gear. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •     Scott Rogers, NCSFA •     Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •     Ed Brinson, NCSFA •    Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •     Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •     Donnie Hall, NCAFC •     Ryan Cole, NCAFC •     Chris Langham, NCAFC •     Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •     Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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Legislative Information Notice

2019 Session

  Yesterday there was some incorrect and misleading information released concerning HB 573 that the NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative Committee had asked Representatives Shepard, Torbett, and Saine to sponsor. We wanted to correct any confusion or inaccuracies regarding the bill the post/note may have created. HB 573, requested by NCSFA/NCAFC’s Legislative Committee, provides for PTSD coverage of First Responders in Workers Compensation, and was modeled after a bill that recently passed in Florida and was signed into law there. After the bill was amended in Florida to contain specific conditions or events, which HB 573 was modeled after, the League of Cities and Workers Compensation Carriers in Florida dropped their opposition. It should also be noted that some of their success was because of the Parkland shooting that occurred just before the bill was heard. It was our hope that modeling a bill after a similar one had passed in Florida gave us the best opportunity to be successful in a State concerned over the escalating cost of providing workers compensation. The note that went out yesterday inaccurately indicated that HB 573 would weaken NC workers compensation laws for firefighters. Since PTS is not currently covered by WC except in conjunction with another injury, that is hardly the fact, and inaccurate. HB 573 would give firefighters PTS coverage independent of another injury that they do not currently have, if it could be tied to one or more actual traumatic events in one of the categories listed. It is not, however, as all inclusive as a bill promoted by the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of NC, HB 622. While HB 573 will not be as expansive or as broad, the NCSFA/NCAFC’s Legislative Committee felt the language in HB 573 had the best chance of passage in a State where legislators and employers are concerned about escalating costs of Worker’s Compensation coverage. It is also noted by close review of the two bills that one of the primary sponsors, Representative Saine, is on both bills. Both bills would benefit firefighters, but neither has any impact unless it is passed into law. The NCSFA/NCAFC’s Legislative Committee will provide support for both bills. We simply asked for the introduction of a bill initially that we felt had the best chance of passage. HB 622 has almost the same wording as HB 573, but leaves out the listing of qualifying events that contributed to the PTS such as the death of a minor, death of a fellow responder, witnessing a suicide, graphic or bodily harm that shocks the conscious, etc., etc. These are the qualifying events that removed much of the opposition in Florida.     Thank you, Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #11

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continues to be an active one for the fire and emergency services. Several Bills were introduced last week late in the week, including a House Bill identical to the Senate Bill on Consumer Fireworks, an increase in arson penalties, and funding for fire departments who respond to State lands. Also introduced was a bill to provide workers compensation for certain types of PTS in firefighters occurring within a year of exposure. A complete list of all bills we are following are listed below. Remember, you can view a complete text of the bill or a summary. It also indicates our stance on each bill. Don’t forget Fire Service Legislative Day May 15th. It will be critical for us to have a great showing in numbers. We’ll meet at 8:00 that morning at the Science Museum on Jones Street as in previous years before heading over to the Legislative Buildings to visit with our representatives. If you are truly interested in seeing our legislative initiatives passed, this is a great way to support that effort. A personal visit to your Representatives office speaks volumes. We will have printed material for you to provide to support your discussions. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.   

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.  H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 3/27/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 3/21/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0144 Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 4/4/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0466 Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 3/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Appropriations, General Government, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0520 David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 4/1/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0553 Larry Strickland Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0560 Mary Harrison Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam 4/4/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Environment, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0606 Allen McNeill Increases Penalties for certain types of Arson including Commercial 4/4/2019 – House – Filed H 0615 John Szoka Increases the use and size of consumer fireworks. Sister bill to SB 566. 4/4/2019 – House – Filed H 0622 Holly Grange Provides Workers Compensation for PTS in firefighters within 1 year of occurrence for certain types of exposures. 4/4/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 4/1/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0519 Jim Burgin Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0566 Richard Gunn Increases the Use and Sale of Fireworks in NC. 4/3/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0598 Charles Edwards Provides $100,000 in funding to assist fire departments responding to state lands. 4/4/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •     Scott Rogers, NCSFA •     Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •     Ed Brinson, NCSFA •    Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •     Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •     Donnie Hall, NCAFC •     Ryan Cole, NCAFC •     Chris Langham, NCAFC •     Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •     Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #10

