LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR THE 2025/2026 SESSION 

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The 2025/2026 Legislative Session began two weeks ago and two of our priorities have already been Introduced in House Bill 37. This Bill:

– Increases the Fire and Rescue Pension Benefit from $175 to $180 without an increase in Premiums.

– It also adds a fire service representative to the State EMS Advisory Board, giving the Fire Service input into EMS policies that affect our response operations and training.

In addition, we are in support of several other Bills currently shown on the list below, including House Bill 22, which provides authorization for OSFM to conduct Fire Investigations. This was passed last year in the budget bill, but was vetoed by the Governor, and requires passage again this year.  

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.

Legislative Day Legislative Day has been scheduled for April 30th, 2025. Please mark your calendars.  More information will be coming out in the future as planning proceeds.

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2025 SCHEDULED APRIL 30TH

Please Mark Your Calendars and Plan to Attend!

Tim Bradley, Executive Director, NCSFA

Steven Roberson, 1st VP, NCSFA

Barry Overman, Incoming Executive Director, NCSFA

Listed below are the State bills introduced so far this session that we are currently tracking. 

H 0022 | Fire Investigation Law Revisions | Jan 29, 2025 | Feb 03, 2025 – Re-ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Charlie Miller |

Provides authority for the State Fire Marshal office to do Fire Investigations. This was approved in the budget bill last session but was vetoed.

H 0037 | Enhance Firefighter Benefits & Representation | Feb 03, 2025 | Feb 04, 2025 – Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Julia C. Howard |

This bill increases the Fire and Rescue Pension Benefit from $175 to $180, without an increase in premiums or legislative appropriations because of actuarial gains in the system.

H 0047 | Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part I | Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 05, 2025 – Ref to the Com on House Select Committee on Helene Recovery, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Dudley Greene |

H 0050 | LEO Special Separation Allowance Options | Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 04, 2025 – Filed | A. Reece Pyrtle |

H 0052 | Protect Those Who Serve & Protect Act of 2025 | Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 05, 2025 – Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House | Kelly E. Hastings |

H 0061 | Assaults on First Responders | Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 04, 2025 – Filed | A. Reece Pyrtle |

S 0031 | The Wells Act | Jan 30, 2025 | Feb 03, 2025 – Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate | Jim Burgin |

Requires the review of all State Commissions and Committees not previously reviewed.