Rep. Clampitt files bill in North Carolina House to support first responders’ mental health

A new bill filed by State Rep. Mike Clampitt in the North Carolina House seeks to provide financial support for first responders diagnosed with certain mental health disorders, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 463 on March 19 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘First Responders Mental Health Plan Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, called the First Responders Mental Healthcare Plan Act, establishes a supplemental insurance policy for eligible first responders in North Carolina diagnosed with specific mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Administered by the Department of Insurance, the plan provides reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs up to $5,000 per year and a salary replacement benefit of up to 75% of the responder’s monthly salary or $5,000 maximum during medically necessary leave. It also offers a disability benefit for conditions that preclude responders from performing their duties, with a monthly limit of $5,000 for full-time responders or $1,500 for volunteer firefighters, lasting up to 36 months. The policy disallows concurrent coverage with state worker compensation and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Clampitt proposed the most bills (18) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Clampitt graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in 1976 with an AA.

Clampitt, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 119th House district, replacing previous state representative Joe Sam Queen.