2019

  The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continues to be an active one for the fire and emergency services. Last week I briefly mentioned 5 new bills that were introduced affecting the fire service, but was unable to give a complete description. Here is an overview of each. HB 466 Firefighters Line of Duty Diseases/Funds This bill adds 3 additional types of cancer to LODD benefits (Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Brain and other nervous system cancer, Multiple myelmoa), and changes Intestinal to Cancer of the small intestine. The NCSFA fully supports this bill. HB 520 Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act This is a Presumptive Cancer Bill for Firefighters that provides workers compensation on a presumptive basis for 9 types of cancer. SB 349 Protect benefits for Firefighters Act This is an Increase in the Gross Premium Tax on Fire and Lightning Insurance. The increase will provide additional funding to Protect our benefits such as the relief fund, grants, workers compensation, and the Fire and Rescue Workers Pension Fund. While it will provider incremental increase to relief fund, workers comp, and grants, the primary increase will be to stabilize our Pension Program and provide for increases in benefits in the future. SB 396 State Search and Rescue Funding Provides funding for search and Rescue Teams and is a sister or companion bill to HB 159 introduced in the House. SB 416 Recruit/Retain Volunteer Firefighters This is a Recruitment and Retention Bill for firefighters that provides several benefits for volunteering. Part I is an introduction. Part II provides for a Firefighters Fellowship Program that will create a loan forgiveness program for degrees through the Community College System. Part III provides free hunting and fishing licenses to members who are on the roster of a volunteer department the previous year, and provides a lifetime hunting and fishing license to members on the roster of a volunteer department for 10 consecutive years. Rules would be defined by the Wildlife Commission. Part IV provides a 25% reduction in property taxes for a volunteer firefighter who has served more than five years. Part V provides for a $5 increase in monthly premiums in the fire and rescue workers pension fund, but also provides a $10 monthly increase in benefits. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session. As you can see we have many of them covered under active legislation. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose We’ll post these bills as they are introduced. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.     

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 3/27/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 3/21/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0144 Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 2/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0466 Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 3/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Appropriations, General Government, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0520 David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 4/1/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 4/1/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •     AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •     Scott Rogers, NCSFA •     Quentin Cash, NCSFA •     Anthony Penland, NCSFA •     Tim Bradley, NCSFA •     Ed Brinson, NCSFA •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs  

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Federal Legislation Contact Request

Are you a career employee on a non-profit or non-municipal fire department in Congressman Holdings district??

We need you to call Congressman Holding’s Office and pleasantly ask him to support an initiative being undertaken by Congressman Patrick McHenry to correct some imbalances affecting non-profit,traditionally volunteer fire departments in North Carolina and around the nation. Ask him to have his tax staffer Matt Stross meet with Dave Finger from the National Volunteer Fire Council concerning the Congressman’s membership on the House Ways and Means Committee. This is the committee likely to handle the issue first. In short, non-profit fire departments over the years that serve areas rapidly developing have faced the need to hire career staff to meet response needs. Much of this is caused by a reduction of volunteers, increased call volume, and lack of available manpower during daytime hours. Most serve non incorporated areas in counties, but a few serve municipalities under contract. Since they are non-profit, they lack two key issues that municipal fire departments are afforded; local government retirement; and relief from Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements on shift work. As such, attracting and retaining firefighters is difficult, and it sets up an inequity between benefits for two classes of career firefighters that have the same requirements and provide the same governmental service. When you contact him, advise them that Representative Patrick McHenry (NC) is coordinating this issue, it is bipartisan, and that it will benefit volunteer fire departments that see the need to hire career firefighters to handle response needs. This is a statewide issue that is becoming increasingly difficult as these non-profit fire departments see their communities grow and effects fire departments across the country. His attention is crucial to the issue.        Tim Bradley, EFO, CFO, FIFireE Executive Director, NCSFA

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #9

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continued this week.  We saw several bills introduced that I wanted to briefly share. HB 466 Adds 3 additional types of cancer to LODD. HB 520 Is a Presumptive Cancer Bill for Firefighters. SB 349 Is an Increase in funding to Protect our benefits SB 396 Also provides funding for search and Rescue Teams SB 416 is a Recruitment and Retention Bill for firefighters that provides several benefits for volunteering. I’ll provide more as we follow these bills. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session.  Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose  We’ll post these bills as they are introduced. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.   

