As the bill-filing deadline for the state House of Representatives approaches this week, Representative Rodney D. Pierce has joined six additional bills as a primary sponsor. 

He said the legislation aims to address various needs both for northeastern North Carolina and the state more broadly. 

The bills are:

H599: Award NC Forest Service Pay Increase 

This legislation appropriates an across-the-board salary increase of 15 percent for the North Carolina Forest Service. Pierce is the bill’s first primary sponsor. 

H601: Funds for Facilities of DAV Organizations 

This legislation would appropriate $10,000,000 to help renovate and enhance Disabled American Veterans Organization Facilities. 

H608: Protect Health and Government Personnel Info

This legislation would provide additional protections for sensitive health information and government employee personnel information. It also adds substantial penalties to those breaking this law.

H617:  Supporting Small Farmers for NC’s Future Act

This legislation would provide grant funding to ensure that family farms and farmers can continue to thrive in North Carolina. It would also lower the income requirement for qualifying farmers to receive sales tax exemptions.

H653:  Adjust FMAP Medicaid Expansion

This legislation is aimed at preventing Medicaid expansion from expiring in North Carolina if the federal government reduces its funding to the state or allows the funding threshold to dip below the current 90 percent mark.

H688:  Funds for Inclusive Playgrounds

This bipartisan bill provides a small dedicated annual funding stream in the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to provide grants of up to $5,000 for inclusive parks facilities at parks and school playgrounds. Pierce is also the first primary sponsor on this bill. 

“These bills cover a broad swath of needs for our state,” Pierce said. “The men and women of our forest service have been working hard, particularly with Hurricane Helene recovery and in battling wildfires, and they deserve a real raise.”

He said, “Our veterans deserve to have well-built and safe facilities. Your sensitive work and health data deserves to be protected from scammers. Our state’s Medicaid expansion shouldn’t end because of inconsiderate federal policy decisions.”

Pierce said, “Children with disabilities should have equitable recreation outlets. And our family farms deserve to have a shot to succeed in the 21st century in a changing world. These measures should not be controversial and need to be heard. I am proud to be in Raleigh representing the interests of hard-working North Carolinians who deserve a fair shake.”