NC H1034

Restructured local firefighters' relief funds to increase permissible uses including supplemental retirement payments, workers' compensation premiums, annual physicals, and assistance to destitute firefighters; established maximum fund balances at $2,500 per firefighter on roster, with excess funds redistributed to departments below the cap effective July 1, 2015.

Expanded workers' compensation coverage to include employees and volunteers of eligible entities (State Firemen's Association, Fire Chiefs Association, Rescue and EMS Association) and modified premium calculation to vary by volunteer, part-time, or full-time status; required annual actuarial studies projecting five years ahead and comparing premium levels to municipal fire departments.

Increased supplemental pension payments from $170/month for firefighters and rescue squad workers who reach age 55 with 20 years of service; appropriated $1.4 million to the pension fund for fiscal year 2014-2015 and reallocated tax revenue from 25% to 20% for the Volunteer Fire Department Fund.

Established oversight mechanisms including database maintenance by Commissioner of Insurance with fire department identification numbers, annual reporting on relief fund disbursements by purpose, and on-site equipment inspections for grant-funded purchases with five-year depreciation-based reimbursement requirements for disposed equipment.

Modified grant programs for volunteer fire departments and rescue/EMS units to expand eligible uses, adjust matching requirements based on municipal/county funding levels, clarify grant award dates, and establish priorities favoring rescue units over EMS-only units.