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Bill Summary · HB 1162

Summary of HB 1162 (Session 2025, North Carolina): Standing Up For Wilson County Vol. Fire Depts.

Purpose

  • The bill provides financial support to Wilson County, North Carolina, specifically earmarked to upgrade volunteer fire department equipment and related costs.
  • The overall aim is to enhance fire response capabilities by improving equipment and visibility of emergency vehicles.

Key Provisions

  • Funding appropriation: Appropriates $15,000,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Directed grant to Wilson County: The funds are to be provided as a directed grant to Wilson County.
  • Eligible uses within the county: The grant allocations are to be used by fire departments located within Wilson County for:
    1. Upgrading emergency lighting on fire trucks with blue lights that activate when the vehicle is not in motion, intended to increase visibility and motorist compliance.
    2. Other costs related to upkeep, updating, or replacing fire equipment or vehicle parts (i.e., capital improvements or ongoing equipment maintenance).

Affected Entities

  • Primary recipient: Wilson County, North Carolina.
  • Beneficiaries within the county: Volunteer fire departments operating within Wilson County, which would receive allocations to upgrade lighting and other equipment.

Procedural and Timing Details

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Funding mechanism: Nonrecurring General Fund dollars allocated via a directed grant to the county, with specified eligible uses for the grant funds.
  • Administration: Funds are appropriated through the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to administer the directed grant.

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • The bill provides a substantial one-time infusion of funds ($15 million) intended to modernize and maintain equipment for volunteer fire departments in Wilson County.
  • Emphasis on enhanced vehicle visibility (blue non-motion lighting) may improve safety for both firefighters and motorists, particularly when units are stationary.
  • The nonrecurring nature of the funds means ongoing maintenance or replacement costs beyond the 2026-2027 fiscal year would require separate funding in future budgets.
  • As a directed grant, the allocation process may involve county-led administration of the funds and grant distribution to individual fire departments within Wilson County.

Notes

  • Sponsor: Representative Pittman (co-sponsor noted as Dante Pittman).
  • This summary reflects the bill text as filed on April 30, 2026.

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

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