Bill > H845

This bill requires public water access facilities owned by state agencies or local governments to install and maintain specific water safety rescue equipment, primarily ring life buoys, at their docks and piers. The legislation, called the State Waters Rescue Equipment Act, mandates that these facilities place bright orange or yellow rescue stations with ring life buoys that meet United States Coast Guard standards, including a 100-foot buoyant line and retroreflective markings. Each ring life buoy must be located within 200 feet of the shoreline and must not be permanently secured, ensuring quick access during emergencies. The bill defines key terms such as "access point," "pier," and "public rescue equipment" and requires facility owners to not only install the equipment but also provide public education about its use. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $25,000 from the General Fund, with provisions for providing up to $500 in grants to local governments in economically disadvantaged areas to help them comply with the new requirements. The funding and grant provisions will become effective on July 1, 2025, with the rest of the act taking effect immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H845