Federal

These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point.  H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 3/27/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 3/21/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Finance H 0144 Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 2/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0466 Dennis Riddell Adds 3 new Cancers to Line of Duty Death for firefighters 3/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Appropriations, General Government, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0520 David Lewis This is a Presumptive Cancer Nill 3/28/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/26/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0346 Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/25/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0349 Jerry Tillman This increases funding to keep our Fire and Rescue Pension Fund, Relief Fund, VSWCF, and Fire Grants Solvent 3/26/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0396 Norman Sanderson State Search and Rescue Funding 3/28/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0416 Warren Daniel This provides a loan forgiveness program for firefighters at DCC, free hunting and fishing licenses, a reduced property tax, all to eligible volunteer firefighters, nd increases the Fire and Rescue Pension to $180. 3/28/2019 – Senate – Filed ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •       Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •       Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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UPDATE ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES

  I routinely get asked about what is going on at the Federal Level Legislatively. Several from North Carolina and other States will be visiting Washington in late April for the Congressional Fire Services Institutes Dinner, and will use this as an opportunity to stop by Congressional Offices. Although Congress will be out that week, speaking with their staff is often just as successful. I’ve included below a summary of Federal Issues currently active. If you have an opportunity to interact with your Congressman, this should help you recognize what the issues are. Local Government and Non-Profit Fire Department Retirement Issue In 1999 the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation which allowed career firefighters of non-profit 501 ©3 departments to join the Local Government Retirement System. This law stood until 2002 when an IRS Opinion Letter and a subsequent Attorney General Opinion advised the State they may lose the “public agency” aspect of LGERS if they allowed non-profits as members. This has created an imbalance within the ranks of career firefighters and has frustrated the leadership of non-profit fire departments struggling to keep qualified individuals when municipal fire departments can draw them away due to retirement eligibility. Resolution to the Retirement Issue Federal Legislative Action must be taken to resolve the exclusion of these departments under section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code. Congressman Patrick McHenry’s office is currently working on Federal Legislation that would allow these non-profits who contract with local government to provide fire protection to participate in the Local Government Retirement System.     We have been working with Congress to try and get Local Government Retirement benefits extended to all career firefighters in NC, particularly those non-municipal firefighters on non-profit fire departments who contract with local government. This is a growing need as departments add career firefighters. Please call your Congressman as soon as possible and ask them to let the ranking member of the Committee of Jurisdiction, Congressman Brady, know of their desire for him to work with Congressman Patrick McHenry’s office to fix this issue. We have a fix, we just need to get some advocacy to get it before committee.    

Congressional Fire Services Caucus

   

• What is the Congressional Fire Services Caucus?

  The Fire Caucus was established in 1987 to educate members of Congress about the fire and emergency services. It is a bipartisan group that works together to improve the readiness of local first responders. The co-chairs of the Caucus in the Senate and House, respectively, are Senators Susan Collins (ME), Thomas Carper (DE), Senator Lisa Murkowski (Ak), Jon Tester (MT), and Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD), Peter King (NY), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ), and Mike Bost (Ill).

• How does the Fire Caucus work?

The Fire Caucus is one of the largest in Congress. It is not about ideology, but rather respect and support for our nation’s first responders. Acting in a bipartisan manner, the Caucus is dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of our nation’s fire and emergency services. The Caucus serves as a forum for education and discussion on a broad range of issues that impact the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s first responders to all forms of hazards.

• Why is joining the Fire Caucus important?

Joining the Caucus helps to build relationships with local fire service leaders, who are often pillars of the community. Becoming a member of the Caucus does not obligate members of Congress to support any particular bill or agenda. Rather, it is a general expression of support for the fire and emergency services community. Once a member of Congress joins the Caucus their office will be contacted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) with information about how to increase involvement in fire service activities.

• How does a member of Congress join the Fire Caucus?

