Rep. Gillespie files bill in North Carolina House to reimburse retired first responder canine expenses

A new bill filed by State Rep. Karl E. Gillespie in the North Carolina House seeks to establish a reimbursement program for veterinary expenses of retired first responder canines, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 300 on March 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Vet Care for Retired First Responder Dogs.’

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

In essence, this bill establishes a reimbursement program for veterinary expenses incurred by owners of retired first responder canines in North Carolina. Eligible canines are those who retired on or after July 1, 2024, from roles within correctional, fire, or law enforcement agencies, having been primarily used for law enforcement or search and rescue purposes. Owners must register with the Department of Public Safety and can claim up to $1,500 annually for veterinary services, including wellness exams, treatments, and specialty care. The bill creates the Retired First Responder Canine Fund, with $400,000 allocated for fiscal year 2025-26, for funding these reimbursements. The act becomes effective 45 days post-enactment.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. proposed the most bills (20) 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.

Gillespie, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 120th House district, replacing previous state representative Kevin Corbin.