Bill > S361

This bill aims to enhance protections for first responders through three key provisions. First, it modifies existing law to increase the criminal penalties for assaulting emergency responders, changing the classification from a Class I to a Class H felony and expanding the definition of who qualifies as an emergency responder to include a broader range of medical and emergency personnel. Second, the bill creates new criminal offenses related to intentionally exposing emergency responders to dangerous substances like fentanyl, establishing graduated felony charges depending on the severity of exposure and potential harm, with penalties ranging from Class H to Class G felonies. Third, the bill appropriates $10.35 million in nonrecurring funds to the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services to distribute grants to first responders, specifically allocating $8.1 million for bulletproof vests and $2.25 million for bulletproof backpack plates for paramedics and emergency medical technicians. The bill defines first responders as state and local government agencies and nonprofit corporations providing emergency medical services through paid or volunteer personnel registered with the state office. The new provisions related to assault and exposure will take effect on December 1, 2025, while the funding appropriation will be available from July 1, 2025, with funds remaining available until July 1, 2028.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S361