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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Pensions and Retirement, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-06

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill restores and increases funding for the Emergency Pension Fund for sworn law enforcement officers in Mecklenburg County by raising a court fee collected in criminal cases. The fee charged at conviction or guilty plea increases from $1.00 to $2.00 in most criminal cases, with the collected money going to support the pension fund. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill provides necessary funding for law enforcement officer pensions and benefits in Mecklenburg County, which had been depleted or eliminated.
• •The modest $1 increase per criminal case conviction is a reasonable way to generate revenue for this purpose without requiring general tax increases.
• •This dedicated fee ensures officers have reliable pension support.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that increasing court fees adds costs to the criminal justice system that fall on defendants and potentially burden low-income individuals involved in the court system.
• •Some may question whether this is the most appropriate funding mechanism or whether the pension fund should be supported through other county budget processes.
• •There are also questions about whether the fund's original repeal had sound reasons that should be reconsidered.