S.B. 747 Summary

• Amends local firefighters' relief fund laws to allow disbursements from principal balances (not just interest) and adds annual physicals required by federal OSHA as an allowable expense from relief funds.

• Establishes maximum fund balances for local relief funds at $2,500 per department member, with excess funds redistributed to departments below the threshold beginning July 1, 2015.

• Expands workers' compensation fund coverage to include employees and volunteers of the North Carolina State Firemen's Association, North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, and North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services.

• Increases tax distribution to Volunteer Fire Department Fund from 25% to 20% of net insurance premium tax proceeds, allowing additional funds to support the state firefighters' pension fund.

• Creates accountability measures for grant awards including five-year equipment tracking, on-site inspections, reimbursement requirements for equipment disposal, and enhanced reporting requirements to the General Assembly.