The easiest way to join the Fire Caucus is to call CFSI at (202) 371-1277, or through any of the offices of the current Caucus co-chairs.   Ask: Ask your Representative or Senator to join the Congressional Fire Services Caucus if they are not already a member.     Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) AND SAFER Program AND Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program   AFG provides funding to local fire departments to purchase equipment, apparatus and training. Ten percent of AFG funds are allocated for the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant program. SAFER funding helps fire departments hire and retain career staff as well as recruit and retain volunteers. The most significant source of federal funding for volunteer fire departments is the AFG program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). AFG is a competitive grant program that provides funding to fire departments and EMS agencies to purchase desperately needed equipment, apparatus and training. Over the years AFG, funding has enabled thousands of volunteer fire departments to reach a baseline level of readiness. The SAFER grant program, administered by FEMA, provides funding on a competitive basis to fire departments to bolster staffing levels. Ten percent of SAFER funding is allocated for recruitment and retention of volunteers, and another ten percent is allocated for hiring grants all- and mostly-volunteer fire departments.In February 2019, Congress provided $350 million each for AFG and SAFER for FY 2019, flat funding from FY 2018. CURRENT STATUS: The President’s budget request for FY 2020 will be released late this year due to the fact that the final FY 2019 appropriation wasn’t enacted until February 15. The NVFC has asked Congress to provide $405 million each for AFG and SAFER in recent years.      Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) OVERVIEW: VFA is a grant program that provides funding to rural fire departments on a 50/50 cost share basis to pay for training, equipment, and protective clothing to help them prepare for wildland fires. VFA is administered by the U.S. Forest Service and funds are distributed by state forestry agencies. In FY 2012 VFA assisted 10,200 communities and provided training to 27,865 firefighters. Congress funded VFA at $16 million in FY 2018, a $1 million increase over the level provided in FY 2017 and consistent with the amount requested by the NVFC. President Trump’s FY 2019 budget request includes $11.4 million for VFA. Representatives Peter King (R-NY) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) both submitted FY 2019 appropriations requests asking for $16 million for VFA. CURRENT STATUS: In FY 2019 Congress provided $17 million for VFA.     United States Fire Administration (USFA) USFA Appropriations OVERVIEW: The United States Fire Administration (USFA) provides training to more than 80,000 fire and emergency services personnel each year.  USFA also performs research and collects data specific to the fire service and fire service activities and educates the public on the importance of fire safety.  The long-term health of USFA and its National Fire Academy (NFA) are critical to the fire service. CURRENT STATUS: In FY 2018 Congress provided $42.9 million for USFA operations and $1.5 million for NFA infrastructure improvements, a $400,000 increase over FY 2017. In FY 2019 Congress provided $44.179 million for USFA plus $1.5 million for infrastructure improvements.   Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (H.R. 1241)   OVERVIEW: The NVFC supports the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), which extends an income tax exemption on volunteer benefits that lapsed at the end of 2010.  In 2007, Congress passed legislation that exempted any property tax benefit and up to $360 per year of any other type of benefit that volunteers receive from being taxed as income.  VRIPA would extend the exemption permanently and increase to $600 the benefit amount that volunteers can receive tax-free in a year. CURRENT STATUS: VRIPA was reintroduced by Representatives John Larson (D-CT) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) on February 14. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) are planning to reintroduce the Senate version in the near future.     Ask: Ask your Representatives to support providing incentives to support recruitment and retention of volunteers. Tax benefits are one of the most effective ways of doing this.    

National Firefighter Registry Appropriations

• Request: Provide $2.5 million to fund the development of a National Firefighter Registry
• What does the National Firefighter Registry do?

In 2019, a law was enacted directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and maintain a National Firefighter Registry for the purpose of collecting relevant history and occupational information that can be linked to available cancer registry data in existing State cancer registries. The law authorizes $2.5 million in annual appropriations to establish the Registry. The purpose of the Registry is to improve our knowledge of how and why firefighters contract cancer.

• Why is monitoring firefighter cancer important?

For decades studies have indicated a strong link between firefighting and increased risk for several major cancers. The heightened incidence of cancer among firefighters has been attributed to their frequent exposure to a range of harmful substances. An extensive study published by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 2014 found that firefighters were at an increased risk of being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and found potential links between exposure to fire incidents and heightened risks for lung cancer and leukemia, among several others.

• Why do we need a National Firefighter Registry?

Past studies examining cancer incidence among firefighters have been limited by the availability and standardization of important epidemiological data, relatively small sample sizes, inconsistencies in the operationalization of key terms and metrics, incomplete employment histories and an underrepresentation of minority, female and volunteer firefighters. A National Firefighter Registry will give researchers and public health agencies with more direct and comprehensive access to the specific set of information they need to conduct more robust, focused and epidemiologically rigorous research on cancer incidence among firefighters. It would also provide better information to firefighters on how to take precautions to reduce cancer risks in the future, as well as to researchers to be able to develop more sophisticated safety equipment and protocols to lower cancer risks.      

NORTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

*Indicates they are currently a member of the CFSI Caucus

HOUSE

Alma (Alma) S. Adams (D-USH12) Capitol: 202.225.1510 FAX: 202.225.1512 District: 704.344.9950 District FAX: 704.334.9971 Representative Room 2436 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3312 Residence: Greensboro, NC Ted (Ted) P. Budd (R-USH13)  Capitol: 202.225.4531 FAX: 202.225.5662 District: 336.998.1313 District FAX: 919.782.4490 Representative Room 118 CHOB- Cannon House Office Building 25 Independence Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20515-3313 Residence: Advance, NC G.K. (G.K.) Butterfield, Jr. (D-USH01) Capitol: 202.225.3101 FAX: 202.225.3354 District: 919.908.0164 District FAX: 919.908.0169 Representative Room 2080 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3301 Residence: Wilson, NC Virginia (Virginia) A. Foxx (R-USH05)  Capitol: 202.225.2071 FAX: 202.225.2995 District: 828.265.0240 District FAX: 828.265.0390 Representative Room 2462 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3305 Residence: Banner Elk, NC George (George) E.B. Holding (R-USH02) * Capitol: 202.225.3032 FAX: 202.225.0181 District: 919.782.4400 District FAX: 919.782.4490 Representative Room 1110 LHOB- Longworth House Office Building 15 Independence Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20515-3313 Residence: Raleigh, NC Richard (Richard) L. Hudson, Jr. (R-USH08) * Capitol: 202.225.3715 FAX: 202.225.4036 District: 910.997.2070 District FAX: 704.782.1004 Representative Room 2112 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515 Residence: Concord, NC Vacant (R-USH03)  Capitol: 202.225.3415 FAX: 202.225.3286 District: 252.931.1003 District FAX: 252.931.1002 Representative Room 2333 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3303 Patrick (Patrick) T. McHenry (R-USH10) * Capitol: 202.225.2576 FAX: 202.225.0316 District: 704.833.0096 District FAX: 704.833.0887 Representative Room 2004 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3310 Residence: Denver, NC Mark (Mark) R. Meadows (R-USH11) * Capitol: 202.225.6401 FAX: 202.226.6422 District: 828.426.8701 District FAX: 828.426.8710 Representative Room 2160 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3311 Residence: Cashiers, NC Vacant (R-USH09)  Capitol: 202.225.1976 FAX: 202.225.3389 District: 910.303.0669 District FAX: 704.365.6384 Representative Room 224 CHOB- Cannon House Office Building 25 Independence Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20515-3309 David (David) E. Price (D-USH04) * Capitol: 202.225.1784 FAX: 202.225.2014 District: 919.859.5999 District FAX: 919.967.8324 Representative Room 2108 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3304 Residence: Chapel Hill, NC David (David) C. Rouzer (R-USH07) * Capitol: 202.225.2731 FAX: 202.225.5773 District: 919.938.3040 District FAX: 910.253.6114 Representative Room 2439 RHOB- Rayburn House Office Building 50 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20515-3307 Residence: Benson, NC Mark (Mark) Walker (R-USH06)  Capitol: 202.225.3065 FAX: 202.225.8611 District: 336.229.0159 District FAX: 336.350.9514 Representative Room 1725 LHOB- Longworth House Office Building 15 Independence Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20515-3306 Residence: Greensboro, NC  

SENATE

Richard (Richard) M. Burr (R) * Capitol: 202.224.3154 FAX: 202.228.2981 District: 910.251.1058 District FAX: 910.251.7975 Senator Room 217 RSOB- Russell Senate Office Building 2 Constitution Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20510-3308 Residence: Winston-Salem, NC Thom (Thom) R. Tillis (R)  Capitol: 202.224.6342 FAX: 202.228.2563 District: 336.885.0685 District FAX: 336.885.0692 Senator Room 185 DSOB- Dirksen Senate Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20510-3310 Residence: Huntersville, NC

