WASHINGTON — Rep. Greg Murphy (R) is introducing legislation to expand access to pension plans for more first responders in North Carolina.

The legislation, called the N.C. First Responders Bill, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to include full-time nonprofit firefighters and emergency medical service workers in a local government retirement system. They are currently not eligible to participate in North Carolina, according to Murphy’s office.

According to Murphy’s office, nonprofit fire departments function as “quasi-government entities falling under the same guidelines and state rating procedures for both personnel and equipment.”

“North Carolinians depend on the selfless service of first responders every single day,” Murphy said in a press release announcing the legislation. “It is only fitting that these dedicated individuals should be able to depend on the government to provide them with a reliable retirement plan.”

Murphy is leading all North Carolina GOP members of Congress in introducing the bill. Similar legislation was previously introduced by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R) in 2021.

“I am proud to continue my support for this legislation that provides volunteer fire and EMS personnel with the same benefits as their state-employed counterparts,” McHenry said in a press release. “These brave men and women work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and deserve our support.”

According to Murphy’s office, 74% of fire departments in North Carolina are nonprofit, and there are 5,527 paid personnel who could be affected by the legislation.

State legislatures would still have to pass legislation if the federal bill is passed.