A Message from the N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey
Hello,
I wish to bring to your attention significant changes sneaked into the recently passed state budget that will have a negative impact on the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
The N.C. General Assembly has made major changes to the position of State Fire Marshal without any input or consultation from OSFM, county fire marshals, state firefighters, local fire chiefs or the insurance commissioner.
Since the 1940s, the insurance commissioner has served as the State Fire Marshal. Now, new budget language destroys that relationship and establishes a new independent position for the State Fire Marshal effective Jan. 1, 2024.
This change could disrupt OSFM’s structure and successful operations, and the lack of any public input raises concerns about whether or not some lawmakers are truly representing the will of the people. I have yet to meet the first person, outside of a few lawmakers in the General Assembly, who wants an independent State Fire Marshal.
The lack of communication with the Department of Insurance and no input or discussion allowed on these changes is not only disturbing, it has also caused firefighters to be upset, many of whom have devoted their time to improving ISO ratings at more than 80% of our fire departments.
If you share these concerns, I encourage you to contact your state senators, representatives and legislative leadership, urging them to reconsider the provisions in the bill that strip the title of State Fire Marshal out from the Commissioner of Insurance. This can be done through the technical corrections process at the legislature, discussions which have already begun.
Please let your voice be heard.
Thank you and God bless,
Mike Causey
N.C. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal
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