WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 293

Revise deadline to return absent voter ballots

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Brenner and 1 co-sponsor

The bill provides a one-time $100,000 General Fund appropriation to Pinetops’ volunteer fire department in 2025–26 for equipment needs.

Sent to Governor
#elections #voting
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 293

SB 293 — Town of Pinetops Fire Dept. Appropriation (2025)

Purpose / Intent

SB 293 would provide a one‑time state appropriation to support the Town of Pinetops’ volunteer fire department by funding equipment purchases. The measure targets a local public‑safety need—upgrading or replacing firefighting equipment used by the town’s volunteer force.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation: Nonrecurring sum of $100,000 from the North Carolina General Fund.
  • Recipient: Town of Pinetops.
  • Use: Allocated to the volunteer fire department operated by the town for equipment needs (the bill text does not list specific items).
  • Fiscal year: Funds are for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
  • Effective date (if enacted): July 1, 2025.

(From the bill text: “There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Town of Pinetops the nonrecurring sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to be allocated to the volunteer fire department operated by the town for equipment needs.”)

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Town of Pinetops (Edgecombe County) and the town’s volunteer fire department.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: Residents and businesses in Pinetops and nearby areas who rely on local emergency services; vendors/suppliers of fire & emergency equipment.
  • State budget: a one‑time $100,000 General Fund expenditure in FY 2025–26.

Likely uses and impacts

  • The appropriation would enable the volunteer department to purchase or replace equipment (examples commonly funded by similar appropriations include turnout gear, self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), radios/communications gear, power tools, small vehicles or trailers, hose and nozzles). The bill does not restrict purchases to particular categories.
  • Public‑safety impact: Improved equipment can enhance firefighter safety, response capability, and community protection.
  • Fiscal impact: Minor, nonrecurring statewide cost ($100,000) with concentrated local benefit.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025.
  • Text signed to take effect July 1, 2025 if enacted.
  • Current status (as provided): Withdrawn from committee. That means the bill was not advanced out of committee at the time of the latest status report; it would need to be reintroduced or reactivated to move forward.

Practical considerations

  • If refiled or advanced, the town will need to follow state and local procurement and accounting rules when receiving and spending the funds.
  • Because this is a nonrecurring appropriation, it does not create ongoing state aid or obligate future budgets.

If you want, I can:
- Track future actions and notify you if the bill is reintroduced or moved out of committee; or
- Draft a short briefing you can use to explain the proposal to town officials or a legislative office (including suggested eligible equipment and procurement steps).

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

Sign in to ask a question.