Rep. Howard files bill in North Carolina House to amend firefighters’ pension fund

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia C. Howard seeks to enhance pension benefits and representation for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 37 on Feb. 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Enhance Firefighter Benefits & Representation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill seeks to enhance benefits and representation for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers by amending pension fund provisions. It revises statutes related to the North Carolina Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers’ Pension Fund to specify a monthly pension benefit of $175 for members who have served 20 years and are at least 55, effective Jan. 1, 2025. It also outlines pension eligibility criteria for disabled members, both those injured in the line of duty and otherwise, and sets guidelines for payments when members are killed in service. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section dictating that members pay $15 monthly for up to 20 years. Moreover, the bill expands the North Carolina Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council to include a representative from the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, effective Dec. 31, 2025. The act takes effect when it becomes law unless specified otherwise.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Cody Huneycutt proposed the most bills (three) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Howard graduated from Salem College in 2003 with a BA.

Howard, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 77th House district, replacing previous state representative Harry Warren.