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C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act

IntroducedJarrod Lowery (R)House2025–2026 Session
AI Generated

This bill appropriates $217 million for disaster recovery from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, establishes detailed monthly reporting requirements to the legislature and State Auditor on how these funds are spent, creates a public dashboard comparing appropriated versus expended funds, and requires that recipients of state disaster aid attempt to obtain insurance settlements and federal aid first, with any alternative funds obtained being returned to the state.

Arguments in Favor

Supporters argue this bill ensures accountability and transparency in how taxpayer money is spent on disaster recovery by requiring frequent detailed reporting to lawmakers and the public. They contend the reporting requirements, audits, and dashboard help prevent waste and allow the legislature to oversee the executive branch's spending. Additionally, requiring recipients to pursue insurance and federal aid first ensures state funds are used efficiently as a last resort rather than duplicating other available assistance.

Arguments Against

Opponents may argue that the extensive monthly and weekly reporting requirements create administrative burden that could slow down actual disaster relief work and recovery efforts. They might also contend that requiring recipients to repay the state if they receive insurance settlements or federal aid could discourage people from pursuing those claims or create disincentives for timely assistance. Some may view limitations on the Governor's budget authority as constraining executive flexibility in responding to ongoing recovery needs.

AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.

Sponsors

Cosponsors (34)

Diane Wheatley
Diane WheatleyRepublican

Representative · District 43

David Willis
David WillisRepublican

Representative · District 68

John Blust
John BlustRepublican

Representative · District 62

Steve Tyson
Steve TysonRepublican

Representative · District 3

William Brisson
William BrissonRepublican

Representative · District 22

Jerry Branson
Jerry BransonRepublican

Representative · District 59

Bill Ward
Bill WardRepublican

Representative · District 5

Harry Warren
Harry WarrenRepublican

Representative · District 76

Jeffrey McNeely
Jeffrey McNeelyRepublican

Representative · District 84

Howard Penny
Howard PennyRepublican

Representative · District 53

James Dixon
James DixonRepublican

Representative · District 4

Donna White
Donna WhiteRepublican

Representative · District 26

Ben Moss
Ben MossRepublican

Representative · District 52

Charles Miller
Charles MillerRepublican

Representative · District 19

Celeste Cairns
Celeste CairnsRepublican

Representative · District 13

Richard Carver
Richard CarverRepublican

Representative · District 95

Dudley Greene
Dudley GreeneRepublican

Representative · District 85

Larry Potts
Larry PottsRepublican

Representative · District 81

Dennis Riddell
Dennis RiddellRepublican

Representative · District 64

Wyatt Gable
Wyatt GableRepublican

Representative · District 14

Kelly Hastings
Kelly HastingsRepublican

Representative · District 110

Paul Scott
Paul ScottRepublican

Representative · District 111

Jennifer Balkcom
Jennifer BalkcomRepublican

Representative · District 117

Heather Rhyne
Heather RhyneRepublican

Representative · District 97

Brian Biggs
Brian BiggsRepublican

Representative · District 70

Grant Campbell
Grant CampbellRepublican

Representative · District 83

Cody Huneycutt
Cody HuneycuttRepublican

Representative · District 67

Stephen Ross
Stephen RossRepublican

Representative · District 63

Jeff Zenger
Jeff ZengerRepublican

Representative · District 74

James Adams
James AdamsRepublican

Representative · District 96

Brian Echevarria
Brian EchevarriaRepublican

Representative · District 82

Keith Kidwell
Keith KidwellRepublican

Representative · District 79

Mitchell Setzer
Mitchell SetzerRepublican

Representative · District 89

Jonathan Almond
Jonathan AlmondRepublican

Representative · District 73