Rep. Jones files bill in North Carolina House to fund hurricane recovery

A new bill filed by State Rep. Brenden H. Jones in the North Carolina House seeks to provide emergency relief funding to support homeowner recovery and disaster response programs, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 222 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act.’

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

In essence, the bill, titled the Close Out Operations Provide Emergency Relief Act (C.O.O.P.E.R. Act), proposes an appropriation of $217 million from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund to the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency for fiscal year 2025-26. This funding is aimed at completing homeowner recovery projects for Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. It includes strict reporting, auditing, and monitoring requirements for the disbursement of funds, mandating monthly reports to legislative bodies and the State Auditor. If unspent, funds will revert to the Savings Reserve. The Office is also tasked with reevaluating previously denied claimant eligibility and prioritizing funds from the Housing Finance Agency for unmet needs. Additionally, $1.5 million is appropriated for the Office of the State Fire Marshal for emergency supplies and equipment. The bill outlines a reversion and limitation of state funds, urging recipients to secure alternative funding and requires remittance of excess funds back to state agencies. Finally, limitations are placed on the Governor’s powers to alter or reallocate these funds, ensuring that state expenses do not jeopardize federal aid eligibility. The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Jarrod Lowery proposed the most bills (11) 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.

Jones, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 46th House district, replacing previous state representative Ken Waddell.