Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., has introduced a bill that would grant non-profit first responders access to their state's pension plan.
The bill, which Mr. Murphy reintroduced Aug. 18 with the support of all North Carolina House Republicans, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow full-time non-profit firefighters and emergency medical workers to join their state or local retirement system. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., originally introduced the legislation in June 2021.
"North Carolinians depend on the selfless service of first responders every single day," Mr. Murphy said in an Aug. 18 press release. "It is only fitting that these dedicated individuals should be able to depend on the government to provide them with a reliable retirement plan. This bill will be critical in ensuring our brave first responders are taken care of when their call to service comes to an end."
Under the current tax code, non-profit firefighters and emergency medical workers are barred from joining their state retirement system, and nearly three-quarters of fire departments in North Carolina are non-profit, according to the press release.
"I am proud to continue my support for this legislation that provides fire and EMS personnel serving at non-profit departments the same benefits as their state-employed counterparts," Mr. McHenry said. "These brave men and women work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and deserve our support."