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #8

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continued this week.  At this point we appear to have sponsors for all of our priorities. We should see them introduced over the next few weeks. In addition, there are some bills coming out we’ve been in discussion with legislators over that are in addition to our priorities, such as a major bill that may be forthcoming on Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. Also, bills are being introduced that effect the emergency services that we monitor as well. SB 346 was introduced last night which would provide sales tax exemptions to non-profit organizations, including fire departments, rescue squads, etc. If passed, a non-profit would secure a sales tax exemption number to be used for purchases. We will monitor and support this bill as it progresses. This was not on our list of requested bills, but is an added benefit if it is passed. I’ve listed again as a reminder for those who signed on recently our Legislative Priorities for the year. Keep in mind that in addition to our priorities, we deal with bills introduced affecting our service as well, both good and bad, and we’ve had several discussions with good bills that will benefit the emergency services.. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session.  Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose We’ll post these bills as they are introduced. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.    Federal These are Federal Level Bills of importance to the fire service that have been introduced in the current session. Information on the bills come from a number of sources including the IAFC and NVFC. It is important to note that many issues affecting the fire service are in the budget bill, including AFG, SAFRE, USFA/NFA Funding, and VFA. When talking with your Congressional Representatives be sure and ask them to keep these items funded in the budget as requested by members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). HR 1241 John Larson Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2019 2/14/2019 – House – Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.   NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Judiciary H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 2/21/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0144 Harold Corbin Prohibits using a phone or handheld device while driving. 3/19/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 3/13/2019 – House – Re-ref Com On Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 3/5/2019 – House – Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 2/28/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0278 Jason Saine Separation Allowance Bill 3/7/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0283 Brenden Jones Provides benefits ($100,000) to Public Safety Officer murdered while performing their duties. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 3/13/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0179 William Jackson Separation Allowance 3/5/2019 – Senate – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0334 Erica Smith-Ingram Provides funds to a training center and fire department. 3/21/2019 – Senate – Filed S 0346 Donald Davis Provides sales tax exemptions to volunteer non-profit fire/rescue departments 3/21/2019 – Senate – Filed ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •      Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs  

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Legislative CALL TO ACTION

2019 Session 

 

Your voice is needed!

    Specifically, we will be asking for support of HB 213 “Equal Tax Treatment of Gov’t Retirees,” which was introduced on February 27, 2019. The bill would address the unfair tax issue faced by our advocates (and many others) – taxation of government retirement benefits. We’re joined by dozens of other like-minded citizens from a host of organizations, including:

• The Federal Retiree Task Force
• NARFE – NC Federation (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Assoc.)
• SEANC
• NC Retired Governmental Employees’ Assoc.
• MOAA (Military Officers Assoc. of America)
• NC Retired School Personnel
• NC State Firefighter’s Assoc.
• NC Assoc. of Educators

Please take a minute to send an email (before the end of day tomorrow) to your representative and senator asking them to support HB213 – equitable tax treatment for all government retirees. If your representative is included in the list below (sponsors), your message will only be sent to your senator. Send your message(s) now HB 213 Primary Sponsors:  George Cleveland (R-Onslow) Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) Pat Hurley (R-Randolph) Michael Speciale (R-Craven) Additional Sponsors(as of 3/18/2019): John Bell, IV (R-Greene, Johnston, Wayne) Charles Graham (D-Robeson) Verla Insko (D-Orange) Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort, Craven) Larry Strickland (R-Harnett, Johnston) Rena Turner (R-Iredell) Donna McDowell White (R-Johnston) Thank you, Tim Bradley  Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #4

2019

    The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continued this week and we continue to meet with members of the House or Senate on our priorities and asking for sponsors to introduce our legislative initiatives. We are early in the session and will continue providing weekly reports on bill introductions, progress, and any needs for advocacy or calls by each of you. Last night we saw two bills introduced affecting the fire and emergency services.   HB 213, Equal Treatment of Government Employees, was introduced last night which is one of our priorities. It grants income tax relief for retirees of State and Local Government similar to those given for those vested before 1989. It would basically exempt, on a staggered scale, retirees from local and state government from state income tax up to a specific level. It’s a great bill for career firefighters. We have partners on this bill such as the teachers and state employee associations.    Also HB 220, Insurance Technical Changes was introduced. Section X of that bill will clarify the Fire and Rescue Commissions’ authority to make rules for their programs such as certification. We are supporting this section of the bill. I’ve listed again as a reminder for those who signed on recently our Legislative Priorities for the year. Keep in mind that in addition to our priorities, we deal with bills introduced affecting our service as well, both good and bad. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session.  Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose  We’ll post these bills as they are introduced.   If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.    NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 2/5/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 2/21/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 2/21/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0213 George Cleveland Creates a tax benefit for retirees of state or local government similar to the tax exemption given to employees vested before 1999. Some call it the Bailey Act. 2/27/2019 – House – Filed H 0220 Mitchell Setzer Under Part X, clarifies the NC Fire and Rescue Commission Rule Making Authority. 2/27/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 2/7/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/26/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #3

