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Bill Summary · SB 871

Summary of North Carolina Senate Bill 871 (Session 2025)

Title

Community Emergency Response Training

Purpose and Intent

SB 871 seeks to appropriate funds to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, to expand and promote the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and its training. The bill aims to enhance community resilience by increasing participation in CERT training and by creating or expanding partnerships with local community organizations to reach more residents.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Authority and Amount

    • Allocates $3,000,000 in recurring General Fund appropriations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
    • Funding targets the expansion and promotion of the CERT program and its training statewide.

  • Program Expansion and Outreach

    • Requires the Division of Emergency Management to use a portion of the appropriated funds to:
    • Establish a new program or expand an existing program that collaborates with local community organizations.
    • Conduct training sessions in coordination with these community partners.
    • Develop outreach strategies to encourage broad community participation in CERT training programs.

  • Administration

    • The Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, is designated to administer the funds and implement the CERT expansion efforts.

Effective Date

  • The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary State Entity

    • North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Emergency Management.

  • Target Beneficiaries

    • Residents and communities across North Carolina who participate in CERT training.
    • Local community organizations that partner with the state to deliver CERT training and outreach.

Impact and Implications

  • Community Preparedness

    • Anticipated increase in CERT training participation, potentially improving local disaster readiness and response capabilities.

  • Resource Allocation

    • Provides a dedicated, recurring funding stream to sustain and grow CERT-related activities beyond a one-time grant.

  • Collaborative Outreach

    • Encourages partnerships with local groups, which could enhance outreach effectiveness and culturally or regionally tailored training delivery.

Summary

SB 871 authorizes a $3 million per year General Fund appropriation to the DPS Division of Emergency Management for fiscal year 2026-2027 to expand and promote the CERT program. It directs funds toward establishing or expanding partnerships with local community organizations, delivering CERT training sessions, and developing outreach strategies to boost participation. The measure takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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