Welcome to the 2023/2024 Legislative Season Fire Service Tracking List. As in the past, unless you opt out, you’ll recieve updates on what is going on in the General Assembly affecting the emergency services. At the end of the Reports you’ll see a list of Bills we are Tracking. Let’s get started.
New Legislative Tracking Software – We have changed legislative tracking software from Capital Impact, which is being phased out, to a program called Engagifi. This is an enhanced program that allows more options for the user. If you have signed up previously in the past for Capital Impact, you will still receive emails regarding legislative items. You should, in the near future, receive an email to sign up for additional options on tracking legislation, such as bill review and comments.
Legislative Priorities for 2023/2024 Session
The NCSFA and the NCAFC’s held a joint Legislative Committee meeting in December to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming session. 1st Vice President Richard Pulley from the NCSFA Chaired the meeting. Several Legislative Priorities were discussed and decided upon. There will obviously be other bills that are introduced affecting the fire service, but the priorities established by the committee are:
- Increase in Fire and Rescue Pension Benefits. This would include a $5 increase in benefits with a $5 increase in premiums.
- Secure continuation funding for the Cancer Insurance Pilot Program going into the future.
- Continue to pursue the use of blue lights on the rear of fire apparatus.
- Oppose any legislative increase in use or sell of fireworks.
- Monitor and discuss any additional legislation introduced.
We will continue to monitor bills as they are introduced.
Federal Legislation – We continue to Pursue Changes to IRS Regulations that could allow non-profit career firefighters in LGERS. The Retirement Act, Secure 2.0, passed Congress last year without our amendment due to opposition from another national fire service organization. As the new Congress gets underway, we’ll try to find a means of getting it introduced again.
Legislative Day Legislative Day has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 3rd. Please mark your calendars. More information will be coming out in the future as planning proceeds.
Listed below are the bill introduced that we are currently tracking.
H 0006 | Uniformed Heroes Voting Act
Introduced Date: 01/25/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Ref to the Com on Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Summary: Uniformed Heroes Voting Act
H 0025 | Volunteer Rescue Worker Tax Credit
Introduced Date: 01/26/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Filed
Summary: Volunteer Rescue Worker Tax Credit
S 0004 | Eliminate Tax on Gov’t Retirees
Introduced Date: 01/25/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
Summary: Eliminate Tax on Gov’t Retirees
S 0015 | Hands Free NC
Introduced Date: 01/25/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
Summary: Hands Free NC
S 0030 | Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
Introduced Date: 01/26/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Filed
Summary: Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work