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continued this week and we continue to meet with members of the House or Senate on our priorities and asking for sponsors to introduce our legislative initiatives. We are early in the session and and will continue providing weekly reports on bill introductions, progress, and any needs for advocacy or calls by each of you. This week saw one additional Bill thus far directly affecting the fire and emergency services. HB 159 was introduced, which is one of our priorities and specifies funds for Search and Rescue Teams. We have also been working with House Appropriations Chairs to insure this is placed in the budget. The bill increasing penalties for Move Over Law also passed it’s first committee, Judiciary in the Senate. House Bill 120 also was introduced last week, which was our bill on clarifying and defining “Organized Fire of Fire Protection” in tax districts. This bill will likely be changed to remove Section 2 affecting Service Districts in Chapter 153A. Also House Bill 118 was introduced establishing some tax benefits for volunteer firefighters, and although this was not one of our bills, we will follow it and push for tax benefits as one of our priorities. I’ve listed again as a reminder for those who signed on recently our Legislative Priorities for the year. Keep in mind that in addition to our priorities, we deal with bills introduced affecting our service as well, both good and bad. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session. Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose We’ll post these bills as they are introduced. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or(SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text. NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 2/5/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/14/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Matters, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0118 Harry Warren First Responders Act of 2019 2/21/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Judiciary, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0120 Debra Conrad Clarify Fire District Funding Eligibility 2/21/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Insurance, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0159 Robert Davis Provides funding for Search and Rescue Teams 2/25/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 2/7/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/25/2019 – House – Regular Message Received From Senate ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •      Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs    

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #2

2019

  The 2019/2020 Legislative Session continued this week and many Bills that were drafts were introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. We continued to meet with individual representatives discussing our priorities and asking for sponsors to introduce our legislative initiatives. We are early in the session and and will continue providing weekly reports on bill introductions, progress, and any needs for advocacy or calls by each of you. This week saw one additional Bill directly affecting the fire and emergency services. HB 81 was introduced, which is a companion Bill to SB 29, and increases penalties for Move Over Law violations. I’ve listed again as a reminder for those who signed on recently our Legislative Priorities for the year. Keep in mind that in addition to our priorities, we deal with bills introduced affecting our service as well, both good and bad. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session.  Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose  We’ll post these bills as they are introduced.     If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.    NC Bills Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 2/5/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House H 0081 Brenden Jones Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/13/2019 – House – Filed S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 2/7/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/7/2019 – Senate – Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •      Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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2019/2020 legislative Session Update #1

 

2019

The 2019/2020 Legislative Session in underway and this week marked the first full week of work in this session for most of the Legislators. We have been meeting with individual representatives discussing our priorities and asking for sponsors to introduce our legislative initiatives. We are early in the session and and will be providing weekly reports on bill introductions, progress, and any needs for advocacy or calls by each of you. I’ve listed as a reminder our Legislative Priorities for the year below that was sent out earlier in a notice. Keep in mind that in addition to our priorities, we deal with bills introduced affecting our service as well, both good and bad. There have been three bills introduced so far that we will be monitoring or supporting. – House Bill 18 would allow absentee Ballots in Fire District Elections. – Senate Bill 20 increases the penalty or Felony Level for assault on an emergency worker. – Senate Bill 29 increases the penalties under NC’s Move Over Law. As a reminder, here are our legislative priorities for this session. Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by our NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative  Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted as well. Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members Continuation of SAR Funding Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws. Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711) Building code issues that we would want to oppose Fireworks that we would want to oppose We’ll post these bills as they are introduced. If you have any questions, or if your member needs additional information, please contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director Debbie Clary This report below includes all legislation that has been introduced in this Session at both the State Level and Federal Level. It includes the bill number and a brief description. You can access the legislation by clicking on the Bill number (HB XX) or (SB XX) on the left and it will take you directly to the legislative site specific to that Bill, including history, sponsors, and actions. Once there you can click on the title for full text.  

