The 2023/2024 Legislative Season
This is Legislative Report #3
At the end of this Reports you’ll see a list of Bills we are currently tracking.
We are still tracking legislation and monitoring all new legislation introduced. Our priorities have been submitted and so far have been met with positive comments. As soon as they are introduced we’ll post them for tracking.
A note on New Legislative Tracking Software – Since you were previously signed up for Capital Impact, you may have gotten a separate email asking you to sign up for Engagifii. Signing in and setting up will allow you access to many of the features of this new program, such as Bill Text Look-up, Committee Assignments, etc. However, if you choose to not sign up, you’ll continue to get these email notices as you have in the past.
As previously indicated, these are our Legislative Priorities for the 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 decide 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. This will be an agency bill coming out of the Treasurers Office
- Secure continuation funding for the Cancer Insurance Pilot Program going into the future. We have met with legislators and have identified a funding source. This may be a standalone bill or it may just be included in the budget bill.
- Continue to pursue the use of blue lights on the rear of fire apparatus. This is being met with continued resistance from law enforcement groups.
- Oppose any legislative increase in use or sell of fireworks.
- Monitor and discuss any additional legislation introduced. See additional bills below we are tracking that were not on our priority list.
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.
Tim Bradley, EFO, CFO, FIFireE
Executive Director, NC State Firefighters’ Association
Joint NCSFA/NCAFC Legislative Committee
Richard Pulley, Chair NCSFA
Steven Roberson NCSFA
Curt Deaton NCSFA
Chris Davis NCSFA
Tim Bradley NCSFA Staff
Ed Brinson NCSFA Staff
Kevin Gordon NCAFC
Joey Webb NCAFC
Jennifer Smith NCAFC
Derrick Clouston NCAFC
Brian Causey NCAFC
Wes Hutchins NCAFC Staff
Listed below are the State bills introduced that we are currently tracking.
H 0006 | Uniformed Heroes Voting Act | 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 | Destin Hall |
Prohibits anyone in uniform from being turned down to vote.
H 0025 | Volunteer Rescue Worker Tax Credit | 01/26/2023 | 01/30/2023 – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Keith Kidwell |
This bill allows an income tax credit to volunteer fire and rescue personnel for expenses incurred while volunteering based upon expenses paid.
H 0034 | Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act | 01/30/2023 | 02/15/2023 – Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Kelly Hastings |
INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR DISCHARGING OR ATTEMPTING TO DISCHARGE A FIREARM AT OR INTO AN UNOCCUPIED EMERGENCY VEHICLE AND TO INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR POINTING A LASER DEVICE AT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR OTHER EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WHEN THE PERSON OR ANIMAL IS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES.
H 0046 | Eliminate Tax on Gov’t Retirees | 02/02/2023 | 02/06/2023 – Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | George Cleveland |
Makes income received from a NC State or Local Government Retirement Plan or Federal Retirement plan exempt from State Income Tax. (Similar to previous us bills aligning with the Bailey Act).
H 0055 | Fire Investigation Law Revisions | 02/06/2023 | 02/07/2023 – Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, State Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Mike Clampitt |
Expands the investigative powers of the State Fire Marshal related to Arson.
H 0059 | Funds for Projects in Rowan County | 02/07/2023 | 02/08/2023 – Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Harry Warren |
APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITIES AND QUALITY OF LIFE PROJECTS IN ROWAN COUNTY
H 0100 | Regional Firing Range/Alamance CC | 02/13/2023 | 02/14/2023 – Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Stephen Ross |
H 0125 | Safe Surrender Infants | 02/15/2023 | 02/15/2023 – Filed | Donna White |
H 0155 | Authorize ATV and Utility Vehicle Titling | 02/21/2023 | 02/22/2023 – Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Frank Sossamon |
This bill allows, by indicating “may”, the owner of an all terrain or utility vehicle to register it for a title. It would exclude golf carts. This may effect fd’s who own these type vehicles if they desire to title it for insurance or others reasons.
H 0259 | 2023 Appropriations Act | 03/02/2023 | 03/02/2023 – Filed | Donny Lambeth |
H 0263 | 2023 Appropriations Act | 03/02/2023 | 03/02/2023 – Filed | Dean Arp |
S 0004 | Eliminate Tax on Gov’t Retirees | 01/25/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate | Jim Burgin |
Makes income received from a NC State or Local Government Retirement Plan or Federal Retirement plan exempt from State Income Tax. (Similar to previous us bills aligning with the Bailey Act).
S 0015 | Hands Free NC | 01/25/2023 | 01/26/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate | Jim Burgin |
Makes it unlawful to use (hold) a wireless communication devise while operating a motor vehicle..
S 0020 | Safe Surrender Infants | 01/25/2023 | 02/14/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Jim Burgin |
S 0030 | Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work | 01/26/2023 | 01/27/2023 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate | Jim Burgin |
REQUIRE LICENSING AND PERMITTING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS THAT INSTALL AND SERVICE PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
S 0053 | Hotel Safety Issues | 02/01/2023 | 03/01/2023 – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary 3, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Vickie Sawyer |
TO CLARIFY THAT OCCUPANTS OF ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED BY HOTELS, MOTELS, OR SIMILAR LODGINGS DO NOT CREATE A TENANCY AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CHAPTER 42 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES AND TO CLARIFY THAT THESE OCCUPANCIES ARE GOVERNED BY THE STATUTES RELATING TO INNS, HOTELS, AND OTHER TRANSIENT OCCUPANCIES.
S 0094 | Regional Firing Range/Alamance CC | 02/13/2023 | 02/14/2023 – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate | Amy Galey |
S 0098 | Farmville Fire Station Funding | 02/13/2023 | 02/14/2023 – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate | Kandie Smith |
S 0113 | Bring Back Our Heroes | 02/15/2023 | 02/15/2023 – Filed | Danny Britt |
S 0164 | Funds for WS Station 19 Ladder Truck | 02/27/2023 | 02/28/2023 – Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate | Paul Lowe |
