Legislative Update:

June 15, 2006

SB 1444 – 25 Year Retirement of LEOs

On Friday, June 8, 2007, PBA met with representatives from bill sponsor, Senator Snow’s office, along with the FOP, the NC Sheriff’s Association, Attorney General’s office and the legislature’s fiscal research office to discuss a proposal on moving the 25 year retirement bill forward.

 Several ideas were discussed, including a phase in process and certain cost saving measures.  While a consensus was not reached, the meeting was productive.

 Plans are to seek further input from the NC League of Municipalities to see if a compromise effort on 25 year retirement can be reached.

 PBA appreciates the efforts of Senator Snow and his staff in setting this process in motion.

 Side Note:  The PBA office has been receiving calls from some Raleigh police officers and/or their spouses who have been calling about legislative updates on 25 year retirement. Turns out these officers are members of another organization that did not choose to support 25 year retirement this year because according to their leadership, they do not seek legislation unless they know it will pass!

 If you as PBA members hear from these officers, direct them to the PBA website for current legislative updates and otherwise. Also give them a PBA application.  25 year retirement is not dead, but it would have a lot more life if the association that is actually lobbying for its passage had them as MEMBERS!  The bottom line – every cop that plays these kind of games hurts every law enforcement officer’s chances on every bill we seek.  So tell them the next time they “want to just know what’s going on” to join PBA because as a PBA member, they are part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.

 HB 1231 Certain Law Officer / Waive Handgun Permit allows retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a concealed carry permit.  As reported earlier, HB 1231 passed committee and on June 7, 2007 passed the full House.  The bill was recorded from the House on June 11, 2007 and has been referred to the Senate J-I Committee.

 SB 34 (HB 74) Kill Police Animal

On June 5, 2007 SB 34 was concurred in the Senate and Ratified the same day.  It was sent to the Governor on June 6, 2007.  If signed by the Governor, SB 34 will become law.

 SJR 1566 – Honor Jeanne Lucas

On Thursday, June 14, 2007, SJR 1566 was introduced on the Senate floor to honor long time PBA endorsed Senator Jeanne Lucas.  As you know, SB 784, Local Option 25 year retirement for Durham City and County officers was introduced by Senator Lucas.  Senator Lucas was a long time supporter of 25 year retirement and due process for law enforcement officers before her untimely death. She will be missed.

 HJR 1986, Honor Officer Howard Plouff

On Monday night, June 11, 2007, both members of the House and Senate Chambers stood in honor of Winston-Salem police officer and PBA member Howard Plouff.  Howard’s wife Jeanie could not attend the presentation due to a sickness in the family but several Winston-Salem police officers including four from Sgt. Plouff’s squad were in uniform and in attendance.

 Sgt. Plouff was and continues to be the example by which all law enforcement officers are made proud.