NC Bills

Here are the North Carolina Bills of interest affecting the fire service that the NCSFA/NCAFC’S legislative committee will be following at this point. H 0018 Julia Howard Allow Absentee Ballots/Fire District Election 2/5/2019 – House – Ref to the Com on Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House S 0020 Danny Britt Emergency Worker Protection Act 2/6/2019 – Senate – Filed S 0029 Danny Britt Move Over Law/Increase Penalties 2/6/2019 – Senate – Filed ____________________________________________________________________ Joint Legislative Committee – This committee was established by both the NCSFA and NCAFC’s Executive Boards to address legislative issues that impact the Fire Service of North Carolina.  The Committee Members are:   •      AC Rich, NCSFA – Chairperson •      Scott Rogers, NCSFA •      Quentin Cash, NCSFA •      Anthony Penland, NCSFA •      Tim Bradley, NCSFA •      Ed Brinson, NCSFA •     Debbie Clary, Lobbyist •      Kevin Gordon, NCAFC •      Donnie Hall, NCAFC •      Ryan Cole, NCAFC •      Chris Langham, NCAFC •      Jake Whisnant, NCAFC •      Jeff Cash, NCAFC   For additional information contact: Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Chairman Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs

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Legislative ACTION: 2019 Session

  The 2019/2020 session of the General Assembly is underway, and one issue of concern has already been resolved in our favor. During the last session the General Assembly, in SB 711, asked the AG and Forestry Study Commission, in Section 8, to study excluding certain agricultural or forestry land from rural fire protection tax districts. This obviously raised some concerns of lost funding for rural fire departments. Here was the wording: SECTION 8.(a) The Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission shall study all of the following matters: (1) Requiring the holders of unused rights-of-way and utility easements to offer the easements to the underlying property owners for fair market value.  (2) The advisability of excluding property enrolled in present use value taxation from rural fire protection district and county service district taxes. We attended their meeting a few weeks ago and presented our concerns to the Study Commission. Co-Chair and NC Representative James Dixon stated during the meeting that there was no intent to reduce funding to fire departments, and any action taken would not change or may even improve funding to rural fire departments. We attended their final meeting this week, and in their final study report to the Legislature, I’m happy to report that true to their word, there was no recommendation to reduce the taxing value on agricultural or forestry land more than currently exists.  If you have commented to any of the AG and Forestry Study Commission members, or any Legislators, about your earlier concerns, please contact them again and thank them for considering and keeping funding for fire departments secure. In keeping a good relationship with our elected officials, it’s just as important to thank them for considering us as it it to express our concerns.  Tim Bradley Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association   

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 Legislative Session Begins – 2019

Legislative Day this year is May 15^th

The combined Legislative Committee of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association and the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs has been meeting and working on legislative initiatives for the upcoming session. The 2019/2020 biennial Legislative Session began last week. This year is the start of a new session and a new General Assembly. Given that, we start fresh and there are no carry-over bill numbers from previous years. Even though we may push the same issues, they start with HB 1 or SB 1, and go up from there. As they are introduced we will track them here on our system, and as an advocate you will get routine email reports of legislative activity. Potential State Legislative issues for the fire service this year include: The following is a summary of issues discussed by the Committee that we hope to work on this year. As Bills are introduced for these areas we will keep you posted.

• Recognizing PTS as a Workers Comp Illness
• Equal Treatment of Government Employees – Tax Exemption on Retirement
• Separation Allowance for Career Firefighters
• Possible Fee Exemption for Community College Degree Programs
• Some Income Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Service members
• Continuation of SAR Funding
• Continuing to add cancer benefits for LODD
• Defining “Organized Fire Department” in fire tax district laws.
• Monitor and Oppose any Reduction of Real Value before the AG and Forestry Committee (Old SB 711)
• Building code issues that we would want to oppose
• Fireworks that we would want to oppose

Federal Legislative Activity Includes: Continuing our pursuit of retirement eligibility for non-profit career personnel. (It is critical, if you haven’t, for you to contact your Congressional Representative and ask them to contact Rep. Patrick McHenry’s office and provide support. Both the NVFC and the IAFC are assisting with this effort. Other potential Federal Issues on the radar: Enactment of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), which would exempt property tax benefits and up to $600 per year of other types of incentives that volunteers receive as a reward for their service from being subject to federal income and withholding tax. Enactment of the Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act (VESRRA), which allow LOSAP plans to be treated as eligible deferred comp plans as well as allow plans administered by private nonprofit FDs to be treated as governmental for tax purposes. Legislative Day this year is May 15^th. Go ahead and put that down on your calendar. We’ll meet at 8:00 at the Museum of Science, have our picture taken on the red-carpet steps of the General Assembly, and then everyone can visit their legislators. This is a vital undertaking to insure people see us there and know we are involved. For additional information contact:  Tim Bradley, Executive Director AC Rich, Executive Board Debbie Clary, Governmental Affairs