Session Law 2023-104 - House Bill 378 Summary

• Criminal history record checks for firefighter applicants and current members may be conducted through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, clerk of court, or third-party vendors for individuals who have been state residents for five or more years.

• State residents applying for or serving in firefighter positions may use streamlined statewide checks without fingerprints, conducted by the Department of Public Safety, third-party vendors, or county clerks.

• Junior firefighter applicants and current members under age 18 are exempt from criminal history record check requirements.

• Criminal history checks must be completed prior to offering a firefighter position, with convictions of certain crimes including arson, sex offenses, and drug-related crimes constituting grounds for denial or dismissal.

• Applicants prohibited from service include those with verified arson convictions or other felony convictions involving burning or setting fire, and those with pending felony charges related to burning or arson.